Google Announced its new Nexus smartphone few weeks back, and in spite of visible resentment over its large display size, stocks cleared out in no time (during pre-order). The new Nexus is manufactured by Motorola and is quite similar in appearance to Motorola’s flagship Moto X 2nd Gen. Let’s take a look at similarities, differences and what matters when you decide between Moto X and Nexus 6.
Hardware
| Model | Nexus 6 | Moto X 2014 |
| Display | 5.96 inch, QHD | 5.2 inch, FHD |
| Processor | 2.7 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 805 | 2.5 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 801 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 2 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB/ 64 GB, Non-Expandable | 16 GB, Non-Expandable |
| OS | Android 5.0 Lollipop | Android 4.4.4 KitKat, Upgradeable to Lollipop |
| Camera | 13 MP/ 2 MP | 13 MP/ 2 MP |
| Battery | 3,220 mAh | 2,300 mAh |
| Price | 31,999 INR | 44,000 INR/ 49,000 INR |
Design
Nexus 6 is a blown up Moto X with the same curves and shaved off bezels. That’s a well established fact by now and unfortunately, in spite of several subtle differences, we have to agree with the same.
So by opting for the more expensive Nexus 6 you will be getting the same design, without the leather back and with lesser customization options. We have come to love the great feel of the leather back on Moto X, but it is also extremely prone to scratches.
Display Size Matters
The size does matter and that’s what will be the primary differentiating factor between Moto X and Nexus 6. While the Moto X offers a 5.2 Inch Full HD Super AMOLED panel, Nexus 6 touches whole another level with its 6 Inch Quad HD (2560 X 1440) display.
We haven’t laid our hands on Nexus 6 but we did get ample time to play with Moto X and Yes, Motorola has indeed used a high quality AMOLED panel which should even entice those who prefer IPS LCD panels.
Since Motorola is the one crafting Nexus 6 we can expect the same fine quality. Nexus 6 display will be a tad bit sharper (493 ppi vs 424 ppi), but not noticeably so. while deciding between the two, display size matters, but quality? Perhaps not as much.
Snapdragon 805 VS Snapdragon 801
Nexus 6 is powered by Qualcomm’s 32 bit flagship 2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805, while Moto X 2014 is powered by 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 quad core,, which is what you see in most 2014 flagship smartphones.
The Krait 450 cores in Snapdragon 805 are a minor upgrade over Krait 400 cores used in Snapdragon 801. The main difference is in GPU. The Snapdragon 805 features a better and much more efficient Adreno 420 GPU (40 percent increase in graphic performance, 20 percent decrease in power consumption) with 3 GB RAM as compared to Adreno 330 in Snapdragon 801 assisted by 2 GB RAM.
Nexus 6 has to fire double the amount of pixels and thus a bigger GPU is needed, but in day to day usage, there would hardly be any performance difference between the two.
Camera and Internal Storage
Both Nexus 6 and Moto X 2014 have a 13 MP rear camera capable of recording 4k videos and a 2 MP front camera for selfies and video calling. Again since Motorola is using the same camera sensor in both devices, there shouldn’t be much difference in camera quality, but you can expect Nexus 6 to perform tad bit better because of more powerful GPU.
Neither comes with a MicroSD card slot and thus you have to remain content with native storage. Moto X offers only 16 GB options in India which can be a limiting factor, so yes if you are anything close to a power user, Nexus 6 with 32 GB and 64 GB options will be more suitable for you.
Software
Nexus 6 flaunts the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box. There are several reasons why Android 5.0 Lollipop is special, but again there is no reason why Moto X is any inferior in this regards. Motorola has already conducted soak test for Android 5.0 Lollipop update on Moto X 2014 and now you can also download and flash it on your device to get complete Android Lollipop experience (including Ambient display)
The software will be same on both devices and most probably, Android 5.0 Lollipop update will be available on Moto X even before Nexus 6 arrives. With Motorola’s commitment for speedy updates, you can be assured with timely roll out for future updates.
Conclusion and Price
Moto X 2014 seems to offer almost the same experience for a far lesser price starting 31,999 INR. Since Nexus 6 was announced with an Extra large display, Moto X seems to be the natural successor of 5 Inch Nexus 5 bridging the gap between Nexus 6 and Nexus 5. Unfortunately, Motorola hasn’t launched the 32 GB variant in India.
So in case you are a basic or moderate user and can make ends meet with 16 GB storage, And IF you don’t have a particular affinity with extra large phablets, there is no reason to side with Nexus 6 just yet.
