Nexus 6 vs Galaxy S5: High-end Android phones compared

Samsung Galaxy S5[Photo credit: Samsung]

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is currently in the market and has been yielding patrons since April this year. On the other hand, the beasty smartphone a.k.a Nexus 6 is looking at a November release. The former proved to be another Samsung feat, but how will it compare when put side by side with the upcoming Motorola-made monster handset?

Smartphones put up against the Nexus 6 are rendered small most of the time. The Samsung Galaxy S5, for instance, looks tiny with its 5.1-inch screen on top of its Super AMOLED display at 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution. Why wouldn't it be the case? The Nexus device has a monstrous 5.9-inch display and allocates quad HD resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. With the bigger device at 493 ppi, there's unspoiled graphics in brilliant magnitude. The Samsung device has 432 ppi, which is already impressive for something of its breed.

The Samsung flagship is just another top-quality smartphone encased in a dimpled plastic exterior, although the matte-effect finish makes it look classier than its forerunners. Nexus 6 also looks supreme with a plastic backside and metal enveloped in the band.

If greater dimension is priority, Nexus 6 is no doubt winning. The mammoth machine is intimidating at 160 x 83 mm. The smaller device is at 142 x 73 mm. Add 184 g when carrying the former around and have it light with the latter at 145 g.

With a more powerful processor, the Nexus 6 should perform faster. The Nexus device holds a Snapdragon 805 quad core processor at 2.7 GHz complemented with 3 GB of RAM. The Samsung Galaxy S5 accommodates 2 GB RAM and is powered by a Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor clocking in at 2.5 GHz. The Nexus 6 runs the newest OS update, Android 5.0 Lollipop. The Samsung Galaxy S5 uses KitKat for the time being.

Nexus 6Google

Nonetheless, the Samsung device can knock out the gigantic Nexus device with its richer features.

Starting off with the battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a top-notch performer in this department with a 2800 mAh battery. The Nexus 6, as Google announced, allows 9.5 hours of Internet usage with its 3220 mAh. However, when it comes to charging, Nexus 6 is equipped with fast charging technology that can get 6 hours of battery power in 15 minutes.

Next big thing is the imaging capabilities. Both feature a 2-megapixel selfie snapper. However, a 16-megapixel rear shooter is solely a major S5 flaunt. The Nexus 6 sports a good 13-megapixel rear camera. More vibrant shots however, are promised with dual LED flash, something Galaxy S5 lacks and Nexus 6 fortunately possesses.

Users won't find a neat fingerprint scanner and a reliable heart rate sensor in a Nexus 6, only in Samsung Galaxy S5. A light splash protection is expected of the huge phone but a killer IP67 water resistance is already a thing with Samsung Galaxy S5.

Nexus 6 will be available in 32 GB and 64 GB which will come in black and white variants. The Samsung Galaxy S5 has 16 GB and 32 GB models in gold, black, white and blue. Users can get the Nexus 6 for $649 as a starting price. The Samsung Galaxy S5 is at $510.