Out now: Google Nexus 5X vs 6P

We reveal the differences between Google’s new phones

Google has unveiled two new Google Android phones, the Nexus 5X (left) and Nexus 6P (right), but how do you know which is for you? Over the following pages we examine the key differences between the two to help you decide.

As we’ll see, the 6P is a better-specified phone, and therefore costs more. The 5X costs £339 (16GB, £379 32GB) from the Google Store, while the 6P is priced at £449 (32GB; £499 64GB; £579 128GB) at the Google Store.

Manufacturer

Both phones are part of Google’s Nexus line-up, but Google doesn’t actually make the hardware. We have LG to thank for the 5X, and Huawei for the 6P.

Design

Given the above, it’s no surprise that the Nexus 5X and 6P are different in their design. The 5X is plastic, but with a matt finish that feels good in the hand. Meanwhile, the premium 6P has a metal anodised aluminium unibody chassis and a slightly different camera setup at the rear.

Whereas the 5X’s camera is centred toward the top of the device and juts out a little, Huawei’s Nexus Camera sits in a slightly raised bar at the top of the phone. Both feature a Nexus logo and circular fingerprint scanner on the rear.

The colours in which these phones are available also differ. The 5X comes in Carbon (black), Quartz (white) and Ice (blue), while the 6P is either Aluminium (silver), Graphite (black) or Frost (white).

Size

The Nexus 5X is smaller and lighter than the 6P, and as we’ll get on to next it also has a smaller screen. The 5X measures 147x72.6x7.9mm and weighs 136g, while the slimmer but taller 6P measures 159.3x77.8x7.3mm and weighs 178g.

Screen

The screen on the Nexus 5X is not only smaller than that of the 6P, at 5.2- against 5.7in, but also lower in resolution. LG has plumped for a full-HD panel with a 1920x1080-pixel resolution and 423ppi pixel density, while Huawei’s squeezed in a superhigh-resolution Quad-HD AMOLED panel with 2560x1440 pixels and 518ppi density.

Both phones feature a fingerprint-and smudgeproof oleophobic coating, but while the 5X is fitted with protective Gorilla Glass 3, the 6P goes one better with Gorilla Glass 4.