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HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: LG Nexus 5X versus Motorola Moto X Pure Edition

Andrew Myrick
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2

We’re smack-dab in the middle of a heated smartphone release cycle which means consumers have some really great new devices to choose from. If you are in the market for a new device, the next few weeks will provide you with a number of excellent models to consider. Two such handsets are the LG Nexus 5X and the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition.

The Nexus 5X is the newer of the pair, however there’s only a couple of weeks separating them. In other words, we might as well consider them both brand new. Let’s take a look at what makes up these two and see how they stack up against each other. To do so we’ll start with a head-to-head chart from our friends over at Graphiq.

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Software

As you likely know, hardware isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to picking out a smartphone. Software plays an important role in helping decide which model might be best for you. To that end, the Nexus 5X comes out ahead because it runs the absolute latest in Android.

Dubbed 6.0 Marshmallow, the newest release brings about a number of new features and native support for others. Google Now On Tap, for example, provides contextual answers and information to users without any effort. Other goodies found in Android 6.0 include support for USB Type C charging and fingerprint verification.

Perhaps one of the best features is the new way in which Android will hibernate apps and services to prolong battery life. As we all know, whether it’s fast charging or wireless, batteries could always use some help.

App permissions get smarter and more intuitive with Android 6.0, too. Customers will find that they have more control over which permissions are granted on an app; developers win with a better user experience that doesn’t ask for all of these requirements ahead of launching the app.

Either phone is going to give you a stock, or near stock software experience that is clear of any bloated carrier-backed apps. The Nexus will likely win in the long run with what expect to be more timely software updates, however Motorola has proven to be quite supportive of its older models, too. Really, it’s hard to go wrong with either one.

Customization

Although the Nexus 5X comes in three color options for 2015 (Carbon, Quartz, Ice), the advantage still belongs to Motorola. Thanks to its Moto Maker tool, the Moto X Pure Edition can be designed with more than 1,000 color, accents, and even back cover finishes. If you are looking for a phone that is uniquely you, you won’t beat Motorola.

Storage capacity

The Moto X Pure Edition is offered in three storage options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. As for the Nexus 5X, it comes with only 16GB or 32GB capacities. Depending on your needs, and how much you rely on cloud backups and storage, this could be a moot point. Since both devices have options for 16GB or 32GB, the winner here is the Moto X Pure Edition due to the fact that you can go up to 64GB of storage. Additionally, the Moto X also offers microSD card support, so that sets the LG Nexus 5X a little bit further behind.

Camera

If you are the kind of person who looks strictly at specifications, the Motorola camera bests the one found in LG’s phone. But, until you see actual photos and consider your own needs, the jury is still out. We’re very curious to see how the 1.55 micron sensor looks, especially for low light conditions. As for not having optical image stabilization, that’s a bold move on Google’s part.

Around front, the battle is pretty equal due to the 5-megapixel sensor in the LG Nexus 5X while the Moto X Pure also includes a 5-megapixel shooter. Because of the fact that they are both 5-megapixel, this battle may come down to overall performance in regards to which can take the best selfie.

Battery

The Moto X Pure takes the cake in the battery department, but not by too much. The LG Nexus 5X features a 2750mAh battery, while the Moto X Pure Edition is sporting a 3000mAh battery. We’ll see how well Android Marshmallow does with their Doze settings, and if the latest version can really extend battery life by that much. Keep in mind, Motorola is usually right behind the Nexus devices with software updates, so it may not be too far off before Android Marshmallow makes its way to the Pure Edition.

Availability

You can pick up the Moto X Pure Edition from Motorola.com and pair it with any major service provider. This is essentially the same thing you’ll find in the Nexus line as Google sells it through its own store.

Price

Perhaps one of the most important aspects in purchasing a smartphone, the overall cost often determines if a phone is “too rich for our blood”. Moreover, it’s price that helps us determine whether a certain feature is worth spending the cash or if we’re actually content with a little less.

The Moto X Pure Edition starts at $400 for the 16GB model with 32GB coming in at $450 and the 64GB option at $500. If you opt for a premium finish case (leather or wood), then look to add another $25 to the cost. The Nexus 5X starts at $379 for the 16GB model, with the 32GB variant coming in at $429. Either way, you’ll be saving some money with the Nexus 5X compared to the Pure Edition.

Other important aspects

Indeed, each phone has a few details that help to separate them from the rest of the pack. The Nexus 5X comes with a fingerprint reader on the rear, which is used for security and authentication. Depending on what you plan to do with your smartphone, this could be a make-or-break factor.

Something else worth noting, the Nexus 5X comes with a USB Type C charger. Why is that important? Well, we venture to guess you’ll need to get some new cords and chargers for the house and car if you plan to juice up throughout the day. This means some added cost to the bottom line. The Moto X Pure Edition still uses the micro USB port for charging and works with every single one of those cables we’ve collected over the years.

Summary

Which phone is right for you? We can’t answer that for you. You’ll have to weigh what’s important to you decide if it’s worth the extra money to go with the Nexus 5X. And, really, it’s not as if you have to settle for a Moto X Pure Edition. We simply love that phone and will gladly recommend it to anyone and everyone. LG seems to have stepped up their game for the Nexus 5X, hoping to repeat the cult-like following that the 2013 Nexus 5 received.

The Nexus line is one of our favorites in all of smartphones and we’re super pleased to see LG partnering with Google again for 2015. It’s only a matter of time before we see these two devices in a hands-on head to head comparison, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Note: Portions of this post’s content is also used in other head-to-head comparisons.

Nexus 5X and 6P: Moving forward with a couple steps back

Josh Noriega
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What would a phone launch be without an AndroidGuys impression? Even more so, a duo Nexus phone launch. Everyone now knows the full scoop (and the barrage of leaks can thankfully stop). As the dust settles, I’d like to know to how Nexus fans received the news. I know one thing:  everything wasn’t perfect in Nexus-land, and it still isn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, we did get some stellar devices. And the Nexus 5 sequel happened, which means that Google listened! That in itself is such a good thing.

Each new Nexus phone is a top-performer. The Huawei-made Nexus 6P has a more-reasonably sized 5.7″ display (compared to the monstrous 6″ screen in last year’s Nexus 6). It has a considerable battery at 3,450mAh. The latest USB Type-C port includes super fast charging (unlike the OnePlus 2). The fingerprint scanner is speedy and doesn’t require you to turn the phone on first (unlike Galaxy devices).

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The LG-made Nexus 5X scales very nicely for it’s cheaper pricetag. The inferior Snapdragon 808 SoC will make little difference compared to the 810 (although, the 2GB of RAM is a little tough to swallow). We have the same important features of the Nexus 6P:  12.3MP (1.55 µm pixels) rear sensor, USB Type-C port, and fingerprint sensor.

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All this is fine and dandy, but I just can’t get past the fact that Google stepped backwards in a couple ways.  One of those is minor (at least I hoping) – the exclusion of OIS on the rear camera. Google claims that the larger pixel size of the sensor (which lets in more light, not unlike HTC’s Ultrapixel approach) negates the need for OIS. I’m not completely convinced on that, but I will give Google the benefit of the doubt until we get a review unit.

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The other nag is a bit more bothersome. Did you hear any mention of wireless charging in the Nexus announcement?  It’s because neither phone has it.  If this is the first time you’re hearing this, I’ll give you second to collect your jaw from the ground.

Google created the wireless charging phone, with the Nexus 4.  And every Nexus phone had it since then.  Why on Earth would Google abandon the future?

You may argue that fast wired charging makes wireless charging pointless, because it’s slow. That doesn’t mean you abandon it. That means you work to improve it. Look at what Samsung did recently, the Note5 and S6 Edge+ have fast wireless charging.

And what are you supposed to tell everyone that invested in wireless chargers everywhere in their home, car, and work?

/rant

Do you agree with my view of the launch?  Are you satisfied or disappointed with the Nexus of this year? Sound off in the comments below!

GoGroove BlueSYNC RST Alarm Clock Speaker review [with coupon code for our readers!]

Josh Noriega
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0

[dropcaps]I love when products evolve to keep up with the times. With the success of the smartphone came the death of some dedicated devices for many people, such as the compact camera, mp3 player, and home phone system. Also, remember the days you had a dedicated alarm clock by your bedside? Where you could satisfyingly slam on the snooze button whenever that dreadful sound started up?[/dropcaps]

Well, GoGroove is trying to see if that dedicated alarm clock could make a comeback, packed with a multitude of modern functionality. Allow me to introduce the BlueSYNC RST.

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At its core, it’s an alarm clock, but it doubles up as a bluetooth speaker. And for another modern touch, you can effortlessly tap your phone on the top of the device and quickly pair via NFC (if your smartphone has it – I’m looking at you OnePlus). Let’s check it out.

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Design

The design of the RST is fairly basic. We essentially have a cube (almost). Display is on the front, controls are on the top, speakers fire from the sides, and I/O is on the back.

The build is plastic, as one would expect. It’s a suitable plastic; I don’t get a feeling of cheapness or that the device will fall apart whatsoever. Although, it’s just meant to sit in one place, primarily being an alarm clock. GoGroove has been in the accessory game for a while, and quality with this device meets expectation.

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I like the feel of the plastic up top, which is great because this is where you’ll interact with the RST the most. It’s a smooth, soft-touch material. The buttons are large, which I appreciate, so they’re clear to tell apart and easy to press. They also have a satisfying click when pressed.

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Most of the buttons are clear to their functions, such as the “Zzz” to snooze, volume up/down, or power button. For a couple of them, such as the “S” button, a quick look at the manual got me up to speed (it’s a Source selection button). The NFC button stands out most of all, distinctly colored in blue.

The display on the front is big and bright. The font is in a digital clock form and has a blue-hue. The different functions light up as they’re activated, such as Bluetooth pairing or a set alarm. No complaints here, the display does its job.

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You may have noticed a small structure sticking out from the top. It is conveniently a smartphone/tablet dock. GoGroove did not forget the fact that your phone is still going to be by your bedside, so there’s a nifty place for it to rest.

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While this is a nice and thoughtful addition, I wish GoGroove would’ve incorporated wireless charging somehow. This could’ve been a significant selling point. There is a wired way to charge your phone, via a USB outlet from the back of the RST. Just bear in mind you may need to rest your phone horizontally on the dock, if the placement blocks your microUSB port.

Functionality

There is a slight learning curve for setting up the alarms and settings, but nothing a quick look at the manual doesn’t solve. There are two alarms, which is great for redundancy in my case. I’m a heavy sleeper and sometimes don’t remember turning off the alarm.

I had a slight hiccup with getting connected the first time. I placed my phone on the NFC symbol, but it wasn’t pairing. I figured out that you have to press the power button first (then the bluetooth symbol lights up), and then you can pair. I’d argue that the RST should automatically turn on bluetooth as soon as it detects an NFC contact. After all, the point is to be effortless and intuitive. But it was a minor hiccup.

Setting the alarm is another area I wish was a little more intuitive. When you press the button, it shows “rad” on the display. Press it again and it shows “bu”. I didn’t know what to think of it. Looking in the manual and you’ll find that those are two different sources of which to wake you, “rad” for radio and “bu” for a buzzing sound. You then press “Source” to be able to start setting the alarm time with the +/- buttons. Not the most intuitive system.

As expected, there are buttons to control playback:  Previous track, next track, pause/play, and volume. You can also answer/end calls. GoGroove included a remote with the RST. It’s a nice addition if you mess with the device a lot and don’t want to keep walking up to it. It is compact and includes control for all the functions.

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On the rear we have a USB port (to charge your phone/tablet), Aux In (if you prefer to use a wired audio signal), time setting button, volume buttons, antenna (for FM radio), and power input.

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The bluetooth range is great. I managed to get about 50 feet before the signal started cutting out.

Sound Quality

The RST has considerably sized speakers, which shoot out from the sides. This isn’t GoGroove’s first crack at bluetooth speakers. With that in mind, I can say that the sound quality was good. It won’t blow you away or replace your more expensive sound system. It gets the job done.

There is considerable loudness, it is good at filling the room. The sound quality is a little on the thin side, but not too bad. Bass is particularly done well in my opinion. It can deliver a satisfying punch.

When I held my ears close to the speakers, I can hear a little static. It may have to do with the antenna, because this thing can also output FM radio. But when giving it a little distance, the music takes over and it’s clear.

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Final Thoughts

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The GoGroove BlueSYNC RST is an interesting device. It’s been a while since I’ve had a dedicated bedside clock. The modern touches add new life to the purpose.

Once I learned how to set it up, it was smooth sailing from there. Although, I would urge GoGroove to make it even simpler, since you might meet some hesitance in asking people to go back to the old ways.

I don’t see everyone buying into this concept, but if you listen to music in your bedroom a lot, the RST should be a consideration. I like how well the sound fills the room, the ease of mind from a redundant alarm, and nice place for my phone to sit.

*GoGroove was kind to include a discount code for our readers (purchasing the RST through this Amazon link). Enter “RSTSAVER” at the checkout and it’ll get you $10 off.  The discount only lasts until Monday, Oct. 5th.

HTC announces One M9+ Aurora Edition, Butterfly 3 for international markets

Josh Noriega
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Google obviously stole the spotlight this morning with its barrage of announcements, but HTC had some things to say as well.  We’ve previously heard about HTC’s event in Japan, and suspected that variants of the top-end One M9+ and Butterfly J would be discussed (rather than the One A9, which was just teased).  Turns out those rumors where true.

One M9+ Aurora Edition

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Looking past the silly name, we essentially have a One M9+ with upgraded camera abilities.  The sensor is bumped up to 21MP from 20MP.  This may sound like an unnecessary upgrade, but it appears that the real value is due to HTC switching sensors.  We now have OIS on-board.

Additionally, to aid focusing speed, HTC forwent the depth-sensing duo camera for a laser autofocus.  The camera already has Phase-Detection Autofocus (PDAF), so now it switch between them to make best of the situation.

Other than this, we’re looking at a very similar device as the standard M9+:  5.2″ QHD display, MediaTek Helio X10 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD expansion), and 2,840mAh battery.  The One M9+ Aurora Edition was only announced for Taiwan, arriving on Oct. 5th for NT$20,900 (~$630).

Source: HTC

Butterfly 3

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The Butterfly 3 is a rebranded Butterfly J (previously offered in Japan only).  This will be an “international” variant.  It holds a lot of HTC’s top-end specs this year, but cheaper due to it’s plastic body.

The Butterfly 3 still has the secondary duo sensor on the back for depth control with images.  The main rear sensor is 20MP with OIS.  You’ll also notice a significant sensor on the front, which will provide 13MP high-res selfies.

Other specs are a 5.2″ QHD display, Snapdragon 810 SoC, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD expansion), and a 2,700mAh battery.  Also, this guy is rated for IPX5 and X7 water and dust resistance.

The Butterfly 3 will first launch in Taiwan on Oct. 20th, with the promise of other markets in the future.  However, I wouldn’t hold your breath to see it overseas.  It is priced at NT$19,900 (~$600).

Source: HTC

What is Nexus Protect?

Josh Noriega
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Today, we finally heard all the details about Google’s duo of Nexus phones.  One interesting detail that may have slipped by is Nexus Protect – Google’s new insurance program for ease of mind when choosing a Nexus.  Everyone seems to have insurance in some form or another, let’s go over Google’s approach.

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Nexus phones come with a one year warranty against hardware failures by default.  With Nexus Protect, Google up’s that to two years.  Also, you’ll have two years to not worry if your butter-fingers let you down and cause your precious phone to fall to its death.  If this does occur, Google states that you’ll get your replacement as early as the next business day.

Google says that the program will protect your phone up to 2 incidents.  Although you purchase the insurance when buying the Nexus phone, the claims won’t be handled by Google.  They’ve partnered with Assurant Solutions, so this is where you make the claim.

However, note that if your device malfunctions on its own in the first year, you still call Google (according to their support documentation).

The cost of the insurance is proportional for the Nexus phones.  The price to cover the cheaper Nexus 5X will be $69, while the more expensive Nexus 6P will run $89.  There is a deductible, at $79 a claim.  It seems like that deductible price applies to either Nexus phone.

Another interesting fact is that the coverage stays with the phone.  Therefore, there’s no complication if you sell the phone, and it can even be a selling point to the buyer.

What do you think about Google stepping into the phone insurance game?  Are the prices reasonable?

Source: Google | Google Support

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Organize your phone using File Expert with Clouds

Austin Hyde
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If you are an Android power user, then you know how important a good file manager is. Unfortunately, most OEM’s file managers are pretty basic. They give you the ability to move, copy, and delete files, but lack more advanced features. Today we’ll be taking a look at File Expert with Clouds.

File Expert with Clouds overview

File Expert with Clouds follows Google’s Material Design. This makes the navigation for the app simple and easy. There is the standard sidebar menu that contains your settings, disk analyzer, and account upgrade options.

The home screen is the first thing that you will see. This screen is set up in a feed format. This is a unique take on accessing your files. In the feed are customizable shortcuts to various  parts of the app, recently added photos, a news article or two, and advertisements.

There are also 3 other tabs that you can slide between. The categories tab is where you will spend your time managing your files. There are 3 sections to this tab. The first section is your basic file manager.

Of course, you can copy, paste, and move files around, but you can also compress folders into Zip files, create shortcuts to files on your launcher’s home screen, tag files, and add files to your favorites section.

The next section is for the advanced features of the app. This is basically where you will find files that you have tagged, placed in favorites, and put in the recycling bin.

The last section is for categories. This basically organizes your apps into categories. The categories are Apps, Gallery, Music, Video, Documents, and Compressed files. This makes it easy to find files that would fit into one of these categories.

The next tab over is the Clouds tab. This allows you to access your files in various cloud-based services. The Gcloud service comes preinstalled within the app, but for any of the other services, you will need to install an additional plugin. One of the impressive things about the app is how many different cloud services are supported. Supported cloud services are Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, SugarSync, Yandex, MediaFire, Vdisk, and Kdrive.

The last tab is tools. In tools, you’ll find Safebox, a tool that will allow you to secure certain files on your phone. Super Downloader is a tool to help you manage your downloads. FTP Server allows you to access your files on your desktop computer. Memory Manager allows you to place limits on how much memory apps can use, with 4 presets you can select or manual sliders that you can adjust to your taste.

Other options include an FTP and SMB client for browsing networked file locations. There is also a Web PC Suite download that is a stand alone app by the same developer. File Expert with Clouds integrates with the app and allows you to transfer files between other devices and platforms.

The basic account is ad supported and gives you all the basic functionality of the app. There are 3 other versions that are paid.

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Professional Version $2.99

  • Remove all ads
  • Secure file locker
  • Retrieval of deleted files
  • Unlimited file tags

Premium Version $6.99/mo

  • Adds to Professional Version
    • 1T of Gcloud storage
    • Support for Dropbox data sync
    • Login required to use app

Flagship Version $19.99/mo

  • Adds to Premium Version
    • 5T of Gcloud storage

File Expert with Clouds setup

In order to fully be able to utilize the potential of the app, there are a few additional steps that you will need to follow in addition to downloading it from Google Play. Those steps involve downloading the plugins required to use your favorite cloud services and network locations. From there, you will need to login into the various cloud services that you use.

File Expert with Clouds usage

I found File Expert with clouds very easy to use. At first I wondered why they wouldn’t just bake the plugins into the app, but realized that this was probably a way to save space on your phone without compromising the functionality of the app.

The one thing that I had trouble with was moving files from one location to another. I tried to consolidate some videos on my SD card into the same folder, but I was greeted with an error message everytime I tried. I was able to delete files and use every other function of the app without any problem. I’m not sure what the hang up was. I even tried it in multiple locations. I was able to get it to work on my 1st gen Moto G, but for some reason it didn’t want to cooperate with my Asus PadFone X.

I also liked that they included a root explorer functionality.

What we liked:

  • Feed
  • Cloud services integration
  • Material design

What could be better:

  • Include the functionality of the plugins into the app

File Expert with Clouds summary

If you’re looking for a feature-rich file manager and you use a lot of cloud storage then I highly recommend that you download this app. I was initially a little underwhelmed, mostly because I am very happy with my current file manager. But as I delved deeper into the app, I was left feeling very impressed and contemplating whether I would make the switch or keep what I have. What do you think? Are you going to give the app a shot? Let us know in the comments below.

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HTC will unveil its newest One smartphone on October 20

Scott Webster
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HTC on Tuesday confirmed it will announce its next One smartphone at a virtual event later this month. Scheduled for October 20, it will be revealed at a “virtual event” online, rather than in person.

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As to what we will see revealed, it looks like we’re in for HTC’s first Android 6.0 Marshmallow smartphone. Rumors as of late suggest the One A9 (Aero) could be the new “hero” device. And, considering the recent report that it might launch with the latest in Android, we’re inclined to believe it even more.

Early leaked specs were initially suggesting a rather high-end experience but we later learned it may be a much more modest experience. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing as today’s mid-range smartphones have proven to be quite adept.

You can bookmark htc.com/launch and return to it in a few weeks time, but we’ll also shoot out some reminders.

HTC

Huawei Nexus 6P specs and details

Scott Webster
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0

LG Nexus 5X specs and details

Scott Webster
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0

Google introduces the Android-powered Pixel C [with hands-on]

Josh Noriega
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3

So looks like the leak yesterday turned out true.  Today, along with a handful of other exciting devices, Google announced the Pixel C – an Android-powered Pixel-branded tablet.

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So what’s so special about it?  Well, a lot actually.  Firstly, being a “Pixel” device, we have superb build quality.  It’s wrapped with an all-metal aluminum chassis.

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From certain angles, the Pixel C will be familiar to Microsoft Surface users, and that’s not a bad thing.  We’re looking at a modest 10.2″ sized display, which is said to be considerably bright, capable of 500 nits.  The resolution is at a fantastic 2560×1800 (308ppi).

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Running the show is Nvidia’s latest SoC – the quad-core X1 with Maxwell GPU and 3GB of RAM.  You’ll have the option for 32GB or 64GB of on-board storage.  The latest USB Type-C standard is also incorporated, along with Android 6.0 Marshmallow

But the real fancy part comes in with the keyboard attachment.

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The build is just as thought-out as the Pixel C and attaches seamlessly via a very strong magnetic (you have to slide the tablet off the keyboard to separate them).  The keyboard is chiclet style and has a kickstand mechanism for the tablet, which you can adjust from 100 to 135 degrees.

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While the keyboard accessory is said to last 2 months on a full charge, it can also charge inductively through the tablet when they’re attached.

The Pixel C has a couple more neat tricks.  The Pixel light bar isn’t just for show.  When you double tap it, you’ll get a battery indicator.  Also, there are 4 mics to make sure you make the most from video chatting, and they’re said to work across the room.

Being that this tablet is a “Pixel” device, you may be worried to hear about the price.  Fortunately, it isn’t as exorbitant as previous Pixel devices.  The Pixel C will start at $499 for 32GB and $599 for the 64GB of storage.  The keyboard accessory will be priced at $149.  As far as availability, Google said that the Pixel C will arrive in time for the holidays.

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Are you gonna keep your eye on the Pixel C, or is it still too expensive?

*A special thanks to our own Derrick Miyao for attending the Google event and getting us a hands-on look.

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