When Google announced that LG will make its return into the Nexus arena, most of us were pleased about getting a full-fledged stock android experience yet again. Nexus 5X made its Indian debut much earlier than previous editions, largely thanks to Sundar Pichai, Google’s recent connect with the Indian market.
Whenever a major phone upgrade takes place, it’s picked apart meticulously, so the comparison between the Nexus 5 and the latest Nexus 5X is obvious.
Key Specifications: LG Nexus 5
- Display: 4.9-inch FHD with Corning Glass 3
- Processor: 2.3GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 800
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16/32GB (non-expandable)
- Rear Camera: 8MP
- Front Camera: 1.3MP
- Operating System: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Battery: 2,300mAh
- Price: Rs 24,000 (16GB)
Key Specifications: LG Nexus 5X
- Display: 5.2-inch FHD Oleophobic with Corning Glass 3
- Processor: Hexa-Core Snapdragon 808
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16/32GB (non-expandable)
- Rear Camera: 12.3MP
- Front Camera: 5MP
- Operating System: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Battery: 2,700mAh
- Price: Rs 31,999 (16GB)/Rs 35,999 (32GB)
Design
Nexus 5X borrows elements which were first seen on the Nexus 5. As you can see, there is a marginal increment in the size of the device, moving upwards from 4.9-inch to 5.2-inch, which is one of the most preferred sizes today. The volume rocker and power buttons have been stationed together on the top right side leaving the SIM-slot on its own on the other side.
The Nexus 5X continues the tradition of the matte-textured which is good for handling but appeal-wise, it’s not much to write home about. The rear camera protrudes distinctly on the Nexus 5X as compared to the previous version. Another interesting thing to note about the new Nexus is its weight quotient, which makes it lighter than its previous cousin.
Also, the Nexus 5X includes the ubiquitous fingerprint scanner at the back, a must-have element for a 2015 smartphone. And like the Motorola Moto series, you’ll find dual front-facing speakers for louder audio output.
So, is it fair to say that the Nexus 5X is a definite design improvement over the Nexus 5? It would have been if only they had done something about the hard-to-manage matte finish back panel.
Display
We’ve talked about the size of the display on offer with both the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 5X, but it’s the quality that matters most. And most of our usage has led us to a positive opinion about this year’s Nexus 5X. Both phones carry the same 1920x1080 full-HD resolution with Corning Glass 3 protection, but oleophobic coating has also made its way to the Nexus 5X.
In terms of colour reproduction and output, the Nexus 5X ranks higher than the Nexus 5, which is expected from an upgrade. The content looks warmer on the 5X but we don’t appreciate the display’s strength when it comes in contact with outdoor lighting.
The reflective nature of the 5X is there for everyone to see hindering the phone’s outdoor visibility credentials. For a phone at this price point, we expected better.
Camera and Performance
One aspect about the Nexus 5X which is on higher ground than the Nexus 5 is the camera prowess. LG has sensibly bumped up the sensors from a meagre 8-megapixel to 12 megapixels. Plus, the selfie folks should enjoy clicking better front shots with a 5-megapixel camera.
There’s also the addition of the dual-LED flash which, in turn, promises better low-light imaging capability. The images clearly look well lit on the Nexus 5X, while the Nexus 5 produces dull images. We also noticed the auto-focus response on the 5X is much faster than on the Nexus 5, which again is a welcome improvement.
(We’ll address the Nexus 5X camera and performance in more detail in our review.)
Battery and Pricing
Not only do users need a phone that can last longer than their average workday (which is pretty long anyway), but it’s also crucial for the same phone to be quick-charge competent. While the Nexus 5X gets a bigger 2,700mAh unit battery, we’re still not sure whether you can bank upon the phone to last you for as long as you’d like.
However, running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow promises a lot of power-saving features, so hopefully the OS will come to the phone’s rescue.
Last but not the least, the Nexus 5X has been priced at Rs 31,999 for the 16GB variant, going up to Rs 35,999 for the 32GB model. At this price, the phone caters to a non-Nexus segment and vies for a spot next to other competition devices like the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the LG G4 among others.
Should You Upgrade?
The Nexus 5X carries the X factor with a slew of features like a fingerprint scanner, bigger phone size, better cameras and a bigger battery. However, we would have liked to see better display panels in use, which don’t rank among the best right now.
Nexus is banking on the efficiency of its software and quick upgrade roll-outs, leaving the rest to the buyer.
If you’re a Nexus 5 user, the upgrade can be skipped. For anybody else making the move from a mid to a high range phone, you can bet on the Nexus. But there are still other options worth looking at.
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