LG Nexus 5X vs Huawei Nexus 6P: A Detailed Comparison

The Nexus line was once synonymous with pure Android and excellent value. The LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P represent two distinct chapters in that story. Both offered compelling features for their time, but which one ultimately delivers a better experience?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Huawei Nexus 6P edges out the LG Nexus 5X thanks to its superior battery life, larger display, and slightly better camera. While the 5X remains a capable device, the 6P's improvements make it the more well-rounded choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names LG Nexus 5X Huawei Nexus 6P
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all modelsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all models
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - American modelHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - Global model
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29 - American model1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 19, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global model
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global model2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41 - American model
Launch
Announced2015, September. Released 2015, October2015, September. Released 2015, September
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions147 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm (5.79 x 2.86 x 0.31 in)159.3 x 77.8 x 7.3 mm (6.27 x 3.06 x 0.29 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight136 g (4.80 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3, oleophobic coatingCorning Gorilla Glass 4, oleophobic coating
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~423 ppi density)1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~518 ppi density)
Size5.2 inches, 74.9 cm2 (~70.2% screen-to-body ratio)5.7 inches, 88.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDOLED
Platform
CPUHexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57)Octa-core (4x1.55 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A57)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm)Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 (20 nm)
GPUAdreno 418Adreno 430
OSAndroid 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.0eMMC 5.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single12.3 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.55µm12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3", 1.55µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR4K@30fps, 720p@240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single5 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.4µm8 MP, f/2.4
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with front stereo speakers
 -24-bit/96kHz
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-15W wired
Music play-Up to 100 h
Stand-by-Up to 440 h (3G)
Talk time-Up to 23 h (3G)
TypeLi-Po 2700 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3450 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsCarbon, Quartz, IceAluminium, Graphite, Frost
ModelsNexus 5X, H791H1511, H1512
PriceAbout 270 EURAbout 300 EUR
SAR-1.49 W/kg (head)     0.81 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.17 W/kg (head)     0.54 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -92.2dB / Crosstalk -90.9dB-
Battery life Endurance rating 60h Endurance rating 74h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1542 (nominal), 3.092 (sunlight)-
Loudspeaker Voice 61dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 61dB -
Performance Basemark OS II 2.0: 1591Basemark X: 16609 Basemark OS II 2.0: 1374Basemark X: 22825

LG Nexus 5X

  • Compact size
  • Clean Android experience
  • Good value (when new)
  • Decent camera

  • Shorter battery life
  • Less powerful processor
  • Smaller display
  • Older hardware

Huawei Nexus 6P

  • Larger display
  • Longer battery life
  • Better camera
  • Premium design
  • Faster performance

  • Snapdragon 810 throttling (potential)
  • Older hardware
  • Repairability concerns (historically)

Display Comparison

The Nexus 6P boasts a larger 5.5-inch display compared to the 5.2-inch screen on the Nexus 5X. Both offer decent resolution, but the 6P's size provides a more immersive viewing experience. The contrast ratios provided (1542 nominal, 3.092 sunlight) suggest both screens are reasonably viewable outdoors, though direct sunlight will still pose a challenge. The 6P's slightly higher resolution also contributes to sharper visuals.

Camera Comparison

The Nexus 6P's camera is generally considered superior. While both offer decent photo and video capabilities, the 6P's larger sensor and improved image processing algorithms produce better results, especially in low-light conditions. The 6P also benefits from faster autofocus.

Performance

The Nexus 6P's Snapdragon 810 chipset, while initially known for thermal throttling, generally offers better performance than the Nexus 5X's Snapdragon 808. The 6P's octa-core CPU provides more processing power, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. However, both phones are showing their age in today's demanding mobile landscape.

Battery Life

The Nexus 6P's larger battery (3000mAh vs 2900mAh in the 5X) translates to significantly better battery life. The 74h endurance rating for the 6P is a substantial improvement over the 5X's 60h, allowing for longer usage between charges.

Buying Guide

The LG Nexus 5X is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a compact size and a clean Android experience. The Huawei Nexus 6P is ideal for those seeking a larger screen, longer battery life, and a more premium design, even considering their age.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Nexus 5X still worth buying?
For a very budget-conscious user needing a compact Android phone, the 5X can still be functional. However, its age and limitations make it less appealing than newer alternatives.
❓ Did the Nexus 6P have overheating issues?
The Snapdragon 810 in the Nexus 6P was known to experience thermal throttling under heavy load, which could impact performance. However, this was often mitigated with software updates.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones have received Android updates, but support has ended. They are no longer receiving security patches.