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Google finally made the oft-rumored Nexus 6 official. This device will go head-to-head against successful tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and iPhone 6 Plus. There has been a lot of discussion about the size and price of the Nexus 6, which makes it a very interesting device. Later this month the “Nex-six” will go up for pre-order and ship out in early November. Before you grab that credit card, this is everything you need to know about the Nexus 6.
Nexus 6 Specs
Android fans love specs, and the Nexus line attracts the most passionate Android fans. That makes the specs of the Nexus 6 all the more important. Motorola has absolutely decked out the Nexus 6 with every high-end spec you could want. It has a big, beautiful high-resolution display, the newest and most powerful processor on the market, a big camera, and a juicy battery. Here’s a quick rundown of the important specs.
- 5.9-inch 2560×1440 QHD AMOLED display (493 ppi)
- 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
- Adreno 420 GPU
- 3GB RAM
- 32/64 GB of storage
- 13MP rear, 2MP front-facing cameras
- Dual front-facing speakers
- 3220mAh battery
The other hardware to consider is the overall design of the device. If you liked the look of the new Moto X you will like the look of the Nexus 6, and vice versa. Around the edges of the phone is a metal band, while the back is a dark blue or white plastic. Yes, it only comes in blue or white, but the blue is very dark. It’s a fairly boring design, like most of the Nexus devices.
Lollipop, lollipop, oh lolli lolli lolli
The Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 are the first two devices to come with Android 5.0 Lollipop. The biggest feature of Lollipop is the brand new Material Design language. This is the first time since Ice Cream Sandwich that Android has received a major face-lift. All the last remnants of the Tron-esque design have been removed in favor of a flatter “material” look. Lollipop also introduces tons of gorgeous new animations.
Material Design is the most easily noticeable feature of Lollipop, but there is a lot more going on. Other big changes include a brand new way to deal with notifications, redesigned multi-tasking, battery saver mode, Android Smart Lock for connected devices, user profiles, guest mode, new quick settings, and much more. Check out the full changelog here.
The other thing to consider about Lollipop and the Nexus 6 is timely updates. Since this is a Nexus device you can expect to get the latest and greatest from Google before anyone else. Nexus devices get the latest version of Android immediately. No waiting around for carrier approval (hopefully) or OEM tinkering. If being on the latest version of Android is important to you the Nexus 6 is a must-have device.
Size Matters
The Nexus 6 is a large phone. I don’t need to tell you that. The size of the Nexus 6 has been a topic of much debate, and for good reason. Everything I’ve mentioned up to this point in the article doesn’t mean much if the phone is too big for you. The only way for you to know that is to hold it in your hands, but since you can’t get one right now we have to explore other options.
Here is the Nexus 6 compared to some devices that you may have at your disposal. Is it too big for you? See for yourself.
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- Galaxy S5
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- HTC One M8
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- iPhone 5S
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- Note 4
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- iPhone 6 Plus
Configuration Options & Pricing
Now that you know everything about the Nexus 6 it’s time to decide if you should buy one. The Nexus 6 will be available to pre-order on October 29th for $650 or $700 from the Google Play Store. It will also be available from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon. Carrier pricing is unknown at this point, but we expect something around $200 with a new contract. The Nexus 6 comes in two colors: Midnight Blue and Cloud White. You’ll be able to choose 32 or 64GB storage options.
That’s the story for Google’s latest Nexus device. It has nearly everything that Nexus fans have wished for in a device: powerful specs, big display, a good camera, and carrier availability. Will that be enough to make the Nexus 6 a mainstream device? Only time will tell. Will you be buying a Nexus 6? What are your thoughts on the size? Be sure to hit up the Nexus 6 forums to chat about this new device with fellow Phandroids!
I cant wait!
am i the only one who cant see the comparison to other devices? I have a note 3 in an otterbox…im thinking it may be the same size.i have no problem using that.
Same. Can’t see it either.
Its not too different. A tiny bit taller and a tiny bit wider
That’s not everything I needed to know… what about whether or not the Google Play Nexus 6 will work on Verizon? Everything points to that it should, but there has not been any confirmation yet and that’s a very big question that needs an answer.
I thought since there was only one sku for all of north america it meant that it would….wouldn’t it technically work on any carrier at all?
The bigger question would be if Big Red is going to screw it up and add bloatware like the Nexus 4…
Verizon didn’t have the Nexus 4 so I don’t see how they added bloatware to it?
But yes, the Nexus is one SKU but since VZW uses CDMA the IMEI/MEID needs to be whitelisted before it can be activated on their network. The big question lies in if all the Nexus 6 IMEI/MEID are activated in VZW’s system so they can be used.
Also, I can bet you none of the Nexus devices from carriers will be touched. It wouldn’t make sense for Google to release a phone to all carriers that won’t get the updates direct from Google. Don’t forget the Nexus 5 was on Sprint and T-Mobile and it was the exact same version from the Play Store with no added carrier stuff.
:rollseyes
Galaxy nexus…you should have known what I meant…
I would assume that all IMEI/MEID would be added, just like they were on Sprint (though it took Sprint a day or two to make sure that they were all in there properly. I had issues the day I received the device, but it was fine after a day or so).
That’s what I’m trying to find out – but no one has an answer to this. I’m still going to buy the Nexus 6 from the Play Store and hope that’s the case.
I’d say it’s pretty likely. The spec sheet for the model sold on the Play Store has the Verizon bands, so I’d say it’s a safe bet. I’d hope that before they go on sale, it will be clarified.
I would wait until the nexus 6 is available to buy, then contact Verizon. They are the only ones who know the answer to your question. They usually don’t allow unlocked devices on their network. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they would require you to buy it from them directly.
If they were to refuse to activate an N6 from the Play Store and insist you buy the exact same thing directly from them, why would you continue doing business with them?
Anyone remember about 3 months ago or so when Verizon released their survey of bloatware – and then made mention of the fact that they’re planning on instituting a bloatware download at phone activation?
Yep, don’t put it past Verizon to sully your pure Nexus experience with their worthless sh*t.
Bloatware that is installed a activation time can be uninstalled, so it’s better than the usual pre-installed, can’t be uninstalled garbage. But yes, they shouldn’t be doing that to Nexus devices.
LTE changed all this. Their system still requires a valid Verizon IMEI to provision, but if you have an ACTIVE nano SIM, you are golden. Nexus 6 has all the CDMA and WCDMA (HSPA/GSM) bands needed for our carriers, as well as North American LTE bands. If you are coming from another Verizon LTE phone, just pop that SIM into the Nexus and you are ready to go. Just make sure it’s a nano, or that you cut it down to nano size or it won’t fit.
Will buy straight up from Google Play if ATT gets to add bloatware to it. This slows down the updates to users and they always lock the bootloader, forget that. I wasn’t going to get another nexus because of the crap speakers in the nexus 5, changed my mind when they announced the 6 though. Its finally a premium built device from Google that I’ve always hoped for.
Don’t tell people that its finally a nexus device that doesn’t make sacrifices… people will complain about its price.
Several outlets have reported it will, as well as Verizon’s logo being included among the other carriers on the official Nexus 6 page.
See my post below – there has been nothing on the Play Store version working with Verizon, only that Verizon will be offering the phone.
Why exactly would Verizon offer a phone that cannot be used on its own network?
I never said that. Let me break this down for you…
Google is offering the Nexus 6 through the Play Store.
Verizon is going to offer the Nexus 6.
I want to know if the Nexus 6 from the Play Store will work with Verizon, not whether or not Verizon will have a Nexus 6.
Considering its the same exact hardware, I can’t imagine why not.
(And its probably the reason why you see a $650 price point too)
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/10/15/the-nexus-6-will-come-in-two-versions-for-the-americas-and-rest-of-the-worldhere-are-all-the-supported-bands/
Apparently there’s only one version; all the carriers and Google will be selling identical devices (in America, at least).
Which I already knew – the big question is whether or not the devices purchased from Google Play will have their IMEI/MEID whitelisted for Verizon.
Yes, it’s a messed up mess…T-Mobile and nexus 5, got messy with the same situation. Spinning people in circles activating the phones , and refusing to activate it if you bought it from Att because of the IMEI not in their list.
Why would you need them to activate it? It’s GSM. Just put the SIM card in.
Here’s how you get around that regardless. It is a similar situation for using an iPhone 6/plus from T-Mobile on Verizon: If you already have a provisioned active nano SIM from Verizon, it will work in the phone. I’m not positive of whether Verizon will see it as a phone but they will see your SIM and it should work perfectly. Again, this is the case with the iPhone 6 which, like the Nexus, only has 2 models and ATT, Verizon, and T-Mobile are the same SKU. The only difference is, though both Verizon and T-Mobile versions are totally unlocked, Verizon has a white list database for devices.
TL;DR: Model is same, if you have an active Verizon SIM, it will work with the Play Store model. Verizon’s system will see your SIM and not the phone. You however, cannot activate a new contract with a Play Store phone UNLESS the play store model gives you a choice of Carrier (unlikely).
The Google play website said Verizon dude.
The Google Play website makes no mention of any carriers – you’re confusing that with Google’s Nexus 6 page.
However, see my post below – there has been nothing on the Play Store version working with Verizon, only that Verizon will be offering the phone.
There is one version for all North American carriers (including Verizon).
If you are buying the Americas of the Nexus 6, then it will work on every single US carrier.
Does the display have a Pentile Matrix? No one seems to be able to answer this.
It is likely, since the Moto X 2014 uses pentile.
At 2K it shouldn’t matter.
Most amoled displays on these devices use pentile sadly :(
I believe it’s full RGB. Don’t quote me on it though
I was just over at iverge and they a hands-on video of the Nexus 6 (and for that matter the Nexus 9). Why do they have access to the device while Android sites don’t? Any Android site would have done more justice to the phone than what iverge afforded it.
the verge has turned into a den of Apple iniquity. I cannot even hold my nose to visit that website anymore.
So is BGR.com, everything they write about is Apple. Disgusting. Lol
I mostly agree to this, but there is one particular guy who does a fair review of all devices. I can’t remember his name. He does most reviews though. Did he review the Nexus 6?
Maybe if the Android sites went to Google’s headquarters like verge did, they too would have access to the device. Notice how brief the hands-on were.
Is there a notification light? Or, does the phone have the ability to show notifications (Like the Moto X’s previous ActiveDisplay, given that the screen is AMOLDED?), while idle?
I’ve been trying to find this out for a while. Love the notification light on my nexus 5.
LightFlow FTW! Though, I am envious sometimes of my Fiance’s OG Moto X notifications.
I WANT BOTH!
Well..as much as I love lightflow! And I do. I doubt the app can install a LED light onto the phone :(
But the Nexus 6 might have a LED light? I have no clue. Nor do I care though, because I am not getting it. Happy with my Moto X (2014)
Hey, its not too late to sell your Moto X, and use the money towards the purchase of a Nexus6, the cost difference won’t be too much!
It should be using Ambient Display, which is as I understand it, a rebranded ActiveDisplay. The device does not have an indicator LED.
I’m still wondering if the 64GB will be available from carriers
I am not sure where I read it but I believe that T-Mobile would be carrying just the 32GB version. I really hope that’s not the case.
in the long run you’ll spend the same money buying it from google or tmobile. so you might as well buy it from google.
You can’t possibly spend the same money if the 64GB version is not available from carriers. Buying from a carrier like T-Mobile means your phone would have wifi calling but it also means you would be limited to the 32GB variant only (if the article I read is accurate).
Des Smith confirmed on Twitter that T-Mobile will stock both the 32GB and 64GB models of the Nexus 6. Pricing for the 32GB version is set at $649, and that model will be available to order online, and in stores from November 12. The higher capacity model has a full retail price (set by Google) of $699. Sadly, you won’t be able to pick one up in store. It’s going to be available online only.
Thanks Harold. I read that also.
The tweet I read today said that they will have the 64GB available on the 12th online
Yep! Saw something about that too earlier today. ☺
Will the Nexus 6 have an IR Blaster? Just thought I’d ask.
No, it doesn’t have an IR blaster. Sorry.
Here’s to hoping that the play store nexus will work on Verizon. If I’m dishing out 650 for this thing, you better believe the money is going to Google and not VZW
Dude tmobile is the only way to go, jump in a year to 64 bit.
I’d love to, but unfortunately I live in the woods of North West Connecticut. Their wifi calling does look interesting tho.
I was in Oregon a while ago and was without cell signal, so I understand. WiFi calling is great, you can’t tell the difference. What’s cool is it works the same anywhere in the world when your in wifi.
There’s one model for all North American carriers, so yes, the Play Store version will work on VZW.
Can someone tell me if this is 64 bit? I assume not or unknown since I don’t see it here.
No, the snapdragon 805 is still a 32-bit quad-core processor.
Only the Nexus 9 Nvidia Tegra k1 Denver is a Dual-Core 64-bit processor.
The snapdragon 810 will be a 64-bit Octa-core processor.
Whys nobody mentioning the always on voice activation??
Is that really included? or is that only when the screen is turned ON?
For your pleasure, here is a direct quote from lollipop changelog
OK Google
Easy access to information and performing tasks
Even if your screen is off, you can say “OK Google” on devices with digital signal processing support such as Nexus 6 and Nexus 9
From what I researched the Snapdragon 805 is 32 bit, should I even be concerned it’s not 64 bit? I’m thinking about taking the plunge from the iPhone 6 plus. Why should I wait for features Android has now?
The difference between 32 bit and 64 bit in mobile processors isn’t too drastic NOW. In the future it could be more important to have a 64 but processor. For the next 2 to 3 (maybe even 4) years, 32 bit should do just fine. You’ll get very similar performance from both the nexus 6 and iPhone 6 plus even with the difference in processor
If you really want 64 bit, the snapdragon 810 will be out next year but the 805 is a VERY good processor despite it not being 64 bit
If you want 64bit on Android the only option right now is the Nexus 9 and Exynos 7 versions of the Note 4 once it receives Android L which will probably be months away.
Today’s smartphone apps would benefit very little, if at all, from 64 bit. That’ll change eventually, but for the time being there’s little reason to hold out for 64 bit processors.
I’m curious what features do you like in the Nexus 6 that are not in the iPhone 6+ ?
Multiple screens, customization, placing widgets where I want, better notification handling?
How long do you normally/plan to keep this device? I ask because, personally, I buy a new device around once a year. Smartphones aren’t going to benefit from 64 bit very much at all for 2-3 years at the very earliest. If you plan on keeping a single phone for 3ish years then you may want to stay with 64bit. If you plan to upgrade within the next year or two, then I wouldn’t worry about it
Normally every two years with AT&T however I’m thinking about switching over to T-Mobile but if I buy the phone wouldn’t be more expensive if I change phones everyone year? How do you do it?
oh, and the Nexus 6 does support Qi wireless charging.
Reason enough to pay this much for an open OS device eh?
this is an article for the people whom didn’t believe me on the z4. http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/10/20/xperia-z4-specs-leak-rumors-2015/
I’m using the note 3 right now and it is an awesome phone. Going to the Nexus 6 won’t be a problem at all. People think it’s too big but I’m here to tell you once you try it you won’t go back. The other thing is since I’ve been using the note 3 my 7″ Nexus tablet and my Asus 10.1 transformer are seriously neglected. On the note 3 I do everything my tablets do and better. So for me the Nexus 6 is a slam dunk. I will slightly miss the note 3 stylist, but the adventure of the Nexus 6 will compensate for that.
Totally agree. I too have the note 3 and all those people saying that they’ll never see the need for a huge screen obviously haven’t tried one out yet haha
I agree about the bigger screen, but having a phone that big in my pocket all the time is a legitimate issue. I love using my OnePlus One, but carrying a phone that large is not enjoyable.
Do you have dude jeans? Cause I’m a dude, and the opo in my pocket is comfy.
Why do people always insist on making the same stupid comments? I can fit the thing in my normal, boot cut jeans pocket. An 18 sq. inch slab of glass and plastic that’s constantly in your pocket just gets uncomfortable after a while.
It’s not stupid if you had the motive to bring it up in the first place. I can fit a wallet and a cellphone in one pocket without it being “that” bad.
No… Commenting that you have no problem carrying all of that crap in one pocket is fine. Asking if I have “dude jeans” is stupid.
I think that is the realization people are coming to. I want interface always connected device to be go to. I don’t want 2 devices and a laptop. It is overkill and unnecessary for most people. I have several tablets and they don’t get used very often.
A friend of mine has the Note 3 and she let me use it for a bit. At first it was awkward to hold and navigate as there’s so much screen. But after about 20 minutes I was completely used to it. It was like riding a bike for the first time without training wheels. A little scary at first but once you get the hang of it, you never go back.
Really guys it’s not THAT bad. I’m not a big guy either with monstrous hands. Despite the rumors and trolls you don’t need to be Kareem Abdul Jabar to grip this. Granted I’m comparing the Note 3, but The Nexus 6 should be in the same ballpark.
Is like:
Size – check
Cpu – check
Gpu – check
Memory – check
Rom – check
Design – check
Screen – check
Headphones – ????
Size – Too big for most.
CPU – Disappointing, Apple, Samsung and nvidia now using ARMv8
GPU – Disappointing, Adreno 420 GPU is only a small increase over Adreno 320 but with higher resolution, regardless still slower than Apple nvidia offerings
Memory – Whoop Dee Doo.
Rom – Whoop Dee Doo
Design – Whoop Dee Doo
Screen – Resolution is too high, hurts performance and Battery life, otherwise it’s good.
I think this sums up the the Nexus 6
shut up. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Stop trolling. There is only one other device with the same availability on us carriers with these specs and that’s the note 4. So shut the hell up and stay off the nexus 6 articles if you have no interest in it.
Hes not trolling, he cant afford it- nobody gets this upset over a phone that most people want and that every review is going gaga over- Watch he will post a review now that isnt gaga.
Don’t care about reviews, generally don’t bother with them. If I do I go straight to the benchmarks whether it be performance, battery life or camera quality, the rest is just opinion which I can do without.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion like you said, so no I won’t “shut up”. :-D
GREEN!!!
Don’t forget that it has a Nano SIM, not Micro like most of the other Androids
I believe my moto x has an a nano sim so I believe I’m good to go for this phone
yup, you are good
What about sound quality compared to HTC One M8?
Do you really need to ask? it’s a Nexus device so it won’t be the same quality.
It has a front-facing stereo speaker too… The Nexus 6 isn’t sub-par anymore, haven’t you heard?
And? your assuming the speakers are same quality because their also stereo? Don’t be silly now.
Sounding like a troll to me. Nexus devices always are the most up to date phones when they come out. Don’t kid yourself, Google knows what it’s doing.
Last Nexus device so they just thought “what the hell”.
Latest Android SoC? Nope, latest Android SoC for mobile is Exynos 7 which uses ARMv8 and supports 64bit (Once it received Android 5.0)
ZZZzzzz
Your post point to obvious envy issue. Green much?
If I wanted one I would order one, not interested but thanks.
My current phone is good enough for the next 6 months.
Qi charging???
Yes qi charging
Finding it difficult to find anything interesting about the Nexus 6, performance is pretty weak compared to the iPhone and latest nvidia SoC.
Display resolution is pointless, just hurts performance and battery life, waste of time.
Camera is average at best, pretty much what you want expect from a Nexus phone.
Size is a huge put off, not sure I want a mini tablet in my pocket.
It’s just not worth it, overall the performance is the same as the Nexus 5 with a few mostly minor improvements and an unwanted size increase.
I understand they have to use whats available in terms of hardware but maybe it time manufacturers other than Apple and Samsung developed their own SoC as well as other components as this doesnt stand out at all, disappointing.
Sounds like you’re not finding it difficult trashing a phone it seems you haven’t even tested? If you like the phone and it fits your needs, how can that be a bad thing? My first smart phone was a Windows Mobile with Sprint, it did what I wanted and I moved on to the iPhone 3gs, 4 and then 5 with the bigger screen. I personally wanted a bigger screen and features I don’t have to wait to use. If I go with the iPhone 6 plus I’d be an early adopter/beta tester for them to figure out what it should have been and then you’ll see the 6s Plus. I feel pretty constricted with the iPhone and would like to see what Android L has to offer. Not to say I won’t like it but I’m going to give it a chance and from what research I’ve done, the Nexus 6 is a great looking phone that will do what I want and I hear it has an improved camera, which I hope guys like Phandroid and Pocketnow will confirm along with watching their reviews. Oh, Qi wireless charging too, I want it already!
Why do I need to test it? That’s what the internet is for.
Besides we already have devices on the market with Snapdragon 805, this isnt going to be any different, other than the fact it runs stock Android.
Almost everything on this device is used in some form or another elsewhere so I don’t understand what your getting excited about.
There is NOTHING really new here,
Going from an iPhone to 6 inch display is a huge increase, enjoy but performance is worse than a iPhone 6.
Well, I woudln’t say nothing is new. I mean 5.0 is pretty new. Correct me if I’m wrong, and I’m not, besides the preview editions, there are no other devices running it.
That’s software not hardware, on ARMv8 Android 5.0 is a big deal due to 64bit support and ARMv8 optimizations.
Other devices will get this eventually, no rush especially if your using the older ARM architecture.
Remember, software can be updated, your stuck with the hardware which isnt that great.
If you don’t like the n6 then don’t buy it.But don’t sit there and say that it isn’t worth buying because it’s worth as much as any other high end phone out there.Everybody thats bitching about this phone is doing so because google isn’t giving it away
Don’t tell me what I can and cant say, thanks.
#sickburn
Points for irony!
@harold: I hope you understand that the only person on this forum that can tell people what they can and can’t say in Martin Lane.
Damn right, oh wait…
nothing terribly awesome about the Nex6, the addition of more (L)ockdown from the OS (allegedly) and there not being any internal expansion basically makes it a no-go.
Not popular to say here, but how about a collective “middle finger” from the Nexus/Android community on this pricing model? If you don’t think missing removable battery, missing microSD card expansion, and missing digital stylus is reason enough TO PAY LESS? Then I ask what’s wrong with your common sense and or logic. Explain why you think an “open OS” device is worthy of Apple/Samsung pricing…wait for it..it’s middle finger time!
Everything is a tradeoff. If you’re willing to get lesser resolution, battery, screen size – then just buy the previous Nexus. It’s still available.
The Nexus One had a 3.7″ screen and a $529 price tag. The pricing for later Nexus models (Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus) was relatively similar. It really wasn’t until the Nexus 4 that a Nexus phone was released with a price that was significantly lower than similar non-Nexus phones.
Well I currently hav the Samsung galaxy mega 5.8 and both nexus 6 and the galaxy mega hav pretty similar physical dimensions. Only minor differences are there between the physical dimensions. The nexus 6 is 3.3 mm shorter, 0.5 mm wider 1.1mm thicker and 2grams heavier than the galaxy mega. So it is a pretty good phone to help get a rough idea about the nexus 6’s size. I personally find the galaxy mega comfortable and easy to use even using just one hand. It’s not overwhelmingly big in hand. Hope this helps out for people looking to get a rough idea of the exact feel of the nuxus. Point to note the galaxy mega has a flat design so the nexus 6 will be a bit more comfortable and will have a more premium feel to it.
You must have giant hands to be able to easily use that thing with one hand.
Well my hands are about average size. 18cm in length and 9cm wide. And I’m pretty sure once you use the”big” phone at the start it’ll fell huge but after that it’ll become a breeze to use. And there are perks to having a big screen. You can watch movies and play games and read books and browse the internet with ease!!
As much as I love pure android, I can’t justify spending top dollar on a phone without the top dollar bells and whistles (especially the ir blaster, which is an absolute life saver when you work in a sports bar) … looks like I’ll be holding out and waiting for either the LG G4 or the HTC M9 and flashing cm12
Yeah I love the IR blaster. I usually turn off or change the channels at bars myself
Assuming they aren’t both locked down.
Unlike LG,Samsung and sony google doesn’t make tv’s.
My Note 3 remote works fine on my Sharp tv
I need to know total screen on time & if the camera is better than my Note 3.