Google Nexus 6 review

Google's bigger Nexus compares to Apple's iPhone 6 Plus

Google Nexus 6 review
Moto X's bigger brother

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The Nexus 6 is bigger and newer than its competition, but it's not a clear cut victory. If new and big always won the tech race, Samsung would have the best smartwatch every 3 months.

Here's how Google's new trend-setting Android stacks up to existing iOS 8 and Android KitKat devices in the phablet category.

Nexus 6P

Nexus 6P

Google's latest Nexus has a similar screen size as the Nexus 6, but there have been some big changes everywhere else. Google chose to employ Huawei as the manufacturer of the latest phablet and it paid off.

It looks great with a fingerprint sensor on the back and a brushed metal premium design all over. Both screens are QHD meaning you're going to get a gorgeous picture across the Nexus 6P and the Nexus 6, but the processor set up is a little better on the latest phone.

The camera on the Nexus 6P is quite improved as well with better shots in low-light. It's a great choice but it's going to cost you quite a bit as well.

iPhone 6 Plus

Nexus 6 review

Apple went bigger with the iPhone 6 Plus and while its 5.5-inch display is king among iOS 8 devices, its specs don't match what benchmarks set by Google and Samsung.

It still looks incredible with a 1920x1080 resolution display 401 pixels per inch that meets full HD standards. It defines ultra-thin and redefines what an 8-megapixel camera can do.

The big iPhone's best feature is iOS itself. If you're locked into Apple's ecosystem with iMessages and iCloud, and don't want to ditch Touch ID, this is a satisfying phablet. Plus, most of Google's software is available in Apple's App Store.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Nexus 6 review

A lot of people are deciding between the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Nexus 6. Was it worth holding out until Google released its new phone?

There answer comes down to which features you want. The Note 4 comes with a advantages like the S Pen stylus that some people want phone that's a large 5.7 inches.

It also boasts multitasking, a fantastic camera and runs circles around most Androids when it comes to benchmarks. A microSD card slot and replaceable battery are must-haves for a lot of people too.

If you can deal with TouchWiz, the backward-facing speaker and the phablet-sized price, then it's something to consider over the cheaper, pure Android Google Nexus 6.

LG G3

Nexus 6 review

LG G3 is a little more manageable as a two-handed Android thanks to its 5.5-inch display. I can wrap my hand arounds its chassis without even stretching my fingers.

It's still in the same quad HD resolution category as the Nexus 6 and sports a similar curved backside. But the smaller screen and brush-metal plastic back aren't as striking as Google's 6-inch behemoth.

That's okay. The LG G3's laser autofocus and price more than make up for this. The camera and price out-do the even smaller Galaxy S5.

Nexus 5

Nexus 6 review

Since Google has discontinued sales of the Nexus 5 in the lead up to the NExus 6 launch, this is more of a "Do I upgrade early or hold tight for the Nexus 7" - oh wait, that already exists.

You get the point. Again, it depends on what you care about. The Nexus 5 is getting Android 5.0 Lollipop, so the interface is going to match what you see here.

The differences comes down to the size, obviously, the stylish design and the camera. Nexus 5 was rightfully criticized for its less than stellar performance last in 2013.

Nexus 6 passes the camera quality test and every other benchmark we threw at it. If those things are important to you, think about an early upgrade.

Matt Swider