Mobile Technology

Nexus 6P vs. Nexus 5X

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Gizmag compares the features and specs of Google's new Huawei-made Nexus 6P (left) and the LG-made Nexus 5X
Battery
Build
Physical camera launch shortcut
Camera megapixels
Color options
Processor
Dimensions
Display resolution
Display size
Display type
Fast charging
Fingerprint sensor
Gizmag compares the features and specs of Google's new Huawei-made Nexus 6P (left) and the LG-made Nexus 5X
Laser autofocus
Charging/data port
Starting price (full retail)
RAM
Release
Software
Storage
Weight
Wireless charging
Bundled legacy USB cable
View gallery - 23 images

Both of Google's new Nexus phones are up for pre-order now. Maybe you're torn between premium value and just plain value? Let's compare the flagship Nexus 6P and its cheaper (but still powerful) sibling, the Nexus 5X.

Size

Dimensions

Unlike Apple's recent iPhones and Samsung's 2015 flagships, the two new Nexus phones aren't just more or less the same phone in two different sizes. But size is still one of the key differences here.

The Nexus 6P comes out at 8 percent taller and 7 percent wider than the 5X. The 6P is also 8 percent thinner.

Weight

Weight

The smaller Nexus 5X is 24 percent lighter.

Build

Build

The aluminum 6P is the first Nexus with an all-premium build. This is one of the biggest downgrades in the cheaper 5X, as it's made of polycarbonate.

In case you're wondering, that black bar at the top of the Nexus 6P's back is made of glass. It houses various sensors, and also gives the phone its unique look.

Colors

Color options

Google is offering each handset in three different color options.

Display size

Display size

The Nexus 6P's screen is 20 percent bigger than the 5X's display.

Display resolution

Display resolution

You also get a resolution bump in the bigger model, with a 22 percent higher pixel density. The 5X's 1080p spread out over 5.2 inches will still look very sharp, it just won't likely dazzle quite as much as the 6P's 1440p.

Display type

Display type

Huawei put an AMOLED panel in its larger Nexus, while LG is using an IPS in its smaller one.

Fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint sensor

Here's one area where the 5X didn't skimp: both handsets have fingerprint sensors on their backs.

Camera megapixels

Camera megapixels

Though the Nexus 6P should have the better front camera, both models have the same optics in their rear cameras. Google is making big promises about both handsets' image quality, so we're looking forward to getting some extensive time with them.

Laser autofocus

Laser autofocus

That also means both Nexus phones get laser-based autofocus (similar to what we've seen in several LG flagships).

Physical camera shortcut

Fast charging

Similar to Samsung's 2015 flagships, both Nexuses let you quick-launch their cameras from anywhere (sleeping or awake) by double-tapping the power button.

Battery

Battery

The Nexus 6P's battery holds 28 percent more juice. That doesn't likely mean 28 percent longer battery life though, as there are many other factors that determine that (stay tuned for our reviews).

Wireless charging

Wireless charging

Last year's Nexus 6 had Qi wireless charging, but neither of the 2015 models do.

Fast charging

Fast charging

Both handsets have quick-charging capabilities, when using a compatible cable (like the one provided).

Charging/data port

Charging/data port

Google is stepping into the future with the new reversible USB Type C standard on both phones.

Bundled legacy USB adapter

Bundled legacy USB cable

If you buy the Nexus 5X and want to use the phone with USB Standard-A accessories or PCs (most likely every single one you already own), then you'll need to buy a separate cable or adapter. The 6P includes both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a legacy cable that works with all the old stuff.

Processor

Processor

Both the Nexus 6P and 5X have powerful 2015 processors, but the 6P's Snapdragon 810 has a more powerful GPU, and should be a little zippier all-around.

RAM

RAM

You also get an extra gigabyte of RAM in the 6P.

Storage

Storage

The Nexus 6P gives you better storage options, including double the space in the entry-level tier, along with 64 and 128 GB tiers that the 5X doesn't offer.

Software

Software

As is always the case with Nexus phones, you get a "Pure Google" experience, running the latest version of Android with no manufacturer UIs in sight. In this case, that's 6.0 Marshmallow.

Release

Release

Pre-orders are up for both handsets, with the first shipments set to arrive late this month.

Starting price (full retail)

Starting price (full retail)

There's little room to argue which phone is better, but there's a bit more room to debate which is the better value. For US$120 less, the Nexus 5X gives you the same rear camera, but a smaller (and not as high-res) screen, less RAM, a slightly downgraded chip and only a USB-C to USB-C cable. And you can't forget that plastic build that won't hold a candle to the 6P's beautiful all-metal design.

It's too early to say for sure whether that's worth it (stay tuned for our reviews), but, at least for some phone buyers, that's a pretty significant carrot that the 6P is dangling. You could easily argue that those perks will add up to more than $120.

For more, you can check out Gizmag's full reviews of the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X.

Both of Google's new Nexus phones are up for pre-order now. Maybe you're torn between premium value and just plain value? Let's compare the flagship Nexus 6P and its cheaper (but still powerful) sibling, the Nexus 5X.

Size

Dimensions

Unlike Apple's recent iPhones and Samsung's 2015 flagships, the two new Nexus phones aren't just more or less the same phone in two different sizes. But size is still one of the key differences here.

The Nexus 6P comes out at 8 percent taller and 7 percent wider than the 5X. The 6P is also 8 percent thinner.

Weight

Weight

The smaller Nexus 5X is 24 percent lighter.

Build

Build

The aluminum 6P is the first Nexus with an all-premium build. This is one of the biggest downgrades in the cheaper 5X, as it's made of polycarbonate.

In case you're wondering, that black bar at the top of the Nexus 6P's back is made of glass. It houses various sensors, and also gives the phone its unique look.

Colors

Color options

Google is offering each handset in three different color options.

Display size

Display size

The Nexus 6P's screen is 20 percent bigger than the 5X's display.

Display resolution

Display resolution

You also get a resolution bump in the bigger model, with a 22 percent higher pixel density. The 5X's 1080p spread out over 5.2 inches will still look very sharp, it just won't likely dazzle quite as much as the 6P's 1440p.

Display type

Display type

Huawei put an AMOLED panel in its larger Nexus, while LG is using an IPS in its smaller one.

Fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint sensor

Here's one area where the 5X didn't skimp: both handsets have fingerprint sensors on their backs.

Camera megapixels

Camera megapixels

Though the Nexus 6P should have the better front camera, both models have the same optics in their rear cameras. Google is making big promises about both handsets' image quality, so we're looking forward to getting some extensive time with them.

Laser autofocus

Laser autofocus

That also means both Nexus phones get laser-based autofocus (similar to what we've seen in several LG flagships).

Physical camera shortcut

Fast charging

Similar to Samsung's 2015 flagships, both Nexuses let you quick-launch their cameras from anywhere (sleeping or awake) by double-tapping the power button.

Battery

Battery

The Nexus 6P's battery holds 28 percent more juice. That doesn't likely mean 28 percent longer battery life though, as there are many other factors that determine that (stay tuned for our reviews).

Wireless charging

Wireless charging

Last year's Nexus 6 had Qi wireless charging, but neither of the 2015 models do.

Fast charging

Fast charging

Both handsets have quick-charging capabilities, when using a compatible cable (like the one provided).

Charging/data port

Charging/data port

Google is stepping into the future with the new reversible USB Type C standard on both phones.

Bundled legacy USB adapter

Bundled legacy USB cable

If you buy the Nexus 5X and want to use the phone with USB Standard-A accessories or PCs (most likely every single one you already own), then you'll need to buy a separate cable or adapter. The 6P includes both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a legacy cable that works with all the old stuff.

Processor

Processor

Both the Nexus 6P and 5X have powerful 2015 processors, but the 6P's Snapdragon 810 has a more powerful GPU, and should be a little zippier all-around.

RAM

RAM

You also get an extra gigabyte of RAM in the 6P.

Storage

Storage

The Nexus 6P gives you better storage options, including double the space in the entry-level tier, along with 64 and 128 GB tiers that the 5X doesn't offer.

Software

Software

As is always the case with Nexus phones, you get a "Pure Google" experience, running the latest version of Android with no manufacturer UIs in sight. In this case, that's 6.0 Marshmallow.

Release

Release

Pre-orders are up for both handsets, with the first shipments set to arrive late this month.

Starting price (full retail)

Starting price (full retail)

There's little room to argue which phone is better, but there's a bit more room to debate which is the better value. For US$120 less, the Nexus 5X gives you the same rear camera, but a smaller (and not as high-res) screen, less RAM, a slightly downgraded chip and only a USB-C to USB-C cable. And you can't forget that plastic build that won't hold a candle to the 6P's beautiful all-metal design.

It's too early to say for sure whether that's worth it (stay tuned for our reviews), but, at least for some phone buyers, that's a pretty significant carrot that the 6P is dangling. You could easily argue that those perks will add up to more than $120.

For more, you can check out Gizmag's full reviews of the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X.

View gallery - 23 images
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6 comments
Chizzy
what i want to know is if these phones are project fi compatible?
Noitatsidem
I think it's important to note that the Nexus 6P has LPDDR4 RAM, while the Nexus 5X is stuck with the older, less efficient LPDDR3.
BradleyCline
Hey Chizzy, they will both definitely be Project Fi compatible (https://fi.google.com/signup).
OsaltOsalt
Personally; I would like a better camera, Wireless Charging and the convenience of removable storage (SD Card). I don't care if the phone has 128GB of internal storage; the option to copy, store & transfer data is much easier with a SD Card. A simple added convenience for those who need it.
Phyzzi
Leaving some of us wiahing, once again, for a premium phone that actually fits in our hands.
phissith
I might just buy this phone base on finger print sensor if Android M. actually implement it into majority of her apps and websites,so tired of keep being prompt for password.