Nexus 6 Review

📱 Nexus 6 Key Specs

 

• Display: 5.96″ QHD (2560×1440) AMOLED, ~493 PPI (AnandTech)

• Processor: Snapdragon 805 quad-core @ 2.7 GHz + Adreno 420 GPU, 3 GB RAM

• Storage: 32 or 64 GB, no micro‑SD card slot

• Camera: 13 MP rear with OIS and dual-LED ring flash, 2 MP front

• Battery: 3220 mAh with Turbo Charging (6 hours of use from a 15-min charge)

• Speakers: Dual front-facing stereo

• OS: Launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop, last official update was Android 7.1.1 Nougat (Wikipedia)

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👍 Strengths

Pure Android & Performance

With no bloatware and stock Android, the Nexus 6 provided a clean experience and timely updates. It was one of the first phones to ship with Android Lollipop, introducing Material Design.

Stunning Display

Its 6-inch QHD AMOLED panel offered deep blacks and vibrant colors, making it ideal for multimedia (Tom’s Hardware).

Loud Stereo Speakers

Dual front-facing speakers made it one of the loudest and clearest-sounding phones of its time.

Fast Charging

The included Turbo Charger could deliver 6 hours of usage with just 15 minutes of charging — a standout feature in 2014 (TechRadar).

Premium Build

Motorola’s craftsmanship brought a sturdy aluminum frame and curved back that made it feel premium despite its size (The Verge).

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👎 Weaknesses

Huge Form Factor

At 159.3 x 83 x 10.1 mm and 184g, the Nexus 6 was enormous. While the display was immersive, it was unwieldy for most users, especially one-handed use (PhoneArena).

No microSD

Despite its media-centric design, Google omitted microSD support, limiting storage expansion.

Mediocre Camera

Although improved over the Nexus 5, the 13 MP camera lagged behind rivals like the Galaxy Note 4 in low-light and speed (Forbes).

Screen Calibration

The AMOLED screen was overly saturated by default, and early units had inconsistent color tuning (Wired).

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🕰️ Still Worth Using in 2025?

Surprisingly, yes — for hobbyists. The Nexus 6 is still supported by custom ROMs like LineageOS, and its performance holds up for basic tasks. Enthusiasts on Reddit have praised its durability and Android experience, even in 2025.

The Nexus 6 was Google’s boldest Nexus device — fast, big, clean, and media-focused. It marked a turning point for Android phones embracing premium specs and large displays.

It’s not for everyone due to its size and camera, but for developers, collectors, or modders, it’s still a beloved classic.

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📊 Quick Summary Table