Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer details why the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P lack wireless charging
There’re a few frustrating aspects about the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, with a lack of wireless charging being one of them. Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer has taken to “the front page of the Internet,” or reddit, to reveal the thought process behind that decision.
The decision to bring wireless charging to the Nexus lineup in 2012 was that microUSB was frustrating, and wireless charging was a way around that. With the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P equipped with a USB Type-C port, that frustration has been dealt with, and thus, no need for wireless charging.
That brings up another question: why not just leave wireless charging in? Well, it also has to do with the Z axis–the thickness of the device. Basically, Google saw USB Type-C and wireless charging as redundant, and thus, opted for a thinner device. When it comes down to it, the crowd that Google is aiming the two new Nexus devices at probably wouldn’t have minded a little more thickness in trade for wireless charging, but Google didn’t see it that way.
And that’s how wireless charging was left out. Head on over to the AMA for more juicy Nexus details!
source: Reddit
Come comment on this article: Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer details why the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P lack wireless charging
LG V10 renders leaked online ahead of this week’s debut
Last week, LG teased an interesting (or disturbing, if you watched the teaser video) upcoming smartphone due on Oct. 1st. We could tell that there will be some sort of separate “ticker” display, perhaps similar to what Samsung offers on the “Edge” phones.
Today, we may have a first leak at that device, courtesy of Evan Blass at @evleaks. Via Twitter, he tweeted the following image, referred to as the LG V10.
It’s unsure if “V10” is the name the new phone will bear. However, this shot looks like a promo pic and has “V10” etched on the back cover. The back cover is also uniquely tiled and looks really grippy.
At the top of the display we can in fact see that “ticker” display, along with what appears to be app shortcuts (maybe a favorite apps list). Alongside, we also see what looks like two camera sensors. Maybe this is a duo camera for depth controlling selfies? Beats me. Fortunately, we only have to wait a day to know.
Does the V10 peak your interest, or do you think LG has gone off the deep end?
The post LG V10 renders leaked online ahead of this week’s debut appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Did you know you can finance the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X?
There’s a change coming to the mobile industry. One of the little known things that happened when Apple announced the new iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus is that the Cupertino-based company itself is willing to finance either device to you–installment payments, just like you’d find on a carrier.
Another little known fact is that Google is actually doing the same thing with its Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. Those interested in purchasing one can choose whether to buy it outright or finance it for 24 months.
An important thing to note is that this is only for Project Fi customers. Fi customers will be able to finance the base model of the Nexus 5X for a meager $15.79 per month or the 128GB Nexus 6P for $27.04 per month. All you have to do is pay sales tax and shipping costs upfront. And as a carrier will let you do, you can pay off the remaining balance of your device at any time if you don’t want to go through the full 24 months.
Those of you interested just have to head on over to the Project Fi website, click on “Your plan” and then “Upgrade device” to get the process started! It’ll be interesting to see if Google will ever extend this option to all of its customers. What’ll be more intriguing is seeing more manufactures like Samsung, LG, and HTC move to offering something like this.
Anyone plan on financing a Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P?
source: Project Fi
via: Android Central
Come comment on this article: Did you know you can finance the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X?
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.
Nexus 5X will start from Rs. 31,900 in India, Nexus 6P Rs. 39,999
The Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P certainly look great, but let’s face it, the price of the new devices will play a huge role in their reception. We already learned about Google’s curious pricing decisions in Europe, and now we have a solid idea of the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P prices in India.
Google hasn’t officially announced any availability details for the Nexus 5X and 6P in India, but we did get the price details for the two devices.
Specifically, the Nexus 5X 16GB (which starts from $379 in the US) will cost Rs. 31,900 in India (about $485). The 32GB version will cost Rs. 35,999 ($550).
Meanwhile, the Nexus 6P 32GB ($499 in the US) will be available for 39,999 (a little over $600), while the 64GB version will cost Rs. 42,999 (around $650).
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Google slashed the price of the 2014 Nexus 6 to Rs. 33,800 (32GB) and Rs. 37,600 (64GB).
A number of accessories for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P have been listed as well, and they are pricey. A Nexus 5X folio case goes for Rs. 3,200, for instance, while the same product for the Nexus 6P will set you back Rs. 3,900.
To be fair, Indian customers have it better than their European counterparts, where a Nexus 6P starts from a whopping €649 ($730)! That said, at least outside the US, the Nexus duo is definitely more expensive than we were hoping, especially given the excellent competition that is available in the same price bracket.
What do you think of these prices, Indian readers?
T-Mobile states new Nexus phones won’t support band 12 LTE, at least at first
We are wrapping up Google announcement day and simply couldn’t close the cycle without some distress. This time the bearer of bad news is T-Mobile, which states the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P may not be supporting 4G LTE bands as much as everyone believes.
While the specs seem to show all relevant bands are supported, there’s a little hidden caveat with T-Mobile. Unlocked device manufacturers now have to block access to band 12 LTE or get certified for VoLTE. This is something Google, LG and Huawei apparently haven’t done with the new Nexus phones. Well… at least that is what T-Mobile’s Twitter account is saying.
@bickman2k Great questions Adam! They are not going to support Band 12, but we will continue to work with Google to enable this… 1/3
— T-Mobile (@TMobile) September 29, 2015
@bickman2k …feature in the future. That’s a big “yes!” to WiFi calling. While not enabled by default, once you get that sucker… 2/3
— T-Mobile (@TMobile) September 29, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
@bickman2k …on our network, you’ll be able to enable it. Thanks again for reaching out! *MaxD 3/3
— T-Mobile (@TMobile) September 29, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
As it turns out, the involved companies can still work on getting certification. Some smaller phone makers usually skip this, but it’s imperative that Google takes care of this. The Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P will be very important devices in the USA.
But why does T-Mobile have to do this? As it turns out there are very valid reasons to block non-certified Band 12 users. There seem to be areas where T-Mobile only has support for band 12 LTE. This would mean that even basic calls will need to use VoLTE, which is fine for many users, but remember things can get touchy if those phones can’t make emergency calls, which would be the case here.
But why not just switch to roaming in these band 12-only spots? There are complications for doing that. So much that T-Mobile would rather block Band 12 from these devices, sending them straight to roaming where other LTE frequencies are absent. It sure is bad news, but Google and company should have already taken care of this. We can assume they will at some point, it would be too big of a fail not to.
Who is thinking about using a Nexus phone on T-Mobile. Would this make a difference to you?
Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P pre-orders in the UK on EE starts October 9
An earlier leak revealed that the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P would only be available to pre-order through Google’s online store. For the most part, that seems to have been the case. However, UK-based carrier EE says it will offer the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P for pre-order starting October 9.
Those interested in the Huawei-made Nexus 6P will be able to pre-order it for £36.99 or £39.99 per month on a 1GB or 2GB data plan, respectively. The LG-made Nexus 5X, on the other hand, will, as expected, cost less. However, there is a upfront fee of £19.99 on a £31.99 or £34.99 plan, which comes with 500MB and 1GB of data, respectively.
Both of these devices will be available to pre-order on October 9 in-store and online. Unfortunately, there’s no solid date when either device will see an official launch, and if there isn’t enough supply to fulfill the demand, consumers could be waiting some time. Let’s just hope this isn’t another Nexus 4 fiasco in the making.
EE TO OFFER GOOGLE NEXUS 6P AND 5X ON THE UK’S BIGGEST AND FASTEST NETWORK
29th September, 2015. London. EE, the UK’s most advanced digital communications company, today announced it will offer Google’s new flagship smartphones, the Google Nexus 6P and 5X, with Wi-Fi Calling* and world-leading 4G+ speeds on its superfast 4GEE network.
GOOGLE NEXUS 6P: Crafted from aeronautical-grade aluminium with diamond chamfers around the edges, the Nexus 6P sets a new standard for handset design. Powered by a 3,450 mAh battery, the handset has capacity to last all day. Combining a powerful octa-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 processor with a 5.7 inch WQHD AMOLED display, the Nexus 6P is perfectly suited to playing the most graphically demanding games, watching HD movies, and listening to audio in crisp quality.
The Nexus 6P will be available for consumer and business customers to pre-order on EE’s superfast 4G network via the EE online shop, EE telesales and EE retail stores on 9th October. From launch, the 6P will be offered on a range of 4GEE price plans, and will be £29.99 on a £36.99 per month, 24 month plan, which comes with 1,000 minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of mobile data or alternatively get market leading 4G+ speeds, as well as 2GB of mobile data per month on a £39.99 per month plan.
GOOGLE NEXUS 5X: The Nexus 5X is a feature-packed smartphone with a bright 5.2 inch display, and robust hexa-core Snapdragon™ 808 processor, offering a premium mobile experience in a compact and lightweight handset.
The Nexus 5X will be available for consumer and business customers to pre-order on EE’s superfast 4G network via the EE online shop, EE telesales and EE retail stores from 9th October. The 5X will be available for £19.99 on a £31.99 per month, 24 month plan, which includes 500 minutes and texts, and 500MB of mobile data, or alternatively get market leading 4G+ speeds, as well as 1GB of mobile data per month on a £34.99 per month plan.
Both the Nexus 6P and 5X handsets will be shipped with the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS and boast impressive 12.3 megapixel rear cameras capable of 4k video recording. They have also been ergonomically designed to incorporate fast-reading, secure fingerprint scanners placed on the back the devices. A single touch of the fingerprint scanner will turn the phone on and unlock apps for easier access. Finally, customers purchasing the Nexus 6P or 5X on EE will also receive a free three-month trial of Google Play Music, Google’s music streaming subscription service with more than 30 million songs and specially curated playlists to suit a user’s mood.
Pippa Dunn, Chief Marketing Officer, EE, said: “The Nexus family of devices has established a very dedicated fan base, and we’re sure that the new Nexus 5X and 6P iterations will not disappoint with their great design and features. When partnered with the UK’s biggest and fastest network offering superfast market leading 4G+ speeds of up to 90Mbps, customers really will be able to make the very most of their Nexus experience.” EE’s superfast 4G service is currently available in over 600 major towns and cities across the UK, as well as approximately 6,000 smaller towns and villages, and was recently announced as the fastest and most reliable UK network by RootMetrics**. With EE, customers can also receive money back for their old handset by recycling it at an EE store or online at www.ee.co.uk/recycle. Alternatively, until 31st October, EE customers can hand their old device and take out a great value SIM Only plan starting from just £8 a month.
Pre-orders for the Google Nexus 6P and 5X on EE opens on 9th October.
Come comment on this article: Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P pre-orders in the UK on EE starts October 9
Google Nexus 5X versus LG G4
Today was a big day for the Android world, as Google introduced two all-new devices, the Huawei-made Nexus 6P and LG’s Nexus 5X. Both are impressive phones, but the Nexus 5X was arguably the most anticipated given how well the original Nexus 5 was received.
The Nexus 5 was a great smartphone, but it didn’t stack up well with big contenders like the LG G4 as far as specs go. But now that the Nexus 5X is here as the Nexus 5’s successor, let’s just see how well the Nexus 5X and LG G4 contend, shall we? Hit the break to see these two players go head to head!
Design
The newly announced Nexus 5X sizes in at 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm and weighs a light 136 grams. It’s fairly plain on the front, but has the usual button layout–power, volume rocker, and SIM card tray on both sides of the device. Around the back you’ll find a rather large Nexus logo with LG’s own logo right under that.
The LG G4’s features similar dimensions at 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3 – 9.8mm and weighs in at 155 grams. It’s button layout is more unique, sporting the power button and volume rocket on the backside of the device right below the camera.
Winner: Nexus 5X
Display
The LG G4 sports a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS LCD display. Additionally, it has a pixel density of 538ppi and is equipped with Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3. It’s a gorgeous display and easily one of the best on the market.
The LG-made Nexus 5X has a 5.2-inch Full HD 1920 x 1280 LCD display. It also sports a pixel density of 424 pixels-per-inch. As for protection, it’s also using Gorilla Glass 3.
Winner: LG G4
Hardware
Google’s Nexus 5X has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset, a quad-core 1.4GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a dual-core 1.8GHz Cortex-A57 processor, backed with 2GB of RAM, an Adreno 418 GPU, 16/32GB of internal storage, a 12.3-megapixel rear camera, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Interestingly, under that rear camera is a fingerprint scanner and there’s also USB Type-C support.
Under the hood of the LG G4 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 808 chipset, a quad-core 1.4GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a dual-core 1.8GHz Cortex-A57 processor. It has 3GB of RAM, an Adreno 418 GPU, 32GB of internal storage, a 16-megapixel camera, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.
Winner: It’s a tie.
Battery
The LG G4 features a massive 3,000mAh battery, and is equipped with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging technology. In addition to that, it does have Qi wireless charging capabilities for those that want to pick up a wireless charging pad.
On the other hand, the Nexus 5X is equipped with a smaller 2,700mAh battery. That’s not necessarily a bad thing considering the noticeable difference in screen specifications, meaning the display is putting out less power, thus using less battery.
Winner: LG G4
Software
Google’s Nexus 5X is running the latest version of Android–Android Marshmallow. As has been historically the case, the benefit of owning a Nexus like the 5X is the lack of bloatware, faster speeds, and timely updates.
The other extreme is the LG G4, which is running the UX 4.0 interface atop of Android 5.1.1. Much like TouchWiz, UX comes with a lot of features, such as QuickMemo+, a built-in File Manager, a bevy of camera options, and much more. Unfortunately, LG isn’t exactly known for its timely updates.
Winner: It comes down to preference.
Availability and Price
The LG G4 is immediately available for purchase and will normally run you $199 on a new two-year contract or $699 outright. However, there are installment plans available through most carriers ranging from $15 – $35/mo.
In contrast, the Nexus 5X is currently pre-order only and will not be available through any major retail outlets or carriers. Those interested can pre-order it from the official Google Store, starting at $379 for the 16GB model.
Wrap Up
And there you have it folks, the Nexus 5X is almost identical to the LG G4! Manufactured by the same company–LG–that isn’t quite surprising. Despite having lower specs than its big brother the Nexus 6P, it’s still one powerful phone at a much lower price point.
Both the LG G4 and Nexus 5X are nice devices, and when it comes down to it, you’re just choosing the experience you want–one from LG or one from Google. It’s merely a matter of preference, as in this case, one isn’t inherently better than the other on paper.
Anyone picking up a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X today? Or are you looking elsewhere? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Come comment on this article: Google Nexus 5X versus LG G4
Nexus 5X hands-on: a look at Google’s new affordable phone
Mid-fall has always been a special time for Android fans, thanks to Google’s habit of releasing new Nexus devices and new versions of Android around this time. This fall is no different. Actually, it’s better: Google has launched two Nexus smartphones for the first time ever, and we’ve got to play with both of them following the company’s media event in San Francisco.
The Nexus 5X has some big shoes to fill. In spirit, it’s the successor to the Nexus 5, probably the most beloved Nexus smartphone to date. LG is at its third Nexus smartphone, but is it the charm we’ve been waiting for? We find out in our Nexus 5X hands-on!
Design and build quality
The leaks were spot on. The Nexus 5X features a clean front, but a rather busy backside, dominated by the center-mounted protruding camera. This is a design element that has become prevalent on new smartphones, but Google’s implementation sticks out both visually and physically, and is bound to be controversial. For what is worth, the company says it’s due to the need to accommodate a very large camera sensor.
Near the camera, we can see the dual LED flash and the window of the laser-based autofocus system (evoking the LG G4), as well as the vertical Nexus logo.
The Nexus 5X is built of plastic and comes in white, black, or “ice blue.” The plastic construction somewhat resembles the build of the Nexus 5, and that’s not a bad thing. At a little over 130 grams, this is a light device that feels pretty good in the hand. The volume rocker and the power button are placed on the right side, while at the bottom you’ll find the USB Type C port, making the Nexus 5X among the first smartphones on the market with this feature.
Display
The Nexus 5X keeps the Full HD resolution of its older namesake, but expands to a more modern 5.2-inch size. Quad HD has supplanted Full HD as the default resolution of flagship phones, but we won’t fault Google for keeping the Nexus 5X to Full HD, given the questionable benefits and increased power consumption of the higher resolution. Moreover, this looks like a very good LCD display, with nice brightness levels and color reproduction.
Hardware and performance
The Nexus 5X is powered by a hexa-core Snapdragon 808, along with 2GB of RAM. The Nexus 5 is living proof that you can run Marshmallow without any issues on 2GB of RAM and an older processor, but moderns apps have higher requirements, raising the question of whether the Nexus 5X is future-proof enough.
Unlike the more upscale Nexus 6P, the 5X still starts from 16GB of storage; that’s a little disappointing in this age of high resolution content and complex apps, and we’d recommend opting for the 32GB model if it’s possible.
Google adopted a USB Type C port for the Nexus 5X, and unlike the OnePlus 2, this is a true USB 3.1 connector that supports fast charging. That’s a welcome feature given that the 2,700 mAh battery does not come with wireless charging.
The other big hardware feature of the Nexus 5X is the fingerprint sensor on the back, which Google calls Nexus Imprint. This is supposed to unlock the device in 0.6 seconds, allowing you to bypass the lock screen. The circular fingerprint will also work with Android Pay and a number of third party apps, including the password manager LastPass.
Camera
The Nexus 5X (like the Nexus 6P) features a 12.3 MP camera, whose sensor features 1.55 micron pixels that are larger than the typical smartphone camera fare, thus allowing in more light in challenging situations. This sensor is paired with an f/2.0 lens, a dual LED flash, and a laser-assisted autofocus system. Unfortunately, there is no optical image stabilization. On paper, this sounds like a solid combination, but as usual, the devil resides in the details. One notable usability improvement is the ability to quickly launch the camera with a double tap of the power button.
Software
Perhaps the most visible user-facing feature in Android 6.0 Marshmallow is Google Now on Tap, which makes a contextual-aware version of Google Now available with a simple home button long press. Google also touts its biggest advancements yet in battery management and the Doze feature in particular should greatly extend standby times. The fingerprint authentication should make mobile security a bit less of a hassle and the new permissions system promises to give users more control over the info they share with apps.
There you have it, our first look at the Nexus 5X. Two years ago, the Nexus 5 was almost only alone in terms of what it offered for the money. The market has migrated downrange since then, and the Nexus 5X has some strong competitors in its price bracket. Our review will settle whether the Nexus 5X is a good buy or not, but tell us your impressions: what do you think of LG’s third Nexus?
Google and LG’s 5X is the Nexus for the rest of us
When Google (and Motorola) showed off the Nexus 6 last year, most nerds were excited. Others, making up a surprisingly vocal minority, reacted as though the companies dropped ice cubes down the backs of their shirts. Bigger isn’t always better, and they were more than a little concerned that the days of easy-to-grip Nexus phones were nearly over. They were wrong. To go with the big-screened Nexus 6P, Google once again teamed up with LG on a Nexus 5 — the 5X this time — and it’s shaping up to be the successor that N5 fans have been hoping for. Slideshow-324001
First off, yes, it nestles nice and easily into even small hands (mine are probably slightly above-average but there were some surprisingly tiny mitts at this event). The 5.2-inch 1080p IPS LCD, cutesy rounded aesthetic and the plastic body’s almost-nutty lightness make the Nexus 5X feel much more compact than it actually is. And as if it needed even more cute fuel, you’ll be able to get it in a fetching robin’s egg blue that’s a little reminiscent of that phone Nextbit is working on. Naturally, none of this would be worth a damn if the 5X failed as a phone, and it definitely doesn’t. You see, there’s a Snapdragon 808 (which we’ve seen in the LG G4 previously) and 2GB of RAM here — easily plenty of horsepower for anyone who doesn’t want/need to live on the bleeding edge of phone performance. I spent maybe a half hour with the thing in total and couldn’t get it to stutter or flip out, even with the non-final version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow running on it. Not bad.
It would’ve been easy for Google and LG to just shrug and phone things in with a weak-sauce camera, but that’s thankfully not the case. The Nexus 5X shares an impressive 12.3-megapixel rear camera with the 6P, which means it also shares those sweet, photon-slurping 1.55-micron pixels. Both did a solid job snapping photos in a weirdly lit, uncomfortably packed demo room, but we’ll have to wait until we get a review unit before we can pass any real judgment. The similarities don’t end there, either — Google really is looking at these things as siblings. Both have the Nexus Imprint fingerprint scanner (which worked well) and a USB Type-C charging port. While the 5X is a sort of love letter to a certain kind of Nexus fan, its limited memory options will make it harder for hardcore mobile nerds to take seriously. Yes, yes, Google has sunk plenty of cash and effort into building its cloud, and the original N5 didn’t have a memory card slot either, but it still sucks that the 5X will only be available with 16 or 32GB of storage and without any way to expand it further.
Speaking of which, you’ll be able to pre-order a Nexus 5X today, with the first shipments going out sometime in October. At this early stage, the hardware seems promising and Marshmallow already appears to be a worthy update (even if the nature of Android has already been changing a bit). We can’t blame you if you want more info before you pull the trigger — just stay tuned for our full review.
Get all the news from today’s Google event right here.
AIVAnet 