HTC 10 vs Nexus 6P

[Slow_S10]

Has anyone had experience with both of these phones yet? I currently have a 6P and it is just about 99% perfect but I wish it was just a bit more compact. The HTC 10 seems to offer everything the 6P does, and it does it in a more compact package.

So my question is how do these phones compare in real life. Spec sheets never tell the whole story, is the HTC 10 as fluid and fast as the 6P? Is the camera comparable or possibly even better? Is the software on it easy to live with coming from a pure vanilla phone? Just thought I would throw this out there in case anyone had feedback and incase there is anyone else out there wondering the same things.

 

[joewoo]

Damn dude... Chasing that last 1%....

 

[petvas72]

I have also been thinking of making the switch to the HTC 10, but after a lot of thought I decided not too, mainly because of the following reasons:

• The AMOLED display of the Nexus in sRGB mode is great and I am afraid that the HTC 10 will not have such a good display
• Stock Android is great. I love the frequent updates and getting software directly from Google.
• The Nexus just feels right. It adjusts to my usage and it feels very personal. It is by far the best phone I have ever had.

I love HTC's premium design, but somehow I think it is better to stick with stock Android this time.

 

[anon(8938849)]

I came from a 6p. To me this is the perfect fit. I was never happy with the size of the 6p. I had a Nexus 6 before and that was way too big, and I was happy the 6p was a bit smaller but it still always felt a bit too big. And I actually prefer the fingerprint scanner on there front.

The HTC 10 is the perfect size so that my hand never gets cramped, and u don't miss the bigger screen. The display is actually fantastic on the 10. It has a vivid mode that really looks pretty saturated, and the blacks are very deep for an ips display. It also has NO light bleed of any kind thankfully.

The speakers are surprisingly good in my opinion too. Some people on here aren't very impressed with them but I disagree. I never had the 6p at the same time so I couldn't do a side by side, so I can't say that the volume gets as high, I'm just not 100% sure. But it gets plenty loud enough, and the sound quality is actually better. You get as much richer, deeper, more full sound from the 10. And because of the way they separated the highs and lows, you actually get the illusion of sounds traveling from left to right. It's crazy but it actually has more of a stereo effect than the actual stereo speakers of the 6p. VERY happy with the speakers.

As for cameras, again I couldn't do side by side. But I notice no diminish in quality. I was worried about losing camera quality because it's so excellent on the 6p. But I think it's pretty close. I have the Verizon version so I haven't gotten the camera update yet, once I do this should be very comparable. One thing to note is that this has ois where the 6p doesn't, so video is more stable and therefore better. The front has ois too and while image quality is just fine, video is nice and stable too.

Oh and the software is so close to stock it feels exactly like using a Nexus.

I love having the smaller form factor, even more premium, solid metal unibody (without huge antenna windows across the top and bottom of the back), fingerprint scanner that I can use on a table or in my car mount, SD CARD SLOT, super high quality audio output, Nexus like software... It's perfect.

 

[Slow_S10]

Damn dude... Chasing that last 1%....

The struggle is real! Lol But seriously I don't care what they say, size matters a lot.

I have also been thinking of making the switch to the HTC 10, but after a lot of thought I decided not too, mainly because of the following reasons:

• The AMOLED display of the Nexus in sRGB mode is great and I am afraid that the HTC 10 will not have such a good display
• Stock Android is great. I love the frequent updates and getting software directly from Google.
• The Nexus just feels right. It adjusts to my usage and it feels very personal. It is by far the best phone I have ever had.

I love HTC's premium design, but somehow I think it is better to stick with stock Android this time.

You nailed two of the high points that are keeping me with the 6P right now. The AMOLED screen and pure stock Android. I know screen tech is a hotly debated subject and tends to be split down the middle over which is better, but personally I fall into the AMOLED camp. I think honestly it is because I am partially colorblind (not even joking) so the extremely saturated and higher contrast AMOLED screens just look better to me.

I came from a 6p. To me this is the perfect fit. I was never happy with the size of the 6p. I had a Nexus 6 before and that was way too big, and I was happy the 6p was a bit smaller but it still always felt a bit too big. And I actually prefer the fingerprint scanner on there front.

The HTC 10 is the perfect size so that my hand never gets cramped, and u don't miss the bigger screen. The display is actually fantastic on the 10. It has a vivid mode that really looks pretty saturated, and the blacks are very deep for an ips display. It also has NO light bleed of any kind thankfully.

The speakers are surprisingly good in my opinion too. Some people on here aren't very impressed with them but I disagree. I never had the 6p at the same time so I couldn't do a side by side, so I can't say that the volume gets as high, I'm just not 100% sure. But it gets plenty loud enough, and the sound quality is actually better. You get as much richer, deeper, more full sound from the 10. And because of the way they separated the highs and lows, you actually get the illusion of sounds traveling from left to right. It's crazy but it actually has more of a stereo effect than the actual stereo speakers of the 6p. VERY happy with the speakers.

As for cameras, again I couldn't do side by side. But I notice no diminish in quality. I was worried about losing camera quality because it's so excellent on the 6p. But I think it's pretty close. I have the Verizon version so I haven't gotten the camera update yet, once I do this should be very comparable. One thing to note is that this has ois where the 6p doesn't, so video is more stable and therefore better. The front has ois too and while image quality is just fine, video is nice and stable too.

Oh and the software is so close to stock it feels exactly like using a Nexus.

I love having the smaller form factor, even more premium, solid metal unibody (without huge antenna windows across the top and bottom of the back), fingerprint scanner that I can use on a table or in my car mount, SD CARD SLOT, super high quality audio output, Nexus like software... It's perfect.

Thank you so much for your insights. Everything you just described is exactly why I have been leaning towards picking one up. Not only does it match the Nexus on most specs it surpasses it on several too. But like I was saying before specs don't always tell the whole story. For now this decision is still up in the air but your experience with both does have me considering making the switch even more. My main concern is just that major software updates are going to take significantly longer than with the Nexus... of course I could always wait to see what Google has in store for the next Nexus phone, because even if it ends up being the exact same phone as the 10 but with bone stock android that would be enough to push me over the edge into getting one... But that means waiting another 6 months or more.

 

[anon(8938849)]

Yeah the Nexus will definitely get much faster updates. Like I said, I got the Verizon one so I'm going to wait even longer. But I've personally reached a point where I'm not worried about getting updates first anymore. Marshmallow has all the features I want so I'm fine with it just the way it is.

There next Nexus is being made by HTC of course so it could have everything you want in one package. But considering the Nexus 9 that HTC made, there's no guarantees it will be as awesome as the 10 in the build department. And who knows if it will have 24 bit high res audio...

 

[anon(9408097)]

I think if you throw on the Google now launcher with the settings and the notification bar already stock-like, you'll have yourself a nexus HTC. What's left? The apps. You can get the apps too. And ummmmm the lockscreen is almost the same as well. Navigating through the UI would be the same except the animations. Keyboard of course can be the same too.

I think you have a winner in both phones you can make the HTC look and feel exactly like stock.

The display, well I think it won't be as vibrant and in your face like the nexus but sometimes it's a good thing to be that way. I think you'll enjoy the subtle elegance of the sober display.

I think you should go for it!

If it was me, I would get the HTC. Just for the size.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I've come from the Nexus 6P. There are definite advantages/disadvantages and subjectivity, so there's no clear cut answer.

What I like about the HTC 10 more:

- Seems faster/more fluid to use
- Screen is significantly better (much better whites, better sunlight visibility and better, slightly more natural colours)
- Better build and design. I like the curve of the back which makes it more comfortable to me
- Better camera both in performance and in software
- Battery life on the 10 seems every so slightly better than the 6P
- Headphone sound quality/volume is much better
- Speakers are of higher quality

Things I like about the Nexus 6P more:

- The fingerprint scanner is faster
- The speakers are louder (but quality not quite as good as the 10)
- Come stock with a better launcher (I think Google Now pane on the left is better than Blinkfeed, and it doesn't show ads on your lockscreen)
- Gets updates faster

I think if HTC make a 5.2" Nexus phone that is based off the 10, that would be spectacular, but I'm sure they'd screw it up somehow and give it a 2,800mah battery or something.

 

[anon(1733)]

I too would love to see a HTC nexus exactly like the 10. For me the 10 has been fantastic. I normally don't worry about software upgrades as I swap phones a lot anyway so I always end up with the latest. But I do enjoy the 10 over the 6p I had. And I loved the 6p just not the size.

 

[Slow_S10]

It may sound crazy but my main desire to upgrade is so that I don't have to upgrade quite as often. The HTC 10 brings a lot of very nice new features to the table that the 6P doesn't have, and while they would be nice to have they are nothing that I couldn't live without. My main concern right now is that I want what ever device I land on to be the one that I am going to be comfortable and happy with for at least a couple years. Which is why size and software updates are important to me.

Right now the 6P does absolutely everything that I need a phone to do and it does it well. Realistically I could see myself being content with its capabilities for a long time. Which to be honest it feels crazy to say this, because in the past every other device I have had always felt like it was missing at least one crucial thing... But with the 6P I genuinely feel like it has everything I need from a phone covered. However it is still just a little too big, I feel like I live in constant fear of dropping it because it is very awkward to use one handed. On the other hand I know without a doubt that this phone will continue to get timely updates for at least as long as I planed on keeping it.

The HTC on the other hand, the size is spot on. It is exactly where I need a phone to be, big enough to be useful but small enough to be easy to handle. All of the extra features that it brings to the table above what the 6P has just help sweeten the deal. Like I said before I can easily survive without them, but I have to admit that they would be nice to have. However to me the software is the big question mark. I have no fear that Google is suddenly going to go out of business, however with the way things have been going at HTC for the last few years that is a legitimate concern. In the past I have had an unfortunate habit of betting on losers and getting burned (here's lookin at you Palm/HP). I just want to have the reassurance that if this is a device that I intend on keeping for a few years that it is going to continue to be supported in the future. I easily get that peace of mind with the 6P... with the HTC 10, who knows. I mean if they are building the next Nexus phones, then I am hopeful for HTC's future, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will keep pushing important timely updates to their old devices either.

I think I am going to give it a little more time to get more first hand impressions from HTC 10 owners before making a final decision. However right now I am leaning so far towards picking one up that the only thing holding me back is the price. If this phone has been a couple hundred cheaper it would have been a slam dunk. But I can respect that they trying to compete more with the Samsung S7s and iPhones of the world than the 6Ps.

 

[anon(1733)]

I wouldn't worry about if HTC will be around long or not. I had the palm pre as well and I loved that little phone. Lol.

I buy a phone now based on the way it currently sits. I don't worry about future upgrades. What's to say that the next future upgrade adds or deletes features you don't want anyway so you don't upgrade. The way I see it is if I'm happy with the device as it stands right now I will get it. Even if it doesn't get upgrades later on I know I enjoy it. The 6p is a fantastic phone. I had one as well. I was put off by the size also. After long I got tired of lugging it around. The 10 has been the best all around device I have owned. Size is perfect. Screen is awesome. Battery is great and it charges fast. And the overall feel of Sense I enjoy.

I do understand why people look forward to future upgrades with their devices as most keep them for a long time.

 

[isdaako]

@Slo_S10 sounds like all you need to do is touch a 10 to tip you over the purchasing edge. Careful!

 

[petvas72]

Some other things I prefer on the Nexus 6P (but I am still not 100% about not switching to the HTC 10) are:

• 64GB of storage. Yes, with a storage card I can expand the storage on the HTC, but I prefer the way the Nexus handles things
• The ambient display. I have gotten so much used to it, that I do not know if I want to miss it
• The notification led displays much more colors than the HTC 10
• The display size is great for me

 

[SugarMouth]

I have also been thinking of making the switch to the HTC 10, but after a lot of thought I decided not too, mainly because of the following reasons:

• The AMOLED display of the Nexus in sRGB mode is great and I am afraid that the HTC 10 will not have such a good display
• Stock Android is great. I love the frequent updates and getting software directly from Google.
• The Nexus just feels right. It adjusts to my usage and it feels very personal. It is by far the best phone I have ever had.

I love HTC's premium design, but somehow I think it is better to stick with stock Android this time.

I had both. The Nexus 6P to me was too big. The HTC 10 has better build quality believe it or not. the buttons on the 6P are too soft and HTC nailed it on the 10. Screen is average on the 10 but acceptable. I'd get a 10 over a 6P especially with the $100 discount.

 

[petvas72]

I had both. The Nexus 6P to me was too big. The HTC 10 has better build quality believe it or not. the buttons on the 6P are too soft and HTC nailed it on the 10. Screen is average on the 10 but acceptable. I'd get a 10 over a 6P especially with the $100 discount.

I do not want to have an average screen. It doesn't have to be the best, but it should be very good at least. I am sure that the HTC 10 has a great build quality, much better than the Nexus 6P, but I am still undecided. Here in Germany there is no discount for the HTC 10. Anyway, next week I am back in Germany (currently now abroad) and I will check the HTC 10 in a store and then make up my mind.

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

Been using both daily for a while now. My conclusion — the 10 has better hardware, the 6P has better software

I like the camera better on the 6p. I use proshot, and just don't like OIS when used with the sensor the 10 and 6P use. I get dark corners from it. Yeah, that's normal, but its also one more thing to adjust.

I like both screens. 6P is nice for looking at things, HTC 10 is nice for reading things.

I gave up worrying about size in my pocket, and can use both phones fine with one hand. But the 10 it better to carry around in my pocket.

I actually get better battery life on the 6P using the exact same apps and syncing the exact same things on the exact same network in the exact same place. On WiFi, there's no discernible difference, but as soon as i connect to LTE the 10 uses more battery. We (Phil, Alex and I) did some testing and we all see the same thing here.

I'd be happy using either phone, at least until it's time for an update. Have to wait and see how HTC handles it.

 

[petvas72]

Been using both daily for a while now. My conclusion — the 10 has better hardware, the 6P has better software

I like the camera better on the 6p. I use proshot, and just don't like OIS when used with the sensor the 10 and 6P use. I get dark corners from it. Yeah, that's normal, but its also one more thing to adjust.

I like both screens. 6P is nice for looking at things, HTC 10 is nice for reading things.

I gave up worrying about size in my pocket, and can use both phones fine with one hand. But the 10 it better to carry around in my pocket.

I actually get better battery life on the 6P using the exact same apps and syncing the exact same things on the exact same network in the exact same place. On WiFi, there's no discernible difference, but as soon as i connect to LTE the 10 uses more battery. We (Phil, Alex and I) did some testing and we all see the same thing here.

I'd be happy using either phone, at least until it's time for an update. Have to wait and see how HTC handles it.

If you had to choose between the two, what would you keep as your daily driver?

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Almeuit]

If you had to choose between the two, what would you keep as your daily driver?

Posted via the Android Central App

I will guess this for Jerry.. I would say 6P .

 

[SeltzerWater]

I have both. Selling the N6. They're both equally fast and beautiful, but for me (1) I like the subtle Sense additions, even while using Nova, and (2) the N6 feels too big for me.

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

If you had to choose between the two, what would you keep as your daily driver?

Posted via the Android Central App

I will guess this for Jerry.. I would say 6P .

Gold Nexus 6P

But seriously, either (or the S7 edge) would be fine with me. If FORCED to choose, I'd probably take the 10 because of the headphone audio — means I wouldn't have to carry around a separate player or headphone amp. Then complain when the 6P gets a new image or an update and I have to wait.