Galaxy S6 vs Nexus 5 - somewhat unbiased opinion

[pbc]

So I recently picked up a Galaxy S6 from work to replace my Nexus 5 and have been using it sparringly over the last few days, as I haven't had a chance to put in the new Sim card into the S6 (has a smaller Sim than the Nexus 5).

So far I have to say, while the S6 is an awesome looking phone, if it was my money I'm not sure I'd bother with the upgrade. Some of the pros of the S6:

1. Looks/Quality of material - great phone, high quality parts
2. Camera - seems to take better pictures right from the start
3. Speakers - seem to be louder
4. More notification adjustments out of the box

Cons:

1. While the phone looks great, you may as well hold an icicle in your hand. That is how slippery this thing is. The Nexus 5 I could easily operate with one hand and not have to worry about it sliding around, the S6, not a chance. It's also a tad larger than the Nexus 5, making one handed operation a bit more difficult, exacerbating the slippery issue. So this phone will definitely require a case, rendering the build/looks somewhat moot. I am literally afraid when I hold this thing it's that bad. Have a case coming tomorrow so will see how it helps.

2. Samsung Bloatware - while not horrible, is still there and as a Nexus 5 user used to pure Android, it is quite annoying. I've actually switched to the Google Now launcher as I like it better, even though it doesn't have a landscape mode (really Google!?).

More or less the same:

1. Screen - slightly larger on the S6, but I can't say I am sitting back thinking "wow, this a nice upgrade".
2. Battery life - not so great, and I haven't even inserted the Sim card yet. Time will tell on this one but I doubt it will be much better
3. Snappiness - pretty much the same as far as I can tell.
4. Gaming - don't game much, but golf, clash of clans and a few other games seem to work the same. Haven't really tried graphic intensive games

Will update the thread as I use it more. But right now if it was my money, I can't say I'd bother with the upgrade. Having said that, my Nexus 5 was starting to freeze very often requiring reboots of once or twice a week. Google Chrome is now giving me "Aw Snap" issues almost daily on it even though I've tried all the workarounds (just haven't reset to default yet and started over). So maybe the phone after 2 years is starting to give up, or just needs a full refresh.

YMMV.

 

[belodion]

There's no doubt that the Nexus 5 takes some beating, even though no longer young. A version with a 3000mAh battery would be very hard to beat.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[pbc]

Well, after several more days of using the S6, I never in my life thought I'd say this, but man do I miss the Nexus 5 battery (and I never thought it was very good either, and had several issues with overnight drainage). The battery on the S6 is just plain brutal. Getting maybe 60-70% of the life I was on my Nexus 5 with the same applications installed and very similar usage. Have gone through the restore to default thing as well when I first got it as suggested by the S6 thread and disabled applications like Facebook and several others. Kind of funny, turning the smart phone into more of a dumb phone to get half decent battery life out of it!

BTW, comparing the screens, the S6 is definitely more "vibrant" colour-wise, similar to how you'd see a TV set up in "vivid" or Dynamic mode, and the black levels are better.

I still wouldn't suggest upgrading from the N5 to the S6 unless you have issues with it, or require a better camera, or just want a "better looking" phone (again, it will be the slipperiest phone you'll ever use, and you will need a case for it). I can't say the new phone is any faster or smoother for regular usage.

Really too bad Google went with another phablet in their Nexus 6.

 

[srkmagnus]

Well, the rumor mill suggests a refreshed Nexus 5 later this year . I'm still holding on to my Nexus 5 until I get a peak at the next Nexus.

 

[fabian bonifacio]

The s6 is an impressive device no doubt about it but theres something about google nexus running stock android that keeps me drawn to it, I'm really looking forward to the nexus 5 2015

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