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Google unveils updated Nexus smartphone lineup

by Mark Tyson on 30 September 2015, 09:41

Tags: LG Electronics (066570.KS), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), Huawei

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacuzy

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As expected, Google launched a pair of new Nexus smartphones last night at an event in San Francisco. Nexus fans will have the choice between the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P, made by Huawei, and the 5-inch Nexus 5X, made by LG.

Both smartphones boast new technology such as a fingerprint sensor (Nexus Imprint) and a USB Type-C port. Android Marshmallow will come installed on the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5, which will cost from $499 and $379 respectively. Pre orders for the devices open today in the US, the UK, Ireland and Japan.

Huawei's Nexus 6P is the first all-metal-body (aluminium) Nexus. Google says that this smartphone offers its best camera yet, it offers 12.3MP from a sensor "with massive 1.55µm pixels". As mentioned above, pricing starts from $499, for the 32GB version rising to $549 for 64GB and $649 for 128GB. Your choice of built-in storage could be important as there is no microSD slot. I've reproduced the full tech spec list below for your perusal:

  • 5.7-inch AMOLED screen with Quad HD (2560x1440px) resolution, 518ppi
  • Gorilla Glass 4
  • 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1 octa-core processor
  • 3GB RAM
  • 32GB / 64GB / 128GB storage options
  • 12.3MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, infrared-assisted autofocus and 4K video recording
  • 8MP front-facing camera
  • Type-C connector
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Dual-front speakers
  • 3450mAh battery - 10 minutes of charging provides up to 7 hours of use
  • 159.4 x 77.8 x 7.3mm; 178g

LG's Nexus 5X is here because "you're not the only one who misses your Nexus 5," says Google. This more compact device sports a 5.2-inch screen, with the same 12.3MP camera / sensor and Type-C port as on the 6P.

The Nexus 5 will be available with either 16GB or 32GB of built-in storage, priced at $379 and $429 respectively. Again there is no microSD card expandability.

  • 5.2-inch LCD with Full HD (1920x1080px) resolution
  • Gorilla Glass 3
  • 64-bit hexa-core 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and Adreno 418 GPU
  • 2GB LPDDR3 RAM
  • 16GB / 32GB storage
  • 12.3MP front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture, infrared-assisted autofocus and 4K video recording
  • 5MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • microUSB Type-C connector
  • Dual-front speakers
  • 2700mAh battery - 10 minutes of charging provides up to 4 hours of use
  • 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm; 136g

Pre-order customers for either smartphone will get a free 90-day subscription to Google Play Music, and a $50 Play Store credit (in the US). Google is also making a 'Nexus Protect' insurance plan available for $89 with the Nexus 6P and $69 with the Nexus 5. This payment provides two years replacement cover for a phone you have accidentally damaged, with next business day speed.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

While the above two new smartphones will ship with Marshmallow pre-installed, the official rollout of this new mobile OS starts from 5th October. Next week Nexus devices such as the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9 and Nexus Player will be able to update to the new mobile OS. However, as noted by Android Police, the arrival of Marshmallow won't be toasted by owners the Nexus 4, 7 (2012), and 10 which are deserted, hwo will be left behind with Lollipop.



HEXUS Forums :: 25 Comments

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So what exactly are these offering over my current nexus 5?

I guess a better camera and…… ermmmm ermmm
At least the prices aren't continuing to rise.

Shame that you have to decide on local storage up front. Is 32GB enough for two/three years? Sorry, you can't add a microSD card (not that it helps much, Android treats them like lepers these days).
I'm liking the look of the 6p.

Most of my files are now stored remotely so on phone storage isn't a big deal for me.

Bit gutted that wireless charging isn't in them but I guess it's never really taken off.
Most people just wanted an upgraded Nexus 5 with better camera, AMOLED screen, finger print sensor and fast charging.

We got:

- A better camera (but without OIS which they see isn't needed with the new optics / sensor…mmmm)
- Finger print sensor
- A bigger screen (sad face)
- A slightly bigger battery
- Fast charging
- Android 6.0 …does anyone really care that much?
- USB-C (could be considered good or bad I guess depending on your point of view at present)

We lost (compared to Nexus 5):

- No optical image stabilisation
- No Wireless Charging
- Bigger than Nexus 5 (potential negative for some, including me)

Other negatives which they should have addressed (but can be levelled at Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X):

- Lacks 64GB and 128GB storage options (32Gb tops…yes really)
- Lacks Micro SD Card
- Single Speaker
- 2GB of RAM (no upgrade from Nexus 5)
- Still an LCD screen (not AMOLED, no upgrade from Nexus 5)

You can get a Samsung Galaxy S6 64Gb for £385, HTC One M9 32Gb for £280 or LG G4 32Gb+SD card slot (Black leather) for £282. All new and network unlocked.

That's not to mention the new Moto X Style and Moto X Play, OnePlus 2, Asus Zenphone 2 (all of which are 5.5“ or above)

For anyone looking for a 5” - 5.5" Android device there seems to be much better deals than Google's mediocre effort which costs more for less.

The samsung blows it out of the water for…for £5 more you get a better screen, better camera (best mobile camera…yes even better than iPhone 6S Plus), smaller screen, more premium build and 32Gb more storage!

The LG and HTC options give you a £100 saving over the Nexus 5X for potential compromises (LG is too big for me, but has MicroSD and a great camera, in the same league as the samsung and latest iphones), the HTC is a little heavier, more limited storage, and weaker camera but has a bright screen and dual front facing speakers…
Hmmm. Love my N5 but the 5X doesn't seem much of an upgrade. Will wait and see for now. Hopefully the price of the 6P might come down in the mean time… (The 810 snapdragon does look like a powerful beast)