Google Nexus 5X Review: A Model Of Efficiency

If you're looking for a relatively affordable, unlocked smartphone, with 5"+ screen and Google's latest mobile OS, the Nexus 5X is a great option. It's rare that we're able to offer such steadfast and straightforward buying advice, but this handset truly does tick all of the right boxes in our opinion (including the price point). We'd would recommend spending the extra $50 for 32GB of storage over the base 16GB model, but otherwise, we think the device is fantastic.


The Snapdragon 808 at the heart of the Nexus 5X isn't the fastest SoC on the block, but it's efficient and powerful enough to churn through everyday smartphone tasks. The above-average camera, clean version of Android 6.0, good looking chassis, and excellent 1080p display make for an outstanding overall package. It's a phone that almost anyone looking for a device of this size would enjoy, and for the market it addresses, it lacks for nothing.


If you travel frequently and would take advantage of local SIM cards internationally, the Nexus 5X will prove even more useful because it is unlocked. It's rare for individuals to hop between carriers in the U.S., but having an unlocked phone makes that easier too, and being unlocked also makes the phone more desirable should you want to re-sell it later, since it'll just work on multiple carriers. 


We think Android 6.0 is the best version of Android yet and the Nexus 5X is a great handset to showcase it. What you'll find with the Nexus 5X is a well-rounded device that won't break the bank or force you into a long contract with a particular wireless carrier.

Fantastic look and feel Crisp, clean version of Android 6.0 Solid overall performance $379 price point, unlocked	Middling performance No wireless charging option