Nexus 6: Revisiting Google’s Bold Phablet Experiment
Released in late 2014, the Nexus 6 marked Google’s ambitious entry into the phablet market. Manufactured by Motorola, it was the first Nexus device to embrace a large-screen format, aiming to compete with the likes of the iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note series. Nearly a decade later, how does the Nexus 6 hold up in terms of performance, design, and relevance?
Power Under the Hood: Specs That Once Stood Tall
At launch, the Nexus 6 was a powerhouse. It featured a Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 3220mAh battery. These specs allowed it to handle multitasking, gaming, and media consumption with ease. It was also the first device to ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop, showcasing Google’s Material Design and offering a pure Android experience free from bloatware.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB (non-expandable)
- Display: 5.96-inch QHD AMOLED (2560×1440)
- Battery: 3220mAh with Turbo Charging
- Camera: 13MP rear, 2MP front
- OS: Android 5.0 Lollipop (upgradable to Android 7.1.1)
- Build: Plastic back with metal frame
CNET’s review praised the Nexus 6’s performance and clean software experience, especially for Android purists.
Design and Display: Big, Bold, and a Bit Awkward
The Nexus 6’s 5.96-inch AMOLED display was one of the largest on the market at the time. It delivered vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption. However, its size made one-handed use nearly impossible, and its weight (184g) added to the bulkiness. The plastic back, while durable, lacked the premium feel of competitors like the iPhone 6 Plus or HTC One M8.
| Feature | Nexus 6 | iPhone 6 Plus | Galaxy Note 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 5.96″ | 5.5″ | 5.7″ |
| Weight | 184g | 172g | 176g |
| Build Material | Plastic/Metal | Aluminum | Plastic/Metal |
| Resolution | 2560×1440 | 1920×1080 | 2560×1440 |
The Verge noted that while the display was stunning, the overall ergonomics were less than ideal for everyday use.
Camera and Multimedia: A Step Forward, But Not a Leap
Compared to previous Nexus devices, the Nexus 6 made significant strides in camera quality. The 13MP rear shooter featured optical image stabilization and dual-LED ring flash, producing decent results in good lighting. However, low-light performance was mediocre, and the 2MP front camera lagged behind competitors.
- Rear Camera: 13MP with OIS and dual-LED flash
- Front Camera: 2MP (no flash)
- Video: 4K recording at 30fps
- Audio: Dual front-facing stereo speakers
- Media Playback: Excellent display and sound quality
- Streaming: Smooth performance on YouTube and Netflix
- Storage: No microSD slot, limiting media storage
- Photo App: Basic Google Camera UI
TechRadar highlighted the camera’s improvements but noted it still fell short of flagship standards.
Battery Life and Charging: Turbo Boost, But Not Enough
The Nexus 6 featured a 3220mAh battery and supported Motorola’s Turbo Charging, which could deliver up to 6 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging. However, the QHD display and powerful processor drained the battery quickly, often requiring a midday top-up for heavy users.
Users reported mixed results—some could stretch a full day with moderate use, while others found themselves reaching for the charger by late afternoon. The lack of wireless charging and removable battery were also drawbacks.
Android Authority emphasized the fast charging feature but criticized the overall battery endurance.
Software Experience: The Beauty of Stock Android
One of the Nexus 6’s biggest selling points was its software. As a Nexus device, it ran stock Android with no manufacturer skins or bloatware. This meant faster updates, smoother performance, and a cleaner interface. Android 5.0 Lollipop introduced Material Design, which was a visual overhaul that made the OS more intuitive and modern.
- OS at Launch: Android 5.0 Lollipop
- Final Update: Android 7.1.1 Nougat
- UI: Stock Android, no bloatware
- Security: Regular updates during support period
- Customization: High flexibility with launchers and widgets
- Performance: Smooth and responsive
- Google Services: Deep integration with Google Now, Maps, and Gmail
- Developer Support: Popular among ROM developers
BBC Technology covered the launch of Android Lollipop and its impact on user experience.
Longevity and Relevance Today
In 2024, the Nexus 6 is undeniably outdated. It no longer receives official updates, and many apps have dropped support for older Android versions. However, for tech enthusiasts or collectors, it still holds nostalgic value. Some users flash custom ROMs to keep the device functional, while others use it as a secondary media device.
| Aspect | Nexus 6 (2024) | Modern Midrange Phone | Flagship Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Outdated | Moderate | High |
| Battery Life | Poor | Good | Excellent |
| Software Support | None (official) | 2–3 years | 5+ years |
| Camera Quality | Basic | Good | Excellent |
| Display | Still sharp | High refresh rate | Premium OLED |
While the Nexus 6 can’t compete with today’s devices, it remains a symbol of Google’s willingness to experiment. It paved the way for future Pixel phones and helped define what a pure Android experience should be.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Worth Remembering
The Nexus 6 was far from perfect—it was bulky, had average battery life, and its camera didn’t wow. But it was bold. It introduced Android Lollipop with flair, offered a clean software experience, and dared to go big when others played it safe. For many Android fans, it was a gateway to customization, development, and a deeper appreciation of Google’s vision.
If you still have a Nexus 6 lying around, it might not be your daily driver, but it’s certainly a piece of tech history worth holding onto.
FAQs About the Nexus 6
- Is the Nexus 6 still usable in 2024? Yes, but with limitations. Most modern apps may not run smoothly, and security updates have ended.
- Can I install custom ROMs? Absolutely. The Nexus 6 has a strong developer community, and ROMs like LineageOS can breathe new life into it.
- Does it support 5G? No. The Nexus 6 only supports up to 4G LTE.
- Is it worth buying today? Only for collectors or enthusiasts. For daily use, modern budget phones offer far better value.
For more on Android history and legacy devices, check out Android Central’s retrospective.
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Nexus 6: A Giant That Helped Shape Android’s Future
Whether you loved it or found it unwieldy, the Nexus 6 was a turning point. It showed that Google could push boundaries, and even if the execution wasn’t flawless, the ambition was undeniable. In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the Nexus 6 remains a bold chapter in Android’s story.