Lyft and Kakao drivers can soon take ride requests through Android Auto
Motorola is also making a wireless Android Auto adapter.
Motorola Nexus 6
86
Engadget Review
The Nexus 6 is Google's first attempt at a phablet, and is the most premium Nexus we've seen to date. It's powerful, high-res and comes with the latest and greatest version of Android. But be warned that it's difficult to use with one hand, and its battery life is average at best.
Pros
- Beautiful hardware
- Great performance
- High-res display
- Android Lollipop brings fresh design and features
- Reasonably priced for what it is
Cons
- Battery life is average at best
- Not great for one-handed use
- Camera stumbles with low-light shots
View All Critic & User Reviews
Motorola Nexus 6
- Critic Reviews (7)
- User Reviews (21)
- 86AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE7 ReviewsComputerworld90Nexus 6 deep-dive review: A supersized smartphoneThe Nexus 6 definitely pushes the limits of acceptable dimensions for a pocketable gadget, but such is the trend with mobile tech these days. If you don't mind lugging a device this large around with you all day, you'll gain a spacious screen and enjoy one of the best smartphones money can buy.The Wall Street Journal90Nexus 6 Review: Great Phone, But You’re Going toIf you’re in the market for a phablet, you’d be crazy not to weigh the Nexus 6 against the iPhone 6 Plus and the Note 4. None of those phones are good for one-handed operation, but if you need a big screen ... then start here. You’ll love the increased real estate and extra battery life.CNET80Prepare to pay for the biggest Android Lollipop poAlthough the Google Nexus 6 trails the slimmer Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in processor performance and native productivity features, it's still the most powerful pure Android handset available and the largest Nexus to this point.AnandTech80The Nexus 6 ReviewThe Nexus 6 holds its own against all the other high end devices that we've seen released this year, although the Galaxy Note 4 ... might be a better device overall. But those who want a large device and value having software support directly from Google won't be disappointed by the Nexus 6.Engadget90Nexus 6 review: Google shows it can make a big-screen phoneThe Nexus 6 is Google's first attempt at a phablet, and is the most premium Nexus we've seen to date. It's powerful, high-res and comes with the latest and greatest version of Android. But be warned that it's difficult to use with one hand, and its battery life is average at best.International Business Times80Nexus 6 Review: Google Takes On Samsung With A BigGoogle definitely said "go big or go home" with the Nexus 6. ... Can Google win customers by dipping its toe in the high-end market? Let's put it this way: Android lovers won't find much wrong with this device.USA Today90Baig: Nexus 6 and Lollipop are delightful mobile tThe Lollipop/Nexus combination represents a flavorful step forward for Google and Android. I expect buyers to be delighted.
- 80AVERAGE USER SCORE21 ReviewsEngadget Reader100March 5, 2017Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Perfect match for Project FiEngadget Reader90September 29, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader50June 29, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This is hands down the most poorly manufactured handset I've ever owned, which wouldn't be so bad if it weren't obscenely overpriced and poorly supported.In week 2 the microUSB port started to come loose and has been a hassle ever since. T-Mobile refuses to fix the issue because I refused to buy the extended warranty, and Motorola refuses to fix the issue without me fronting the money to get a hardware refurbished phone - $530 advanced replacement fee of which $30 is non-refundable. All so I can get a fix to something that is an obvious manufacturing defect.Learn from my mistake. Just get a Samsung. They'll be more likely to stand behind their products.Engadget Reader50June 16, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A disappointing product with a lot of problems. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80May 2, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I expected more out of this phone. I love the nexus line and really wanted google to take advantage of this being a phablet.Tim90May 1, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I switched to Nexus 6 from Note 4 (at&t). I am sick and tired of crapy touch wiz performance from Samsung. On my last update from 4.4.4 to 5.0.1 the phone became even more laggy, maps would crash constantly, at least once a day my Note 4 would freeze. Did factory reset after the update, and it still didn't help! It was acting as if I was using older version of android on it. Knowing that it will take forever for Samsung and at&t to come up with the update, I decided not to wait and made my switch to Nexus 6. After using the pure google experience for couple of days I don't think I would ever switch back to touch wiz. Everything works smooth and sharp on Nexus. Pure "Project Butter" experience on my Nexus 6 phone! For those who have at&t and plan to switch to Nexus 6, I would like to do a little suggestion. Do not insert at&t sim card into the phone, after you purchase Nexus 6. Simply connect it ONLY to wifi, and update your android OS to the latest software version, and then after installation is complete, insert your sim and you are good to go! If you insert the sim before performing the update, at&t will block the update, and you will need to wait a month or two for the update from at&t. In case if you did insert the sim card before update, you can go around this problem by simply following these steps: Remove at&t sim, perform full factory reset, connect to wifi at the time of set up (DO NOT plug your sim card), perform an update, and insert the sim card!Engadget Reader70March 23, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Would have given rave reviews but the total cost of ownership has been very high. As mentioned, the screen cracked after 3 weeks (1.5ft drop with a Spigen slim case on). I took it in stride and realized I would have to pay to get it fixed or replaced. Followed up with Google who routed me to Motorola, who routed me to Google, who routed me to Moto.... After about 4 hours on the phone with Motorola Support and escalated Support; I came to the conclusion that a Canadian who purchased the phone through Google Play is out of luck unless they want to lose the phone for 5 business days and have it fixed by a third party - a cost Motorola Canada had no clue of. So I followed the U.S. replacement route since I have a US address as well...Motorola US couldn't process it because I didn't purchase the phone through Motorola.com; they then forwarded me to Google, who then forwarded me to...I've purchased a Nexus 4 and 5; unfortunately the 6 will be my last. I love stock Android and the Nexus 6 device (minus the flimsy screen); but the end-to-end support is massively lacking. I'll have to give kudos to Apple for their comparatively AMAZING customer support! At least they are consistently above average with product replacement and fixes - at least for me.Engadget Reader90February 22, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I don't really have much to say about the phone; the screen, speakers, software and camera are better than any phone I've ever used. The only downsides I see are direct results of the 6-inch screen. If you can't handle the size, don't buy it. If you can, get this over the Note 4; who wants all the Samsung bloatware anyway?Engadget Reader80January 31, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!If you need a fast, reliable phone with a large screen and great battery life this is a phone I'd definitely recommend. The size of the phone can make holding it and texting/emailing feel a bit awkward and sometimes actually tiring but like anything else, you get used to it.Phone charges quickly with the quick charge tech so you can recover from a low battery quickly and keep on going.If the camera matters to you, I'd say be careful, my previous iPhone 5 and Note 3 both took significantly better pictures in pretty much all light level situations. The front facing camera has terrible quality as well.Engadget Reader90January 30, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90January 23, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90January 11, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader60January 8, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Nexus 6 specs are great and the OS and apps run smoothly. The problem is that Android treats this like any other phone. Any features designed for tablets do not apply here, so the larger screen gains no functionality and actually makes some functions more difficult. This phone is too heavy/large for one-handed usage and can not be used in landscape except for watching videos (the way most apps stretch across the screen in landscape is laughable/unusable). I dread handling it, so I rely on my Pebble watch and voice control whenever possible (the active-display notifications help too).I'm sure there could be a great 6" phone, but this is not it. Some things could be addressed with software, like enabling tablet-like features and interfaces as seen on the Nexus 7. But this phone also needs to hit the gym and lose about 50g to be comfortably used with one hand.Engadget Reader90January 5, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90January 1, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!My 2013 moto x took a spill due to my affinity for being clumsy so I was in need of a new handset. My requirements for the device werebetter battery life (not necessarily the best, but better than what I have now), a serviceable camera, good build quality and a 'stock' version of googles android operating system.To those who don't otherwise know, stock android refers to android without customizations from a 3rd party oem like samsung or htc. Back in the day, when android was 'ugly' and sparse, these software overlays made a lot of sense...so much in fact that Google began adopting features present in those overlays into the base level of the operating system. With the release of kit kat, (version 4.4) I kinda could still get why someone would opt for htc's or samsungs interface, if only for flair, even though i preferred the cleaner look of Googles version.However, this device ships with 5.0 lollipop, which is a massive update and affects everything you see and touch...and its the first time the O.S. doesnt feel 'bare bones'. Its every bit as 'pretty' and elegant as ios is (Id argue the aesthetic is prettier, with more pleasing animations, but thats just my preference) and its worlds better than many of the software overlays you'll see on phones at att. (Paticularly samsung, with its unrefined looking icons and constant bleeps and bloops which are maddening.) There is a cohesiveness to the design that is only really matched by ios and no previous version of android comes close.The benefit of this is that you get increased performance and updates for your device get approved more quickly, because there is no 3rd party, outside of att, that has to ensure the update is implemented properly with existing software. If you are looking for the 'iphone approach' which is hardware made for the software, but on on android....this is it. (The only downside for some folks is that this is more like the 'iphone 6plus' experience...you'll have to look to the new moto x if you want something comparable to this same hardware/software accord on a smaller handset that competes with the iphone6)I strongly considered the moto x before getting this device...however att refuses to let me customize it on the next program so that ruled it out. Also, I wanted a significant bump in battery life, as opposed to only slightly better. The hardware is equally nice on the moto x.As long as you can stomach the size, you'll love this phone. Its fast, fluid, extraordinarily well built and feels very premium.Googles engineers were asked why they went with a device this big considering the nexus 5 was much smaller and they gave an answer that made me, a strictly one handed-use guy' a covert to big phones.'Whats the ideal size for a pocket internet device?'So spot on. There is only one tablet in our household and it sees most of its use by my s.o., so as someone who lacked a tablet, this is a great in between device.If you already have a tablet, the advantages of a giant phone may not be readily apparent, and it may actually seem silly. But as someone who doesnt have a tablet, it makes all the sense in the world.A few key points to consider, especially when looking at the other two big 'BIG' phones on the market.1. Screen: The resolution is great. Text is fantastic. You get darker blacks then you do with the iphone6+ and less blown out colors than the note4. However, the note4's colors can be set to look more accurate, but most folks who i've seen with that device leave that paticular mode unchecked. There is an ever so slight difference in sharpness compared to the iphone6 plus (to the nexus' benefit). Its a great screen, and a wonderful way to view all of your content. Reading books in amazon or google play is a treat, and i've actually started to read more often given that its with me all the time.2. Camera: its damning praise to say it has the best camera ever on a nexus, but thats the case here. The camera is better than what was on my moto x and the colors are very very accurate. Low light photography is a tad slow to focus, but the outcome is pleasing. I would still put it a tick or two below the note and 6 plus' camera, but the usability is much nicer and straightforward. My mom would have an easier time snapping a photo here and editing it then she would on her Galaxy s4. You can shoot in 4k video, which is cool, but comes at a heavy space premium. Low light photos between this and my buddies 6+ were very similar.Its the first android camera that I've used that doesnt feel like i'm a second class citizen to what an iphone can produce. Very big thumbs up.3. Build: perfect. Motorola knows hardware. This is basically a mix between the old (2013) and 'new (2014) moto x design-wise. Its a very wide phone however, noticeably wider than both the note and 6+. Feels great in hand, weighty in a quality way. I prefer the texture to the note4's backplate, though it still doesnt feel as premium as the 6+ or something like the htc one. (Build quality and materials quality are two different things however, and the nexus6 does excellent in the former and great in the latter.)4. Speakers: the quality of sound isnt as 'full' as the HTC one, but man...these speakers are incredibly good and i'd argue that they are louder. It has 2 of them, both front facing, which makes a huge difference when sharing a video or just enjoying content, which is something that you'll do often. They protrude ever so slightly from the front of the device, which keeps the screen safe if you ever leave it face down.5. Turbocharger and battery life: Turbocharger works. Maybe not 100% on the dot with googles claims, but man, this device charges quickly. In about a half hour of charging, being at 10% battery life, I was up to 34%. Thats great considering the size of the battery. This morning, I pluged my phone in at 7:05, it was down to 9%, and by the time i left for work i had gotten up to a 94% charge. That is serioulsy impressive.As far as battery life itself goes, I've been pretty hard on my device the last few days i've had it. I've gotten an average of 3/12-4 1/2 hours of screen on time, which is with more than just 'average' usage...this included A LOT of gaming, chromecasting an enteire movie and running several benchmarks and having an android wear device (bluetooth) connect the whole time. Lots of streaming music and video watching and website browsing as well. If your a moderate user, expect to get over 3 hours daily. My original moto x (with MY specific usage) had just about had it by around 8-9pm...so going out required a 'safety' charge. You wont have to worry about it with this device.6. Gaming: just crushes everything I throw at is. It has top of the line specs and because of that standard, instead of just running well for while its 'new' it will continue to do so for quite some time. Despite the resolution, games load quickly and dropped frames is a non-issueAll in all, I'm very happy with my purchase. This is one of the first bleeding edge devices i've owned so soon after its introduction and I plan on keeping it for quite some time. It does everything well and knowing I will still continue to get updates long after other oem's are simply worried about selling you their newest handset feels great.Fwiw...i still miss my moto x. There are some features there that not even stock android can replicate and if you want a smaller handset, i strongly encourage you to check out that device. Had i had the ability to customize it, I would have more than likely gone that route. And if that or the nexus6 were not available, Id still take even a last gen moto x, just for the features and feel in hand, over most other flagships.Note: recommend to check for best price at: seebestdeals.com/?p=1872Engadget Reader90December 20, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader40December 14, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The phone display is yellowish. The white is not white. When you type on the phone sitting on a table the phone is swinging due to the curved back. No features that benefit this big display. For example multiple screen would be good. Hard to take screen shots as both buttons (volume down and power) are on the same side. Camera is same or worst than nexus 5, and this one year after N5 came. Camera is nowhere close Samsung devices. I owned nexuses since N1 but this is disappointing for $700+ device (after tax and shipping). I sold mine. Most app are not optimized for this device. Even though I have large hands it is hard to reach opposite corners of the screen. Most of the features are pure marketing with this device. Nothing special. I had more dropped calls than N5 in the same locations.Engadget Reader90December 9, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The size will take some getting used to. Once you do, you it is unbelievable how insufficient smaller devices will feel. The front facing speakers are excellent. No more cupping the sound or making sure your phone is pointed the right way. TURBO CHARGING! Doesn't work as well as advertised but still will give you a pretty decent amount of juice in a relatively short time.Fast as hell, not surprising since it's packing one of the best SOCs and the best version of android.Big, beautiful display. There are only a few displays that best this device's screen.Engadget Reader90December 1, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This phone is BIG! But you already knew that. If you want something to replace both your phone and your tablet, this if for you. If you want something small, stay away!Engadget Reader70November 27, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!My qi charger won't work with the curved back. The battery can't last a whole day. The screen is awesome but my wifes iPhone 6 plus is just as good. The Note 4 is better than both and I think I will be picking up one of those next.Engadget Reader90November 22, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!My previous devices: Nexus One, iphone4s, Lumia 920 / ipad 1, Nexus 7 (1st gen), Surface Pro 2.I left detailed comments in each section above. My overall feeling of the phone is that while it is a great phone, there are some app bugs with android 5.0 (or is it just with this phone?). If you've been an avid android user, I think you will love this phone more than I do lol. If you're coming from another ecosystem or like to jump around like me, I think you will eventually like it. Btw, I know a lot people are concerned with two things: battery life and size/weight.While I'm actually fine with the size and weight of the phone, I'm a little concerned about battery life. It drains much faster than expected when using messaging apps or playing games. However, I have a feeling that future os and app updates will improve battery life.
Key Specs
TYPE
Smartphone
OPERATING SYSTEM
Android
SCREEN SIZE
5.922
INTERNAL MEMORY
321
CAMERA
Yes
CARRIERS (US)
AT&T
More from Motorola
Qualcomm is trying to simplify app creation for AR glasses
Snapdragon Spaces has support from heavyweights like Lenovo and Xiaomi.
ICYMI: The Apple Watch Series 7 makes the most of its bigger screen
Also, we review the newest Moto Edge smartphone and drive around in 'Forza Horizon 5.'
A newsletter a day keeps the FOMO at bay.
Just enter your email and we'll take care of the rest:
Now available on your smart speaker and wherever you get your podcasts:
8223Motorola Edge (2021) review: Improvements where they matter most
A 144Hz screen for just $550.
Motorola expands its budget-friendly phone lineup with the $160 Moto G Pure
Pre-orders for the Android 11 device open on October 14th.
Latest Moto Edge features improved camera and a faster processor
Motorola will sell the phone for $200 off for a limited time.
Motorola's next Edge flagship phone might drop the curved display
The Edge 20 might 'just' be a solid upper mid-range device.
Verizon says its version of spatial audio doesn't need specific gear or content
Verizon Adaptive Sound is making its debut on a new Motorola smartphone.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 Plus will come to high-end phones made by ASUS and Motorola
Expect improvements to core speed and AI.
ICYMI: We take a listen to Sony’s new WF-1000XM4 earbuds
Also, we spend time with a new GPU from NVIDIA and a glitchy Tamagotchi.
Motorola reveals yet another Moto G Stylus, this time with 5G
But can it compete with tough new low-cost rivals?
Motorola wants to bring remote wireless charging tech to its phones
It's partnering with a company called Guru Wireless to make it happen.
Motorola is trying that 'your phone can be a PC' thing again
'Ready For' is the company's take on Samsung's Dex for Edge Plus users.
Google Fi promo cuts 'Unlimited' price for the first three months
Google Fi entices new customers with an introductory Unlimited price and some new Motorola phones.
The TCL 20 5G vs. the Motorola One 5G Ace and the Pixel 4a 5G
You don't have to spend a fortune for a better connection.
Motorola's latest batch of budget phones includes a cheap 5G model
The Lenovo subsidiary is a little ahead of schedule this year.
Motorola's redesigned 5G Razr goes on sale October 2nd
Snap one up early, and you'll get a hefty discount.
Motorola's 5G-capable Edge is $200 off right now
It’s back to its pre-order sale price of $500.
Motorola's 5G Razr is better than the original in almost every way
Then again, it's not like it had a high bar to clear.
Motorola's budget G9 Plus leaks with a 64-megapixel camera and big battery
It features a hole-punch front camera and 1080p display for around $300.
