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The true flagships—all other Android devices are second-class citizens
This year, we see a gap widening between Nexus devices and every other Android phone. If you're buying an Android device and want the fastest updates, the longest update support time, the best security program, zero crapware, the best software design, a cohesive app ecosystem, and the latest features from Google, you need to buy a Nexus. Every other Android phone pales in comparison to the Nexus 5X and 6P.
Before, buying a Nexus meant you had to deal with a bad camera or poor battery life, but the Nexus 5X and 6P are the first Android devices built with few to no compromises. The one thing you could complain about is the lack of wireless charging, but we can deal with that. The camera on a Nexus is finally good. The 12.3 MP cameras can hang with phones that are nearly twice the price of the 5X.
In some ways these devices feel like a combination of the best ideas from the Android ecosystem. You get Motorola's ambient display and always-on voice commands, LG's laser auto focus, and Google's software design, security, and fast updates. This year's crop of Nexus phones are devices that stand alone atop the Android ecosystem, with a combination of features you won't find anywhere else. If you're in the market for an Android phone, you've run out of excuses not to get a Nexus.
The Good
Always-on "Ok Google" voice commands are some of the best features we've seen added to a smartphone, and these are two of the few devices that support them.
Ambient display allows you to see a notification without having to unlock or touch the phone.
An excellent camera. That's right, a Nexus camera is finally good.
Stock Android's material design means you'll have a software package that is consistent with the rest of the Android ecosystem.
The most secure Android phones. Three years of fast monthly security updates means that while the rest of the Android ecosystem is vulnerable, these devices should be OK.
The fastest, most reliable OS updates mean you'll get new features faster than anyone else and (hopefully) won't be abandoned by your OEM.
The fingerprint reader is fast and accurate, and the new APIs in Marshmallow mean apps should support it soon.
The Bad
Large top and bottom bezels feel like a step backward for phone design.
Anorexic 8mm and 7.5mm bodies could have been expanded to fit more battery. The thinness war is dumb.
The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor won't work out for everyone.
The Ugly
No Qualcomm quick charging or wireless charging. If you invested in either of these power standards, you're out of luck.
Full Review: Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P review: The true flagships of the Android ecosystem | Ars Technica
This year, we see a gap widening between Nexus devices and every other Android phone. If you're buying an Android device and want the fastest updates, the longest update support time, the best security program, zero crapware, the best software design, a cohesive app ecosystem, and the latest features from Google, you need to buy a Nexus. Every other Android phone pales in comparison to the Nexus 5X and 6P.
Before, buying a Nexus meant you had to deal with a bad camera or poor battery life, but the Nexus 5X and 6P are the first Android devices built with few to no compromises. The one thing you could complain about is the lack of wireless charging, but we can deal with that. The camera on a Nexus is finally good. The 12.3 MP cameras can hang with phones that are nearly twice the price of the 5X.
In some ways these devices feel like a combination of the best ideas from the Android ecosystem. You get Motorola's ambient display and always-on voice commands, LG's laser auto focus, and Google's software design, security, and fast updates. This year's crop of Nexus phones are devices that stand alone atop the Android ecosystem, with a combination of features you won't find anywhere else. If you're in the market for an Android phone, you've run out of excuses not to get a Nexus.
The Good
Always-on "Ok Google" voice commands are some of the best features we've seen added to a smartphone, and these are two of the few devices that support them.
Ambient display allows you to see a notification without having to unlock or touch the phone.
An excellent camera. That's right, a Nexus camera is finally good.
Stock Android's material design means you'll have a software package that is consistent with the rest of the Android ecosystem.
The most secure Android phones. Three years of fast monthly security updates means that while the rest of the Android ecosystem is vulnerable, these devices should be OK.
The fastest, most reliable OS updates mean you'll get new features faster than anyone else and (hopefully) won't be abandoned by your OEM.
The fingerprint reader is fast and accurate, and the new APIs in Marshmallow mean apps should support it soon.
The Bad
Large top and bottom bezels feel like a step backward for phone design.
Anorexic 8mm and 7.5mm bodies could have been expanded to fit more battery. The thinness war is dumb.
The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor won't work out for everyone.
The Ugly
No Qualcomm quick charging or wireless charging. If you invested in either of these power standards, you're out of luck.
Full Review: Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P review: The true flagships of the Android ecosystem | Ars Technica
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