HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: LG Nexus 5X versus Motorola Moto X Pure Edition
We’re smack-dab in the middle of a heated smartphone release cycle which means consumers have some really great new devices to choose from. If you are in the market for a new device, the next few weeks will provide you with a number of excellent models to consider. Two such handsets are the LG Nexus 5X and the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition.
The Nexus 5X is the newer of the pair, however there’s only a couple of weeks separating them. In other words, we might as well consider them both brand new. Let’s take a look at what makes up these two and see how they stack up against each other. To do so we’ll start with a head-to-head chart from our friends over at Graphiq.
https://s.graphiq.com/rx/widgets.js
Software
As you likely know, hardware isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to picking out a smartphone. Software plays an important role in helping decide which model might be best for you. To that end, the Nexus 5X comes out ahead because it runs the absolute latest in Android.
Dubbed 6.0 Marshmallow, the newest release brings about a number of new features and native support for others. Google Now On Tap, for example, provides contextual answers and information to users without any effort. Other goodies found in Android 6.0 include support for USB Type C charging and fingerprint verification.
Perhaps one of the best features is the new way in which Android will hibernate apps and services to prolong battery life. As we all know, whether it’s fast charging or wireless, batteries could always use some help.
App permissions get smarter and more intuitive with Android 6.0, too. Customers will find that they have more control over which permissions are granted on an app; developers win with a better user experience that doesn’t ask for all of these requirements ahead of launching the app.
Either phone is going to give you a stock, or near stock software experience that is clear of any bloated carrier-backed apps. The Nexus will likely win in the long run with what expect to be more timely software updates, however Motorola has proven to be quite supportive of its older models, too. Really, it’s hard to go wrong with either one.
Customization
Although the Nexus 5X comes in three color options for 2015 (Carbon, Quartz, Ice), the advantage still belongs to Motorola. Thanks to its Moto Maker tool, the Moto X Pure Edition can be designed with more than 1,000 color, accents, and even back cover finishes. If you are looking for a phone that is uniquely you, you won’t beat Motorola.
Storage capacity
The Moto X Pure Edition is offered in three storage options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. As for the Nexus 5X, it comes with only 16GB or 32GB capacities. Depending on your needs, and how much you rely on cloud backups and storage, this could be a moot point. Since both devices have options for 16GB or 32GB, the winner here is the Moto X Pure Edition due to the fact that you can go up to 64GB of storage. Additionally, the Moto X also offers microSD card support, so that sets the LG Nexus 5X a little bit further behind.
Camera
If you are the kind of person who looks strictly at specifications, the Motorola camera bests the one found in LG’s phone. But, until you see actual photos and consider your own needs, the jury is still out. We’re very curious to see how the 1.55 micron sensor looks, especially for low light conditions. As for not having optical image stabilization, that’s a bold move on Google’s part.
Around front, the battle is pretty equal due to the 5-megapixel sensor in the LG Nexus 5X while the Moto X Pure also includes a 5-megapixel shooter. Because of the fact that they are both 5-megapixel, this battle may come down to overall performance in regards to which can take the best selfie.
Battery
The Moto X Pure takes the cake in the battery department, but not by too much. The LG Nexus 5X features a 2750mAh battery, while the Moto X Pure Edition is sporting a 3000mAh battery. We’ll see how well Android Marshmallow does with their Doze settings, and if the latest version can really extend battery life by that much. Keep in mind, Motorola is usually right behind the Nexus devices with software updates, so it may not be too far off before Android Marshmallow makes its way to the Pure Edition.
Availability
You can pick up the Moto X Pure Edition from Motorola.com and pair it with any major service provider. This is essentially the same thing you’ll find in the Nexus line as Google sells it through its own store.
Price
Perhaps one of the most important aspects in purchasing a smartphone, the overall cost often determines if a phone is “too rich for our blood”. Moreover, it’s price that helps us determine whether a certain feature is worth spending the cash or if we’re actually content with a little less.
The Moto X Pure Edition starts at $400 for the 16GB model with 32GB coming in at $450 and the 64GB option at $500. If you opt for a premium finish case (leather or wood), then look to add another $25 to the cost. The Nexus 5X starts at $379 for the 16GB model, with the 32GB variant coming in at $429. Either way, you’ll be saving some money with the Nexus 5X compared to the Pure Edition.
Other important aspects
Indeed, each phone has a few details that help to separate them from the rest of the pack. The Nexus 5X comes with a fingerprint reader on the rear, which is used for security and authentication. Depending on what you plan to do with your smartphone, this could be a make-or-break factor.
Something else worth noting, the Nexus 5X comes with a USB Type C charger. Why is that important? Well, we venture to guess you’ll need to get some new cords and chargers for the house and car if you plan to juice up throughout the day. This means some added cost to the bottom line. The Moto X Pure Edition still uses the micro USB port for charging and works with every single one of those cables we’ve collected over the years.
Summary
Which phone is right for you? We can’t answer that for you. You’ll have to weigh what’s important to you decide if it’s worth the extra money to go with the Nexus 5X. And, really, it’s not as if you have to settle for a Moto X Pure Edition. We simply love that phone and will gladly recommend it to anyone and everyone. LG seems to have stepped up their game for the Nexus 5X, hoping to repeat the cult-like following that the 2013 Nexus 5 received.
The Nexus line is one of our favorites in all of smartphones and we’re super pleased to see LG partnering with Google again for 2015. It’s only a matter of time before we see these two devices in a hands-on head to head comparison, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Note: Portions of this post’s content is also used in other head-to-head comparisons.
The post HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: LG Nexus 5X versus Motorola Moto X Pure Edition appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: LG Nexus 5X versus Samsung Galaxy S6
We’re smack-dab in the middle of a heated smartphone release cycle which means consumers have some really great new devices to choose from. If you are in the market for a new device, the next few weeks will provide you with a number of excellent models to consider. Two such handsets are the LG Nexus 5X and the Samsung Galaxy S6.
The Nexus 5X is the newer of the pair, as the Samsung phone has been on the market since April of earlier this year. We still consider them to be worthy opponents due to their similar size and form factor. Let’s take a look at these two and see how they stack up against each other, starting with a head-to-head chart.
https://s.graphiq.com/rx/widgets.js
Software
As you likely know, hardware isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to picking out a smartphone. Software plays an important role in helping decide which model might be best for you. To that end, the Nexus 5X is easily the winner here because it runs the absolute latest in Android. Moreover, it’s a stock build of Android which means it doesn’t have carrier-branded apps or services pre-installed.
Dubbed 6.0 Marshmallow, the newest release brings about a number of new features and native support for others. Google Now On Tap, for example, provides contextual answers and information to users without any effort. Other goodies found in Android 6.0 include support for USB Type C charging and fingerprint verification.
Perhaps one of the best features is the new way in which Android will hibernate apps and services to prolong battery life. As we all know, whether it’s fast charging or wireless, batteries could always use some help.
App permissions get smarter and more intuitive with Android 6.0, too. Customers will find that they have more control over which permissions are granted on an app; developers win with a better user experience that doesn’t ask for all of these requirements ahead of launching the app.
If history is an indicator, the Nexus will win in the long run, too. Google will be quick to deploy software updates in a timely manner with Samsung’s phones often some months behind the curve. Does this matter to everyone? No, but purists and those wanting the best for their money will care deeply about this. Also, it doesn’t help that Samsung devices can sometimes feel slower and more wonky after major software updates.
Customization
The Nexus 5X comes in three color options for 2015 (Carbon, Quartz, Ice) while the Galaxy S6 gets White Pearl, Black Sapphire, and Gold Platinum colors. Depending on where you buy the phone you may have less colors to choose from, particularly if you’re purchasing the latter through a carrier.
Storage capacity
The Samsung Galaxy S6 comes with three storage options: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB (dependent upon the carrier). As for the Nexus 5X, it comes with 16GB and 32GB capacities. Depending on your needs, and how much you rely on cloud backups and storage, this could be a moot point. But, if you’re looking for the most storage available, Samsung takes the crown here. It’s also worth noting that neither of these devices have support for a MicroSD card, so you may need to choose wisely when deciding how much storage to get.
Camera
If you are the kind of person who looks strictly at specifications, then you have to concede this feature to Samsung and its 16-megapixel rear camera. Not simply for megapixels but also for the fact that it has optical image stabilization, too. Then again, until you see real photos and factor in your own needs, this could be a toss-up for average users. Around front, the LG packs a 5-megapixel camera which is the same as what can be found in the Galaxy S6. Again, unless you use the front-facing camera much or have more serious needs, this may not matter much.
Battery
LG would win here if it were strictly up to capacity; the 2700mAh battery is just a bit higher than Samsung’s 2550mAh unit. But, Samsung’s comes with wireless charging out of the box. And, as if that weren’t enough, it’s designed for quick wireless charging. Then again, if your battery lasts all day long then it might not matter how quickly it charges if you’re only doing it at bedtime.
Availability
You can pick up the Nexus 5X directly from Google and pair the unlocked phone with any major service provider. Samsung’s phone is also available direct to consumer, but US customers will fork over more money if they want an unlocked version.
Price
Perhaps one of the most important aspects in purchasing a smartphone, the overall cost often determines if a phone is “too rich for our blood”. Moreover, it’s price that helps us determine whether a certain feature is worth spending the cash or if we’re actually content with a little less.
The Nexus 5X starts at $379 for the 16GB version; with the 32GB variant pricing out at $429. For the sake of comparison, the Galaxy S6 will set you back about $580 for the T-Mobile 32GB version. Bump that up to 64GB and you’re looking at $660 (for a limited time) and the phone’s still tied to the carrier. In other words, the Nexus 5X sticker is considerably cheaper and there’s carrier flexibility, too.
Other important aspects
The Nexus 5Xcomes with a fingerprint reader on the rear, which is used for security and authentication. Depending on what you plan to do with your smartphone, this could be a make-or-break factor. Samsung’s fingerprint sensor is on the home button on the front.
Worth noting, the Nexus 5X comes with a USB Type-C charger. Why is that important? Well, we venture to guess you’ll need to get some new cords and chargers for the house and car if you plan to juice up throughout the day. This means some added cost to the bottom line. The Samsung Galaxy S6 still uses the micro USB port for charging and works with every single one of those cables we’ve collected over the years.
Samsung has included its own added security features, KNOX, to its phones, but Google has started integrating that into Android at a platform level. While this was a bigger Samsung selling point in the past, it’s one of those things that simply comes with Android today.
Another key area to consider is the recently launched Samsung Pay service. If you get used to using it for your quick and painless credit/debit card purchases then you’ll want to stay within the Samsung ecosystem. But, given we are in the very early days of its competitor, Android Pay, there’s no reason to try either one out.
Summary
We love that the Nexus line is stock Android and is supported with updates for at least a few years. Samsung has gotten better at rolling out major updates but it’s sometimes a pain in the butt when they do arrive. We’ve had plenty of reports of people complaining of slowness after getting a new version of Android.
The Nexus line is one of our favorites in all of smartphones and we’re super pleased to LG partnering with Google again for 2015. LG seems to have stepped up their game for the Nexus 5X, hoping to repeat the cult-like following that the 2013 Nexus 5 received.
Samsung is still one of the first names in smartphones and you can’t really go wrong with a flagship device. We appreciate that it has been producing better looking (and feeling) models over the last few generations and think they’re sexy as hell.
Which phone is right for you? You’ll have to weigh what’s important to you and decide if it’s worth the extra money to go with the Samsung over the LG. If you’re paying for your handset outright, we have to give the nod to the Nexus 5X. But, financing makes it easier to stomach, especially with upgrade options offered by carriers.
Note: Portions of this post’s content is also used in other head-to-head comparisons.
The post HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: LG Nexus 5X versus Samsung Galaxy S6 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
[Rumour] 5-Inch OnePlus X to feature Snapdragon 801, launch in October
Some news regarding everyone’s favourite startup, OnePlus, is that it is apparently planning on announcing a new model called the OnePlus X. It could be unveiled during October, and appears to have some interesting hardware choices.
According to an unnamed source of GizmoChina’s, the OnePlus X will sport a Snapdragon 801 processor, like the original OnePlus One used. It will also have a 5-inch display, which should please people who aren’t fans of the 5.5-inch handsets that are all the rage at the moment. A fingerprint sensor is believed to be present on the rear of the device while dual cameras are also thought to feature.
Design-wise, the source said that OnePlus has moved on from the OnePlus 2 design, instead attempting to make the OnePlus X more beautiful. It’s unknown whether the render above, courtesy of GizmoChina, is indicative of the final design or not.
Finally, the OnePlus X is believed to be launched around the $249 price point, squarely aimed at the budget-conscious mid-range market. While there may be some eyebrows raised at OnePlus choosing to go with the venerable Snapdragon 801 processor, it has to be said that it’s a proven chipset, as well as being a cooler, cheaper alternative to the much maligned Snapdragon 810.
One question that has to be asked is – what is the point of launching a third handset when OnePlus can scarcely get the recently launched 2016 flagship-killer OnePlus 2 into customers hands?
Is it going to be a case of third-time-lucky for OnePlus? Will it get the launch of the OnePlus X right? Or will it follow the all-too-familiar path of a handset being launched, and then issuing apologies for delays a few weeks afterwards?
Only time will tell. In the meantime though, what do you think of the decision to use the Snapdragon 801 in the OnePlus X?
Source: GizmoChina
Come comment on this article: [Rumour] 5-Inch OnePlus X to feature Snapdragon 801, launch in October
Nexus 5X up for pre-order in UK from £299
Has the Nexus 5X struck your fancy? If so, Google and a number of UK retailers now let you pre-order the volcano-adorned device.
The Nexus 5X is up in the Google Store, starting from £339 for the 16GB version in black, white, and ice blue. The estimated shipping date is “2-3 weeks.” Meanwhile, the 32GB model (which we recommend given the lack of expandable storage) will set you back £379. It looks like Brits have it better than their counterparts across the Channel, who have to pay significantly more for the privilege of owning a new Nexus.
It looks like retailer Carphone Warehouse is undercutting Google in terms of pricing, by offering the Nexus 5X for just £299.99 for the 16GB model or £349.99 for the 32GB model. The retailer also offers a free Chromecast Audio for every Nexus 5X pre-order, a £30 value. The free delivery is expected from October 19.
If you want to shop from Clove for some reason, the retailer has the Nexus 5X 32GB in black or white for £379, VAT included.
The Nexus 5X delivers more modest specifications compared to the sleek Nexus 6P, but you still get a fast fingerprint sensor, that excellent 12.3MP camera, and Google’s latest in software features. Check out our Nexus 5X hands-on for more details.
Nexus 6P can also be purchased via Huawei’s online store
While the Google Nexus 6 was offered directly through all major US carriers, the Nexus 6P has opted out of the carrier race in the US. Instead, the main source for buying the Nexus 6P is directly from the Google Store. Those who want to buy elsewhere, however, will have the option of getting it directly from Huawei’s online store.
See also: Nexus 6P officially announced: everything you need to know
As you’d imagine, the pricing is the same through Huawei as it is through Google, but there are a few things to note before deciding whether to turn to Huawei over Google for the purchase. First, Huawei isn’t offering the 128GB model or the white model in any storage configuration. You also don’t get Nexus Protect as an option, and only standard shipping (5 to 7 days) is available. Also worth noting, Huawei doesn’t seem to offer up the Google Play gift card or music benefits you get when buying from the Google Store.
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On the plus side, shipping is free through Huawei, and while taxes are charged in 45 states by Google, Huawei only charges tax in a few (California, Illinois, and perhaps a couple others). Huawei also offers a financing plan that isn’t tied to any carrier.
To pre-order the Nexus 6P from Huawei, you’ll want to head on over to their website. How about it, planning on making the purchase? If so, will you be going through Google, Huawei, or are you waiting/hoping to see it make its way to a few other retailers before deciding whether or not to purchase?
ICYMI: Take-home laser razor, IKEA-building bot and more
Today on In Case You Missed It: A Kickstarter campaign for a razor has us all riveted. Rather than the cold, hard metal we’re all used to, it uses a laser-beam to cut hair. Meanwhile roboticists at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore are working on the next frontier of using robots– how to get one to build a complicated piece of IKEA furniture. No, we are not joking. Use it for fodder for every argument you’ve ever had upon stepping into that hell-hole. If the robots can’t do it, we can always look to the future with this kids game that uses slot cars to also teach them how to code.
We’ve also included this amazing virtual reality video that harkens back to The Matrix but then makes it even cooler.
If you come across any interesting videos, we’d love to see them. Just tweet us with the #ICYMI hashtag @engadget or @mskerryd.
PlayStation Vue adds EPIX Hits to its streaming selection
You might not be able to catch Optimus Prime on Netflix anymore, but soon you’ll be able to see the autobot on PlayStation’s TV alternative. After expanding its reach in the US, Vue has announced that it will offer EPIX Hits to the digital buffet of content already available. Joining the ranks of Machinima and a variety of channel packages, you’ll be able to flip between gaming and blockbuster movies like Transformers: Age of Extinction all from the one place. EPIX Hits offers a free 30-day trial, with the option to add it onto your Showtime subscription or even as a standalone monthly purchase. Even if you’re not a fan of Michael Bay, the service still has a relatively low cost of entry and plenty more to keep you watching.
Source: PlayStation
GeForce Now puts PC games on your NVIDIA device for $8 per month
NVIDIA’s GRID service wasn’t the be-all, end-all of its cloud gaming ambitions… if anything, the company was just getting started. The crew in Santa Clara has unveiled GeForce Now, an $8 per month subscription service that streams PC games to all of NVIDIA’s Shield devices, ranging from the original handheld through to the Shield TV. It’s still streaming at GRID’s 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, but you’ll get a brand new interface with better parental controls. There are over 50 (mostly) major titles to start, including most of the Batman games (but not Arkham Knight), numerous Lego games and Ultra Street Fighter IV. You can buy other games outright, such as The Witcher 3, and there are promises of future games reaching GeForce Now as soon as they launch. The service goes live on October 1st in the US. Slideshow-324014
It’s tempting, especially if you’re rocking a Shield Tablet and want to play some “big” games when you’re away from your computer. However, the selection is pretty thin at this point, reminding us more than a little of OnLive’s troubles — it may be tough to justify that rate when you could run out of games to play, or risk missing out on the blockbuster title you really wanted to try. And of course, this won’t help much if you’re using non-NVIDIA hardware. NVIDIA touts GeForce Now as a Netflix for games, but it might be hard to appreciate unless there’s a Netflix-sized catalog to keep you coming back.
Don’t worry if you’re not bent on subscribing, though, as there are still a few extra pieces of good news for Shield fans. The Shield TV is launching in the UK and several other European countries as of October 1st. In the US, it’ll be available as accessory to Google Fiber customers in Austin, Kansas City (Missouri) and Provo. The GeForce Now software update will also bring Spotify music casting from mobile devices, lossless surround sound audio and speed boosts for more video formats.
Source: NVIDIA
NVIDIA’s Shield TV goes on sale in the UK and Europe
In the six months since NVIDIA launched Shield TV, we’ve put it through its paces and called it best Android TV box money can buy. Consumers in the US have been able to get their hands on it since May, but now it’s time for Europe to get in on the act. That’s right, from tomorrow (October 1st), consumers in the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia can buy the base 16GB model for £150/€200 or the 500GB Shield Pro for £230/€300.
There’s also a number of accessories you can add to your Shield bundle, including an official £40/€50 remote, £20/€30 stand and £50/€60 gamepad. One controller is included as standard, but two might make gaming on the Tegra X1-powered set-top box a whole lot more enjoyable. To coincide with the launch, the company is also debuting GeForce Now, the Netflix-for-games service which we originally knew as GRID. It’s free for the first three months on Shield devices, but transitions to a £7.49/€9.99 plan thereafter.
If you’re looking for something that matches Amazon’s Fire TV in the streaming stakes but has a little more oomph in the gaming department, Amazon and GAME will stock the Shield TV, but you can also grab it from NVIDIA’s official store if the online retailer doesn’t have a presence where you live.
Source: NVIDIA Store
Mealworms convert Styrofoam waste into usable soil
Researchers have found a scourge for the 33 million tons of plastic dumped each year in the US: mealworms. A team from Stanford and China’s Beihang University found that the beetle larvae stay perfectly healthy eating just Styrofoam, which is normally considered non-biodegradable. Better still, the worms convert the plastic to CO2 and waste that’s safe to use as soil for crops. The scientists were as surprised by the discovery as you might be. “There’s a possibility of really important research coming out of bizarre places,” said Stanford professor Craig Criddle. “This is a shock.”
Mealworms don’t have some kind of magic digestive system, of course. Earlier research has showed that microorganisms in the stomachs of Indian mealmoths can digest the polyethylene plastic used in garbage bags. The scientists now plan to study such bacteria to see whether they can biodegrade plastics used in automotive components and microbeads that pollute water supplies. The goal is to eventually cut out the middleman (“middleworm”?) and isolate the bioenzymes used by microorganisms to break down the plastics. That could result in new methods of reducing plastic waste that’s already in the environment, and new types of bio-plastics that won’t accumulate on land or at sea.
Source: Stanford University
AIVAnet 