What would a phone launch be without an AndroidGuys impression? Even more so, a duo Nexus phone launch. Everyone now knows the full scoop (and the barrage of leaks can thankfully stop). As the dust settles, I’d like to know to how Nexus fans received the news. I know one thing: Â everything wasn’t perfect in Nexus-land, and it still isn’t.
Don’t get me wrong, we did get some stellar devices. And the Nexus 5 sequel happened, which means that Google listened! That in itself is such a good thing.
Each new Nexus phone is a top-performer. The Huawei-made Nexus 6P has a more-reasonably sized 5.7″ display (compared to the monstrous 6″ screen in last year’s Nexus 6). It has a considerable battery at 3,450mAh. The latest USB Type-C port includes super fast charging (unlike the OnePlus 2). The fingerprint scanner is speedy and doesn’t require you to turn the phone on first (unlike Galaxy devices).
[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/huawei-nexus-6p/”]
The LG-made Nexus 5X scales very nicely for it’s cheaper pricetag. The inferior Snapdragon 808 SoC will make little difference compared to the 810 (although, the 2GB of RAM is a little tough to swallow). We have the same important features of the Nexus 6P:  12.3MP (1.55 µm pixels) rear sensor, USB Type-C port, and fingerprint sensor.
[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/lg-nexus-5x/”]
All this is fine and dandy, but I just can’t get past the fact that Google stepped backwards in a couple ways. Â One of those is minor (at least I hoping) – the exclusion of OIS on the rear camera. Google claims that the larger pixel size of the sensor (which lets in more light, not unlike HTC’s Ultrapixel approach) negates the need for OIS. I’m not completely convinced on that, but I will give Google the benefit of the doubt until we get a review unit.
The other nag is a bit more bothersome. Did you hear any mention of wireless charging in the Nexus announcement?  It’s because neither phone has it.  If this is the first time you’re hearing this, I’ll give you second to collect your jaw from the ground.
Google created the wireless charging phone, with the Nexus 4.  And every Nexus phone had it since then.  Why on Earth would Google abandon the future?
You may argue that fast wired charging makes wireless charging pointless, because it’s slow. That doesn’t mean you abandon it. That means you work to improve it. Look at what Samsung did recently, the Note5 and S6 Edge+ have fast wireless charging.
And what are you supposed to tell everyone that invested in wireless chargers everywhere in their home, car, and work?
/rant
Do you agree with my view of the launch? Â Are you satisfied or disappointed with the Nexus of this year? Sound off in the comments below!
Good read Josh. No wireless charging, no sell for me. Keeping my Nexus 6. Maybe next year
The Nexus 6P could possible stay in my pocket all the way until next year’s Nexus. Huge battery, Android M, and an amazing design. This could be it for me.
Wanted to get the Nexus5x as I miss ChromaOS and high DPI of my Nexus5, I’m rocking a G4 atm. However no wireless charging and only 32GB of storage means I’ll just stick with the G4. Should have 128GB storage option and wireless charging. So annoying…
What’s the point in Super Fast Charging anyway. If the battery lasts all day why do I need to charge it within 30mins while I sleep for 6-8hrs???
May be for you and the average type user, you can get a whole day out of it but for heavy or power users, it may not last a day so super fast charging makes a lot of sense when you have to give it a quick boost during the day.
Yeah, when I’m in that situation I’m never near a mains outlet for long enough and have to use an external battery pack. Usually while traveling, maybe the battery packs need to supply super quick charging then it’ll be the shit! :)
I have quite a couple of external battery packs but they’re relatively slow. An external battery pack supporting the full turbo charging ability of the phone would be awesome.
It looks like your prayers are answered, folks! http://smile.amazon.com/Aukey-10000mAh-Portable-External-Supported/dp/B011U0AY22/ The majority of the reviews are favorable.
My understanding is that QualComm Quick Charge is just one flavour of the current turbo charging solutions available. For example, I think the turbo charging technology in the Samsung Note 5 is Samsung’s own tech. Motorola have their own flavour called Turbo Charge which is in the Moto X Pure Edition. Therefore, need to be careful which battery you get. The Aukey looks like it’s just QualComm QC compatible but the Anker one looks to provide better support.
From my understanding, that is incorrect. The manufacturers use different names for them, but they all use the QualComm chip.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 doesn’t even use a Qualcomm chip, they use the Samsung Exynos processor. Also, Quick Charge is a licensed feature so although the Moto X Pure Edition has a Qualcomm chip, they may not have paid the licensing fee for Quick Charge which is why they are using their own Motorola implementation. I believe this was an issue with the LG G4 pre-release but then decided to pay the license fee and incorporate this as a feature. The OnePlus One and Two both have Qualcomm chips but OnePlus have not paid the license fee for this and thus the phones do not have the feature available for end users even though it has the hardware.
nice! looks like these guys [1] need to update their guide again!
I got their previous recommend [2] and it charges quick
[1] http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-usb-battery-pack-travel/
[2] http://www.amazon.com/Intocircuit-11200mAh-Portable-External-Flashlight/dp/B00BB5GR0A?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJM4NKIQGABP2PIRA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BB5GR0A&tag=thewire06-20&ascsubtag=WC17134
I think I’ll just stay another year with my Nexus 6. It’s still plenty fast and top of the line for me.
No Qi charging is a deal killer for me.
I’m sticking with my N5.
Also think lowest model should be 3gb/32gb at this point. 5X has basically the same specs as Xiaomi Mi4c and is almost double the price. And Xiaomi has a 3gb/32gb model.
Pitty Hugo Barra didn’t stay at Google. He’s now with Xiaomi…
It’s a great phone but anyone else notice how the Camera Pixel Size graphic is way off scale. The pixel size is only about 40% bigger than the Nexus 6 but the graphic would imply it’s over 100% bigger. Very very misleading which is extremely off putting.
I’m more dissapointed that the 6P has the headphone jack on top! Dumb design. How are you supposed to have a headphone plugged in while it’s in your pocket?
You put your phone in your pocket upside down… Top in first, with the bottom facing up. Your phone doesn’t care :)
No thanks required…I hope this opens up a world of convenience for you.
Oops, haha, I meant bottom in first with the top facing up. So DON’T put it in your pocket upside down. Whew, this was very complex and even confused the professor!
Yes, I’m disappointed about the lack of wireless charging, but I’m hoping that will be easily remedied.
Wow. Sums up my exact feelings on this years launch. Nice read. Sticking with my OG n6 but upgrading my wifes n5 to the 5x, only because after two years of perfect service, it has finally failed.
I don’t quite follow how Qi charging is a step back considering the quick charge aspect and less damage to the port with usb-c reversible technology. The OIS aspect would be nice, but if DXOmark already views this as a top 3 camera on the market then I’m fine with it. The build quality, screen tech, price, etc. all make it worthwhile.
I’m really disappointed at the 2GB of Ram. On the one hand I understand that 2GB is fine for today;s applications. A year from now? Who knows, but 2GB should probably last you fine until the next Nexus release.
The problem is I currently have an N6. I upgraded to the N6 from the N5. I really wanted to upgrade to the 5X. While the N6 is certainly an impressive technical phone, never had any performance issues, it’s just too big for me. It’s hard to hold in one hand, hard to fit into my pocket, etc. Using my N5, in general, is just a much more comfortable experience.
But going from the N6 to the 5X would essentially be a downgrade. I can’t swallow dropping $300 to ‘upgrade’ to a less powerful device. I could swallow spending that to get a phone that wasn’t really an upgrade if it meant something that was more comfortable to me. Spending money for a lateral move spec wise isn’t ideal, but I could handle it. Spending money for essentially a downgrade is just not something I am willing to do.