Nexus 5X vs. Nexus 6P: A Great Choice To Face

Filet mignon or lobster? BMW or Mercedes? It’s a great feeling when you’re faced with choices that don’t have a “wrong” alternative. We don’t want to imply that the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, surprisingly released by Google at just about the same time, are unquestionably the best Android phones you can find. But they’re both pretty darned great, and when you’re faced with the Nexus 5X vs. the Nexus 6P choice, your decision will likely come down a question of personal preference, just like the decision between a juicy filet and a fresh Maine lobster.

Here’s a look at the important differences (and similarities) between the two models, to help you figure out which is a better match with your needs.

Physical Design

Image credits: http://mashable.com/2015/10/19/nexus-5x-vs-iphone-6s-camera/#dnxLsqJ1ukqQ

When compared to most Android devices, the 5X is small and light at 136 grams and the 6P is large and heavier at 178 grams (although it’s definitely not as big as the Nexus 6). That’s mainly because the 5X is made of plastic and the 6P is made from aluminum. However, the 5X is still a well-made, relatively sturdy phone and the 6P isn’t at all unwieldy, and both are attractive although the 6P has a slicker, more modern look. Either will fit nicely into a purse, but the 6P might not fit into your pocket.

As you’d guess, the differences in phone size also mean a difference in screen size; the 5X has a 5.2-inch screen while the 6P’s screen is 5.7 inches, easier for reading and multitasking. The controls on both are situated nicely, though, so their relative sizes don’t impact operation.

Display

Image credits: http://www.androidauthority.com/nexus-5x-vs-nexus-5-quick-look-645687/

If you look at each phone individually, their displays will look crisp and clean without any problem viewing them from different angles. You’ll only see the difference when putting the Nexus 5X and 6P side-by-side, when you’ll notice that the 6P looks brighter and more alive thanks to its Quad HD AMOLED display. The 5X uses a 1080p LCD display which may not be state-of-the-art, but is still high-quality and all most people would ever need. The 6P display is simply gorgeous, though, when compared to non-QHD screens.

Memory and Processing

Here’s one of the important differences in the Nexus 5X vs. Nexus 6P debate, and it’s important because Google still doesn’t offer expansion slots for its phones. The 5X can only be purchased with either 16GB or 32GB of memory, while the 6P offers a choice of 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. Depending on how you use your phone, that will be a huge factor when deciding between the two. You’ll probably find that each device has enough processing capability for your needs; the 5X has a Snapdragon 808 with 2GB of RAM, it’s a Snapdragon 810 with 3GB for the 6P. Both respond well.

Cameras

The two devices have similar rear-facing sensors and cameras, 12.3 megapixels on each. The big difference is for selfie fanatics; the front-facing camera on the 5X is 5 megapixels, but it’s 8 megapixels on the 6P. The 6P also has more slow-motion video options and a continuously-operating image stabilizer.

Battery

Bigger phone, bigger battery – that’s the other major functional difference. The Nexus 5X has a 2700mAh battery and the 6P’s batter is 3450mAh. You don’t have to do the math to know you’ll have a much longer charge with the Nexus 6P.

There’s one other important thing to know: both phones use the new USB Type-C connectors, which means they won’t be compatible with your old phone’s cables and chargers. You’ll need new cables or adapters for your old ones – and because the quick-charge feature on both phones draws 3 amps, you’ll have to be sure that your cables are rated for that current level.

Price and Availability

The price on the 5X has been coming down, and is now around $350-375 for the base model. The 6P hasn’t really budged from its initial $500 price tag for the base model. Both are compatible with all major carriers, but Google hasn’t cut deals with any US carriers to carry the phones; they can only be purchased from the Google store (naturally), online retailers like Amazon or big box retailers like Best Buy.