Build quality perception when coming from iphone?

[Ticojpunk]

I'm currently on an iPhone 6. Before that I briefly had a Note 4. My build quality expectations have increased as a result since my days on the LG Optimus V and Exhibit II.

I don't mind plastic phones as long as they are built well and smartly designed. Any current/former iPhone or high-end Android users using the 5X?

I'm whole heartedly prefer the size of the 5X over the 6P, but I'm concerned about just instantly being let down by the feel, build, buttons, etc.

 

[eaccentsac]

I'm currently on an iPhone 6. Before that I briefly had a Note 4. My build quality expectations have increased as a result since my days on the LG Optimus V and Exhibit II.

I don't mind plastic phones as long as they are built well and smartly designed. Any current/former iPhone or high-end Android users using the 5X?

I'm whole heartedly prefer the size of the 5X over the 6P, but I'm concerned about just instantly being let down by the feel, build, buttons, etc.

Wow. Quality is pretty darmn subjective....

I'll say this:

• the seams are even and tight
• the volume buttons and power button have a little wiggle (front to back of phone direction) but pressing them produces a solid/definitive response
• the screen, at 1080p, is crisp and clear and can be very bright
• charging/data port is a snug, firm fit with the cable connector
• microphones seem to work just fine as everything that I talk to says that I sound very clear (I ask!)
• speaker is rudimentary--it works fine for sounds like notifications and ringtons, but don't expect the sound to be nice...I find it tinny and lacking in depth (the Moto X Pure has waaaay better sound AND dual speakers) and I'm the furthest thing from an audiophile.
• SIM card slot works as expected
• have NOT tested headphone jack yet as I usually use BT headsets (which produce excellent sound from this phone)
• sensors all seem to work fine (gyro, proximity ... haven't noticed anything NOT work)
• wifi radio works fine
• GPS radio works fine
• have NOT yet tested NFC with Android Pay

Other than my 1st Android (the original LG Optimus), this is only my 2nd LG device. I've had Motorola devices for the last handful of years. I'd say the 5x is built well by MY standards. No phone is perfect, and in the overall scheme of things, I really have no complaints ... This is the best phone for me this year.

 

[mportuesisf]

I own two iPads (1st and 2nd gen Minis), and Apple's build quality is better than every other Android device I've owned. The Nexus 5X is my fourth Android phone, and I've owned even more Android-based tablets over the years.

Personally, I think for devices like these, build quality is overrated. All these devices are future junk; their useful lifetime is bounded the moment they are unboxed. A year or two from now, maybe three at the most, you'll buy a replacement and dispose of your old phone or (like me) put it in a drawer where it never gets used again.

I'm not saying that we should settle for low quality, things like bad connectors that will wear out quickly or low-quality displays. But I really feel the emphasis on premium materials and build quality is overrated, given that we currently treat smartphones and tablets as disposable devices.

All that said, I'm finding the fit and finish of the 5X to be completely acceptable. It's plastic, but it doesn't look or feel cheap.

 

[Rutling]

I'm coming from an iPhone 4s (yes ancient). So I can't compare to current models, but I will say I'm more impressed with the Nexus 5x in person that I thought I would be based on some reviews. Yeah, it's plastic, but I'm not finding any "creaking". Also, the weight is different than I thought it would be - it feels just right to me (not as light as I had anticipated).

As far as loose buttons, first off, there are fewer mechanical buttons (which is a good thing to me). I'm really not finding them necessarily loose/wiggly. I can shake the 4s and the power button makes a noticeable rattle (always has). Same with the 3gs before that. Like I said, I can't speak for recent versions of the iPhone, but I don't see anything in the build quality of the Nexus that puts me off.

Hope that helps.

 

[rdavenp3]

I'm coming from an iPhone 6 plus. I think the build quality is very good on this device. Is it as good as the iPhone build quality? No, but comparing an $850 iPhone to a $429 Nexus is not a fair comparison. For this price point though, I find it more than acceptable.

 

[Ticojpunk]

I own two iPads (1st and 2nd gen Minis), and Apple's build quality is better than every other Android device I've owned. The Nexus 5X is my fourth Android phone, and I've owned even more Android-based tablets over the years.

Personally, I think for devices like these, build quality is overrated. All these devices are future junk; their useful lifetime is bounded the moment they are unboxed. A year or two from now, maybe three at the most, you'll buy a replacement and dispose of your old phone or (like me) put it in a drawer where it never gets used again.

I'm not saying that we should settle for low quality, things like bad connectors that will wear out quickly or low-quality displays. But I really feel the emphasis on premium materials and build quality is overrated, given that we currently treat smartphones and tablets as disposable devices.

All that said, I'm finding the fit and finish of the 5X to be completely acceptable. It's plastic, but it doesn't look or feel cheap.

Great post. You're very right about these being disposable objects, and we continue to treat them like long term investments.

One of the biggest appeals of switching back to Android for me is how much easier it is to sustain financially over the years vs iPhone. Because of the price premium you lose more in resale, even though people constantly say iPhone hold the value better. My $900 iPhone (with tax and AppleCare) is worth $450 right now after only one year.

 

[jonclegg]

Nothing about my 5x's hardware is as good as my iPhone 6+, the build quality, button action, screen, battery, speakers, camera are all worse. That said, I really like android better than IOS so I'm going to stick with android, but trade it for a 6p. I would prefer not to have a phone quite that big, but the screen and battery life improvements are worth it.

 

[marc539]

Like poster above said, all this stuff is really based on personal preference. No matter how great a device is there will always be people complaining about something. I lost my Samsung S6 and bought the 5x as an in between phone til the new Samsung (S7?) comes out. But quite honestly unless the Samsung model REALLY impresses me I'm keeping this. I'm extremely happy with the look/feel/performance of this Nexus. Just buy it, try it out, and if not satisfied just return it. This fad of who makes the prettiest phones is ridiculous to me. Unless you get a defective model the screen is good, build quality is sturdy, performs fast, camera is awesome, cell signal at least for me is excellent, and battery is about average. This coming from Samsung S6 user. Just my opinion.