LG Nexus 5X All Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The LG Nexus 5X boasts a minimalist design with a focus on functionality. It features a plastic frame and back which contributes to its lightweight build of 136 grams. The dimensions 147 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm make it comfortable for one-handed use, a quality that has become increasingly rare with modern smartphones. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering a degree of durability against scratches and mild impacts.

Display

The Nexus 5X features a 5.2 inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 423 ppi. This ensures crisp and vivid visuals, making it suitable for high-definition content consumption. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 70.2%, ensuring ample display real estate for the user.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 chipset, which is built on the 20nm process. The hexa-core CPU comprises 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 and 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57 cores, paired with the Adreno 418 GPU for handling graphics-intensive tasks. Though it only comes with 2GB of RAM, the device manages everyday tasks competently, though users might face challenges with highly demanding applications or extensive multitasking.

Camera

The main camera of the Nexus 5X is a 12.3 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, featuring Laser Autofocus, which facilitates faster focusing speeds in photography. It supports 4K video recording at 30fps, providing versatility for both photography and videography. The dual-LED dual-tone flash assists in low-light conditions, enhancing photo quality. The front-facing 5 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture is decent for selfies and supports HDR alongside 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Audio and Connectivity

The Nexus 5X offers a single loudspeaker and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which remains a significant feature for audio enthusiasts. In terms of connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and Bluetooth 4.2. The device also includes GPS with GLONASS support, NFC for contactless payments, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable 2700 mAh Li-Po battery, the Nexus 5X provides a decent battery life, considering its hardware specifications. The device's endurance rating stands at 60 hours, allowing users to comfortably get through a day's usage with moderate activity. However, power users might find themselves needing a midday recharge.

Operating System and Updates

The Nexus 5X launched with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) but is upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo). As a Nexus device, it was one among the first to receive Google's software updates and security patches during its support period, ensuring users always had access to the latest Android features.

Storage and Memory

The phone comes in two variants: 16GB and 32GB of internal storage, with no option for storage expansion through a microSD card. The lack of expandable storage may be a limitation for users who require substantial storage for their applications and media files.

Sensors and Features

The Nexus 5X includes a host of sensors such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and a barometer. These sensors aid in enhancing the functionality and user experience, from secure unlocking to augmented reality applications.

Conclusion

Overall, the LG Nexus 5X stands as a testament to Google's vision for an affordable smartphone that delivers a pure Android experience. While its hardware may seem dated compared to more recent models, at its release, it offered a balanced performance that catered to both casual and somewhat intensive users. However, the lack of expandable storage and certain modern features could deter some potential users in today's market. Nevertheless, it remains a significant device in the legacy of Nexus smartphones, often remembered for its software-centric approach and design ethos.