Google Nexus 5X Review: A Model Of Efficiency
Nexus 5X Intro and Specifications
The original Google Nexus 5 shipped right around this time two full years ago. Much has evolved in the smartphone space in the 24 months since then, but little has changed in terms of branding with this latest LG-built Nexus device. The 5.2-inch Nexus 5X we will be showing you here is positioned as the mainstream Nexus phone in the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) lineup, with an unlocked base price of only $379, though street prices are actually lower.
Nexus 5X on the left; Nexus 6P on the right
Put simply, the Nexus 5X is designed for mainstream smartphone users, looking for a strong value. Google thinks this phone hits a sweet spot in the lineup, and we'd probably agree with that assessment. Though it doesn't pack the latest and greatest innards, the overall package is stout, and it's capable of powering through most tasks quite well. We've reached a point now where you don't have to own a flagship device to achieve satisfactory smartphone performance, and in most areas, the Nexus 5X punches above its weight. Let's take a look at what's under the hood and then we'll dig in a little deeper...
Nexus 5X on the left; Nexus 6P on the right
Put simply, the Nexus 5X is designed for mainstream smartphone users, looking for a strong value. Google thinks this phone hits a sweet spot in the lineup, and we'd probably agree with that assessment. Though it doesn't pack the latest and greatest innards, the overall package is stout, and it's capable of powering through most tasks quite well. We've reached a point now where you don't have to own a flagship device to achieve satisfactory smartphone performance, and in most areas, the Nexus 5X punches above its weight. Let's take a look at what's under the hood and then we'll dig in a little deeper...
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OS |
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
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CPU |
64-bit 1.8GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 |
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GPU |
Adreno 418 (600MHz) |
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Memory |
2 GB LPDDR3 RAM 16/32GB Storage |
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Display |
5.2-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) 423ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
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Rear Camera |
12.3 MP Rear-facing Camera f/2.0 Aperture, IR laser-assisted autofocus 4K (30fps) video capture; Broad-spectrum CRI-90 Dual Flash Slow-motion at 120fps Corning Gorilla Glass 4 enclosure |
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Front Camera |
5MP Front-facing Camera f/2.0 aperture |
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Network |
GSM / HSPA / LTE Cat 6 Capable WCDMA; nano-SIM card slot |
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Wireless |
NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 & 5 GHz), GLONASS, GPS |
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Ports |
3.5 mm stereo audio jack 3 microphones (1 front, 1 top, 1 bottom) |
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Size |
136 grams 147.0 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm |
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Battery |
2700 mAh (non-removeable) |
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Price |
$379 MSRP off-contract and unlocked |
While the Nexus family was originally built for a niche market -- a group of consumers who wanted a pure Android experience, with unlocked and unsubsidized devices -- it seems as if the Nexus 5X is attempting to cross over into the mainstream. As two-year contracts give way to monthly lease plans in the U.S., smartphone buyers are becoming more savvy. With that, they're also starting to look at their options outside of the typical carrier storefront, which is where they'll find this gem.
