The downside is that it will require you to unlock your phone if you have a passcode PIN or pattern, which we always recommend, so its usefulness is hampered.
The Nexus 5 will recognize the phrase "OK Google" when you're already in Google Now, and from there you can give it similar commands to ones you'd make for the Moto X.
When it comes to being touchless, we would give the Moto X the edge for its ability to hear your voice even when the phone isn't active. It also has a feature that knows when you're driving, so you can have your messages read to you.
Another huge feature, at least for us, is the Moto X's Active Notifications. Without having to touch your phone, the Moto X will display your notifications if it detects sound or movement, so you can glance at the time and all of your missed notifications without having to unlock your phone.
You can also attend to certain notifications right away, and the difference is simply between swiping up or down from the lock screen.
It might sound like Active Notifications are for the lazy, but it certainly helps manage distractions. When the Nexus 5 buzzes, you have to reach for your phone and unlock it to see whether you have to attend to something or not.
With the Moto X, when you get a notification, they all remain on your Active Notifications display, so you can decide when to get to them.
For the Nexus 5, having Google Now always on and just a swipe to the left is convenient if you like Google Now. You'll always have real-time info when it comes to weather, your calendar events, travel and transit times and options, sports scores and more. Of course, the Moto X has Google Now, too, but the Nexus 5 gets a dedicated home screen for it.
Nexus 5 vs. Moto X: Which should you buy?
After comparing a few of the big differences and features between the two devices, it's time to decide which one to buy.
Of course, this is only a decision you can make for yourself. We're hoping that we've provided you with enough info to know which one is right for you.
The Nexus 5 will likely be one step ahead when it comes to getting Android updates from Google. Its specs make it future proof, the display is gorgeous, and it's the cheapest high-end smartphone you can buy unlocked and off contract.
The Moto X has a little more soul, something other powerful smartphones like the LG G2 lacks, and its physical design seems a little more human-friendly. Its UI still makes it feel like a Google-y phone, and its battery life is excellent.
You can also customize the Moto X to your liking, with many color, name and engraving options. The Nexus 5, on the other hand, comes in only black or white.
We're always left feeling unsatisfied when we read or write comparisons that end in, "It's so hard to decide, they're both great," but that's exactly how we're going to end this. You really can't go wrong with either device, and both have their perks and faults.
In the end, what matters to you is what's going to guide your decision. Need great battery life? Get the Moto X. Want a big display? Get the Nexus 5. That can go on and on, so good luck with your purchase decision and try not to sweat it so much!
