64GB Moto X 2014 vs 64GB Nexus 6

Megatomic

Lifer
Nov 9, 2000
20,127
6
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I am going to upgrade phones this spring once I get a chance to evaluate the HTC M9. If the M9 fails to impress I'm going with either a 64GB Moto X or a 64GB Nexus 6.

Aside from the cost difference (Moto X is less expensive) and the Moto specific software features (I love them on my OG Moto X), what other factors should I take into account when I compare them? Does QHD and an extra GB of RAM bring enough to justify the extra cost and increased size of the Nexus 6?
 

gmaster456

Golden Member
Sep 7, 2011
1,877
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The Nexus 6 is obnoxiously large. And that's coming from a 6' 2" 190lb male with massive gorilla hands. Battery life is also disappointing given the size as you'll still only get about a day out of it.

I'd argue it also fails as a phablet because stock android does nothing to take advantage of the larger screen, so really you're just using enlarged apps.

It will get tons of praise because it is a Nexus and it does pack decent specs, but aside from that I see little reason to choose it over other offerings if one is looking for a phablet.

The Moto X is well, the Moto X. Everyone is familiar with it and it provides a decent package for the price. The specs also still keep up nicely. It won't win any endurance tests in regards to battery life but you should still get a day out of it without much issue.
 

poofyhairguy

Lifer
Nov 20, 2005
14,612
318
126
The real difference is size. The Nexus 6's extra battery and GPU gets eaten by the QHD screen. Some might say the difference in cameras is huge.

I think the second biggest difference software support. The 2014 X already has Lollipop, but the 2013 X doesn't. Who knows how fast the 2014 X will get updates in 2015. I think if you want Nexus-level speedy updates the options are the Nexus 6 or GPe devices.
 

Megatomic

Lifer
Nov 9, 2000
20,127
6
81
Some might say the difference in cameras is huge.
I forgot about the OIS in the Nexus 6, thank you for reminding me. I take lots of pictures and videos of my granddaughter so this could be a big selling point for me and my family.

About software updates and features, I've been happy enough with how Moto has done with the OG Moto X so far. If they continue as they have been doing I'll be fine.

Battery life is interesting. Most days I am good with the 2200mah battery in my current phone. I am an office-bound engineer so I can charge my phone as needed. But there are days when I am Pops and am out with the family and having long battery life would be important. I suppose one of those portable power cells would be a suitable fix for this sporadic problem.

Keep the thoughts coming, I appreciate your opinions.
 

Cookie Monster

Diamond Member
May 7, 2005
5,161
32
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Im currently using the Moto Maxx (International version of the Droid Turbo) and Id suggest this out of the MotoX/Nexus6.

It just ticks every single box. Huge battery life (3900mAH), QHD screen (5.2" screen), latest specs (QC SD 805, 3GB ram, 64GB internal storage) on top of being only slightly bigger than your standard 5" screen phones.

The only cons for be at the moment would be it being just ever so slightly heavier and mono speakers but those aren't really deal breakers for me.

I reckon this should have been the nexus 6. However the MotoX isn't too bad in itself as it's not too big, doesn't sacrifice too many things. A great all rounder but the Droid turbo is the X on steroids.
 

lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
13,310
687
126
HTC will have to totally botch the execution of the M9 if it is going to be viewed less than favorable to the Moto X 2014 or the Nexus 6. Highly unlikely, IMO.

Having said that, I think the Nexus 6 will retain its appeal to an extent thanks to direct updates from Google and the ease of customization. Against any flagship until the next Nexus phone hits.

BTW does anyone remember that HTC One Max? I did a size comparison between the Nexus 6 and the Max (phonearena.com has a wonderful comparison tool) and was surprised to learn that the two are almost the same size. The Max is slightly taller and the N6 is ever so slightly wider, but those differences are negligible. It shows that we have gotten more used to large phones. Even among the larger ones.