Nexus 5x (2015) vs Nexus 5: What We Know Right Now

At this point it’s pretty clear that Google plans to release at least one new Nexus smartphone this year, with rumors pointing towards a late September announcement and release date. That being a new 2015 Nexus 5, also known as the Nexus 5x. If rumors are accurate, here’s how the new Nexus 5x will compare to the original Nexus 5 released in 2013.

Earlier this summer reports about the Nexus for 2015 arrived, revealing that Google could be planning to release two Nexus phones this year. One made by LG to replace the Nexus 5, and a bigger 5.7-inch smartphone by Huawei that would replace the huge Motorola Nexus 6. We’ve since seen photos of both, renders based off of info sent to case manufacturers and more.

Read: Nexus 5 2015 Leak Reveals All

Over the past few weeks we’ve continued to receive more and more images of the reported new Nexus 5x, as well as different angles, comparison shots next to the original Nexus 5, and even brand new photos today showing off an all-new “Mint Blue” color for the 2015 Nexus 5. Read on for everything we know, and what’s changed compared to the 2013 model.

With all of these reports and rumors in mind, we want to compare the original Nexus 5 to what could be coming later this month as a replacement. As far as we know Google will be making the new Nexus 5x, a new 2016 Nexus 6, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow official on September 29th, and putting them up for pre-order the same day. That means this new phone is coming sooner rather than later and buyers need as many details as possible.

The Nexus 5 was a great smartphone that wasn’t the best, but did a little of everything, and was priced to sell being just $349. It was so popular that it sold out in minutes, and was in and out of stock for months. This year we’re expecting more of the same now that LG made this new Nexus, and rumors have suggested the price will be very aggressive. Here’s how the two compare.

Display

The original 2013 Nexus 5 had a decent 5-inch 1080p HD display, but the viewing angles and colors weren’t all that great. One area many manufacturers skimp while trying to hit a low price point is the display, and LG did exactly that.

However, two years later and we have much better technology. The new Nexus 5x for 2015 will reportedly have a bigger 5.2-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD Display (some rumors suggest 1080p again) and be around the same size, if not smaller than the original thanks to slim bezels around the entire device.

We don’t have too many other details regarding the screen at this time, and rumors have been back and forth regarding what the resolution will be. We’re also hearing it will use LG’s P-OLED technology. This means it may be flexible or slightly curved like the LG G4, and be very durable and resistant to scratches or damage. Either way, a bigger 5.2-inch Nexus 5x is coming soon.

Specs

The screen will be bigger, but that isn’t the only thing potential buyers can expect. In fact, the new 2015 Nexus 5 will be much better in every way. Again, rumors have been back and forth regarding the specs, and some suggest one thing, while others report something else. That aside, here’s the latest information, and how it compares to the Nexus 5 from 2013.

Nexus 5 (2013) Specs

– 5.0-inch 1920 x 1080p Full HD Display
– 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 Quad-core with 2GB of RAM
– 16/32GB internal storage
– Android 4.4.4 KitKat (Now on Android 5.1.1)
– 8 Megapixel camera with OIS, 1.3 front shooter (single LED flash)
– Bottom facing speaker
– Plastic design
– 2,300 mAh battery

Nexus 5x (2015) Specs

– 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080p P-OLED HD Display (could be Quad-HD)
– 8-core Snapdragon 620 Processor with 3-4GB of RAM
– 32 and 64GB of internal storage
– 13 megapixel F1.8 camera with OIS and Laser Autofocus (like the LG G4)
– 4 MP front camera
– 3,180 mAh battery with wireless charging (Other Rumors suggest 2,960 mAh battery
– Rear power button with a built-in fingerprint scanner
– Dual Front-facing speakers
– USB Type-C Connector with Quick Charging Technology
– Aluminum Frame with Matte Black Plastic back (like the original Nexus 5)
– more

As you can see above, the new Nexus 5x is much better all around. It has a powerful 8-core processor with more RAM for improved performance, a highly improved camera that should be capable of great photos similar to the LG G4, and a huge increase in battery life.

Some of most anticipated features are the fingerprint scanner on back, which will work with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android Pay, as well as the easier to use USB Type-C charging and sync port, which works both ways and is universal.

If Google and LG can deliver all this for roughly the same price point, this should be another excellent smartphone here to end the 2015 smartphone season.

Nexus 5x (2015) Release Date

The next most important aspect of this smartphone is the release date, which again, we’re hearing is September 29th. Google will reportedly hold an event in California to unveil both new phones, and officially start rolling out Android 6.0 Marshmallow to existing Nexus devices.

Each new Nexus for the last 2-3 years has arrived with the next version of Android. The Nexus 5 debuted with Android 4.4 KitKat. The Nexus 6 debuted with Android 5.0 Lollipop. And the new Nexus 5 (or Nexus 5x) will debut with Android 6.0 Marshmallow near the end of the month, but may not start shipping until mid-October.

Nexus 5x Price

So how much will this impressive new Nexus 5x cost? We’re not sure, but again, rumors are pointing towards a price similar to the original Nexus 5, or slightly more considering it has a fingerprint scanner, better screen, bigger battery, and new dual front-facing speakers.

The Nexus 5 debuted for $349 with 16GB and $399 for the 32GB. Then last year the Nexus 6 was $649 for the 32GB and $699 for the 64GB. It’s now been discounted to $499 and $549, but still very expensive. Google doesn’t want to make that same mistake, and the new Nexus 5 will be priced to sell.

The Nexus 5x (2015) will reportedly try to hit the same $349 and $399 price point. Or be $399 for the 32GB, and $449 for the 64GB. However, we’ve also heard some bad news that suggests Google will stick to the same 16/32GB options, but these days 16GB simply isn’t enough, so we’ll have to wait and see. Will you be buying the new Nexus 5x, the 2015 Nexus 6, or learning towards the new Moto X Pure Edition? Drop us a comment below.