Detailed Report on Nexus 6
Introduction
The Nexus 6, released in November 2014, marked a significant evolution in Google’s Nexus lineup. Co-developed with Motorola, it introduced a larger screen, premium build, and flagship performance. Positioned as a phablet, it catered to users who sought a pure Android experience with powerful hardware.
Design and Build
The Nexus 6 stood out with its bold and robust design.
- Material: Aluminum frame with a polycarbonate back.
- Dimensions: 159.3 x 83 x 10.1 mm, offering a substantial feel.
- Weight: 184 grams.
- Colors: Midnight Blue and Cloud White.
- Build: Curved back with water resistance for added durability.
Display
The Nexus 6 boasted a large and vibrant display.
- Type: 5.96-inch AMOLED.
- Resolution: Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) with a 493 PPI pixel density.
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Performance
Equipped with high-end hardware, the Nexus 6 delivered flagship-level performance.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 (Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450).
- GPU: Adreno 420 for top-tier gaming and graphics performance.
- RAM: 3 GB LPDDR3.
- Storage Options: 32 GB and 64 GB (non-expandable).
- Operating System: Launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop, upgradable to Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
Camera System
The Nexus 6 featured an improved camera for the series.
- Rear Camera:
- Resolution: 13 MP with f/2.0 aperture.
- Features: Optical image stabilization (OIS) and dual-LED ring flash.
- Video: 4K recording at 30fps.
- Front Camera:
- Resolution: 2 MP, sufficient for basic selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging
The Nexus 6 excelled in battery performance and charging technology.
- Capacity: 3220 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery.
- Charging:
- Turbo Charging support (up to 6 hours of use from a 15-minute charge).
- Wireless charging compatible with Qi standards.
Connectivity and Features
The Nexus 6 offered robust connectivity and modern features.
- Network: 4G LTE support.
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.
- Bluetooth: Version 4.1.
- NFC: For mobile payments and sharing.
- Ports: Micro-USB (USB 2.0).
Software Highlights
Being a Nexus device, it delivered a clean, bloat-free Android experience.
- Material Design: Introduced with Android Lollipop for an enhanced user interface.
- Performance Enhancements: ART runtime for faster app execution and improved battery efficiency.
- Google Integration: Seamless access to Google services like Assistant, Gmail, and Drive.
Pricing and Availability
- Launch Price: $649 for the 32 GB model and $699 for the 64 GB variant.
- Availability: Sold through Google’s online store, carriers, and retailers globally.
Reception and Legacy
The Nexus 6 received praise for its display, performance, and pure Android experience. Critics appreciated the inclusion of Turbo Charging and the premium design but pointed out its large size and lack of expandable storage as potential drawbacks. It set the stage for future Pixel devices while appealing to phablet enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Nexus 6 blended powerful hardware with the latest Android innovations of its time, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts. Its combination of performance, display quality, and software reliability solidified its place as a standout device in the Nexus lineup.
