Google has two new Nexus smartphones available for preorder, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. These new models coincide with the release of Google’s new version of Android, Marshmallow. Marshmallow contains new features like fingerprint scanning, Android Pay, Now on Tap and others. These Nexus devices are designed to be Google’s flagship devices carrying the Android OS.
The Nexus 5X is a creation of Google in partnership with LG. The device uses the Snapdragon 808 process, has 2GB RAM, internal storage of 16GB or 32GB and a 2700mAh battery. The camera is 12-megapixels, and a new feature is a double-tap of the home button to pull the camera app (Similar to Samsung). A laser auto-focus system like the one LG used on its G3 smartphone is installed to give high-quality photos.
There is a fingerprint sensor on the back, a different design to other smartphones. For me, being left handed, I find many smartphones are made for right-handers. Some devices I’ve had to use my wrong hand or move fingers into weird positions as I can’t reach certain buttons. The placement of Apple iPhone fingerprint scanner is useful, and I can imagine having on one the back would be as well. When it gets to being put on a side, that’s when a thing can get tricky. A fact a lot of smartphone makers forget is that not everyone uses the same hand. Google are claiming that the fingerprint scanner will learn more about your individual fingerprint as you use it. To start with, the Nexus Imprint takes 600ms to connect your fingerprint to the one you set up with a promise of this getting faster over time.
Huawei and Google worked together to create the 6P. This Nexus model uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, has 3GB RAM and a 3450mAh battery. The USB for the 6P is the new Type-C, a connection that is gaining popularity and is being seen on more digital devices. The USB Type-C allows for faster charging. Google have design Marshmallow to have support for USB Type-C.
The display of the Nexus 6P is 5.7-inches despite the smartphone being smaller than the previous Nexus 6 model. The screen is a WQHD AMOLED display that takes up almost three-quarters of the screen. Google is saying the Nexus 6P is their highest quality premium smartphone so far.
The internal storage of the Nexus 6P is 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. 32GB should be the minimum for smartphone models, as 16GB storage is never enough for apps, music and photos. The device comes unlocked, and the carriers included have been said to be all major carriers without naming any.
The camera for the Nexus 6P aims to give users the best indoor photos and in low-light. The sensor is a 12.3-megapixel Sony Sensor that features large pixels. Large pixels are what gives indoor and low-light photos better quality. The Nexus 6P can film a video in slow motion, 4K video and burst mode. The front camera is 8-megapixels.
The internal parts of the Nexus 5X and 6P are similar to other smartphones. The cameras on both devices are good cameras; however, most premium smartphones have good cameras. Sony Sensors are popular with smartphone manufacturers. The Nexus 5X has an auto-focus sensor found on the LG G3. This upgrade of the Nexus 5 and 6 devices is more “keeping up with the pace” than setting the world on fire with something new. Not meaning it’s a bad smartphone, but that I can say it’s “worth considering” if you’re buying an Android based smartphone. The Nexus 5X and 6P are up to date with their functions but how they work in the wild will be seen. Apple and Samsung have a duopoly in the smartphone market and Android OS based devices are in intense competition with each other.
The price of the Nexus 5X is $379 for the 16GB model. The Nexus 6P is $499 for 32GB, $549 for 64GB and $649 for 128GB. An extended warranty is available for the Nexus 6P for $89. The warranty includes an extra two years of coverage for mechanical breakdowns and accidental damage.
There are added extras for those who purchase the Nexus 5X and 6P. A free 90-day subscription to Google Play Music is on offer to people in the U.S., U.K., Ireland and Japan. For U.S. customers, the Nexus 5X and 6P come with $50 Play credit for the Google Play store. This could be something that may lure users of the iPhone. Something that can stop a person from changing smartphones is the fact they’re already purchased apps and music for their device. An iPhone user changing to an Android device means repaying for apps. A $50 Play voucher would help in the transition to a different mobile OS.
