Nexus 5 vs Moto X | Pocketnow

Check out our full review of the Nexus 5, including our video review and comparisons, at Pocketnow: /2013/11/09/nexus-5-review (Full description below)
If you're one of the few to reside in a market where both Google's Nexus 5 and Motorola's Moto X occupy store shelves, consider yourself lucky: you've got access to two of the best Android smartphones the world has ever known. But as always, there's a dark side to that kind of luck. Because if you're in the market for a new smartphone, you're stuck with a pretty tough choice between these two capable rivals. In a world where "Nexus" doesn't mean what it once did, Motorola calls itself "a Google company," and phones with top-tier processors go for $349 off-contract, how can you trust yourself to make the right choice? Boy howdy, it's rough out there for would-be phone buyers.
Fortunately, Pocketnow is here to help you out. If location, circumstance, or the persuasive power of the purse hasn't made the decision for you already, we have some thoughts on which of these devices may be the better fit for you. Similar in some ways and decidedly disparate in others, these top offerings from LG and Motorola are already finding homes in pockets the world over - the only question is, which one do you want in your pocket now? (Hawwww.)
Enough tomfoolery: hop on down to our latest comparison, Nexus 5 vs Moto X, to soak in the wisdom. Then stay tuned for further Nexus 5 comparisons, landing almost every day this week in the run up to our full review! If you're reading this before 11:59pm ET on November 5, 2013, head on over to enter Pocketnow's Nexus 5 giveaway. And finally, if you're not exhausted and smartphone-d out, round out your evening with a heaping helping of Moto X review, crafted with you especially in mind.
Read our full review of the Moto X here:
/2013/08/06/moto-x-review-android-for-average-joe
Band compatibility chart within video via PhoneScoop:
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Pocketnow has been a key source of mobile technology news and reviews since its establishment in 2000. With offices on three continents, Pocketnow offers round-the-clock coverage of the mobile technology landscape, from smartphones to tablets to wearables. We aim to be your number-one source for mobile tech news, reviews, comparisons, and commentary. If you love mobile as much as we do, be sure to subscribe!
Nexus 5 vs Moto X | Pocketnow
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[@dominionn09]

Just downloaded 4.4 KitKat on My At&t Moto X. This phone has no complaints from me. It may as well be a nexus with these fast updates. Ill be buying the follow up model for sure. Motorola has got me!

[@SpookySkeletonGang]

holy crap these people are IN LOVE with the moto x. my god, if your gonna be biased, at least try to hide it.

[@devinquigley]

AMEN!!

[@CurtisBond]

Wow! Lot of Moto X love here. I love what Motorola has done with this phone and I do hope that it becomes more popular over time, but for me I think I'd have to lean towards the Nexus. I don't have to sign a contract to get it affordably and I don't have to worry about carrier BS when it comes to updates. Also, the more impressive internals will help with gaming, which is something that is very important to me. I will say that I hope Google uses Motorola as the hardware partner for nexus phones moving forward. They own the freaking company! Why not take advantage of that?

[@Supremax67]

Motorola has always made good phones. I been with them for several years, ever since they made the motorola timeport P8090. You might want to google that. I tried other brands and always wanted to shoot myself in the foot. Don't get me wrong, a lot of good brands out there, they just weren't a good fit for me.

[@devinquigley]

Agreed

[@sk8erz6721]

Supremax67 I beg to differ. I thought the Razr HD was horrible.

[@Supremax67]

Johnny Z To each their own. It was horrible you said but didn't say why, hardly a valid argument.

[@sk8erz6721]

Supremax67 Let me elaborate then. It lags like crazy. BT audio skips every 20 seconds. The fact that they released it with ICS while JB had already been out for 3 months, only to upgrade it just a couple months later. I had a GNex previously and the only thing better about the Razr HD was the battery life. Absolutely nothing else was better. The Nexus 4 came out within a month of it and it ran/runs circles around the Razr HD at half the price. Google wallet doesn't work with the Razr HD's NFC. The camera is absolutely horrible on the Razr HD, the 5 megapixel GNex shooter was at least 4x faster at taking photos and took better low-light photos. So yeah...

[@dannypires1]

I'm very happy with the Moto X. The selling point for me is the performance and features given it's size. It really bothers me that on Android, all high end phones have to be so large. Sure I wish it had an SD slot but that's about all I miss. I made up by getting the larger 32GB model, and Google tries to win you over with a 50GB 2 year Google drive subscription free of chrage. Aside from that, the screen looks beautiful, performance is very fluid and most importantly to me, it fits great on my hand and my pocket. I've even gotten compliments on it from my girlfriend on how fluid and quick it is. She has an iPhone 5 for comparison.

[@NicsHODLN]

If you're into mobile gaming its a easy decision to grab the Nexus5.

[@blessen]

I have a Nexus 4. As much as I love my nexus experience, I bought the Moto X. Besides getting #1 priority for updates, Nexus 5 doesn't have any features over the X that I care for. Moto X's ergonomics, camera unlock via gesture, active notifications, and touchless controls for the win.

[@buckdown]

would be nice to see side by side comparison with Nexus 5 , HTC one, Moto X , Samsung Galaxy 3 and 4 , and any other top smartphone. Comparing screen type , removable battery , micro card , speed , camera size , etc . Thanks for the video .

[@Pocketnow]

Very glad you've joined us, Zachary; thanks! ^MF

[@RickSanchez-nd6zn]

I don't understand how people could call this review bias. There are only few differences between the 2. The moto x has pretty good features like voice commands. I prefer the camera on The Nexus 5.

[@alonsodhv]

I have to say you guys are greatly improving on the photography and edition of your video reviews. Really enjoying them! (even if you don't like the Nexus 5)

[@unclegeorge4629]

First of all great review! Did not want to see someone open a new box:) You had me at 'the average Joe in mind' for the Moto X. I bought it last month and it has been nothing but a pleasure. Alas, I retired my Motorola Razr flip phone from 10 years of service. RIP. Thanks for a real review on both phones.

[@oceans405]

Thanks for a GR8 video! Your review was very helpful. I look forward to viewing your other productions.

[@DaveTrivino7]

Moto X screen is a bit over saturated for me but I can see its appeal. My take away is that you can't really go wrong with either phone. Nexus 5 is a solid device and so is the Moto X.

[@Pocketnow]

Welcome aboard, Josh, and thanks for the compliment. Be advised that our actual review is still forthcoming; stay tuned for it! ^MF

[@tomerw748]

Your videos are amazing. You cover 100% percent of what I want to know about a device. You give great neutral reviews and comparisons. Seriously, if I ever need to decide about which would be my next smartphone, 30-40 minutes on your channel will give me more than enough information for me to decide. Thank you for the great work!

[@luevas]

I live in Mexico so the Nexus 5 is still not available to us whereas the Moto X already is and since Google doesn't even sell devices through our playstore when the Nexus does get here its going to be absurdly expensive. On the other hand Motorola is actually selling the X for the equivalent of 100 USD or less on affordable two year contracts (which in case you didn't know is really rare in the Mexican market) so it really made the decision really easy for me. The X is a great performer and has great battery life even on our LTE network. I just love it.

[@Nookiezilla]

You have LTE in Mexico? I mean, Contracts are rare etc but your Country owns LTE? No offense btw.

[@luevas]

Nookiezilla Yea, we do, actually. Our biggest carrier started rolling out LTE late last year in big cities and its been spreading to smaller ones throughout this year. My own town got LTE in August but I couldn't use it until I got a Moto X with a contract renewal. It really is way faster than my home internet, I love it.

[@Nookiezilla]

Ah ok, thanks for the information :)

[@KristophersKorner]

Thank you for the post. I now know I want the Moto X. Great info in this video!!

[@BadIntent]

Awesome comparison! As you're using the Nexus 5, please note how the battery does under intense conditions. Lots of gaming, lots of HD playback. Real interested in how it holds up (and if it heats up).

[@TxFw]

Ordering and customizing my Moto X right now! I was considering iphone 5s, HTC One, Nexus 5, and as a last possibility the Samsung S4, but the more I found out about each, the more clear it became that the Moto X beats the competition -- hands down! A few of the others might have a slight advantage in this or that area, but the Moto X is the most complete package. Can't wait.

[@antoniotarin]

This has been the only review where you can actually compare sound quality between two phones.

[@dnicolas01]

In my opinion your review is lacking some objetivity your just focuss on elevate the Moto X over the Nexus 5 even if the specs are way much better in the Nexus Phone, and yeah your right powerfull not mean to be the best always...

[@hamartime17]

I absolutely cannot wait for the review with the HTC one in the Nexus five!

[@4g63mark]

Great video Michael. I recently spent 2 weeks with both the Droid Mini and the LG G2. Needless to say the Motorola beat out the LG in convincing fashion as the Moto X did here in your review. Keep up the good work.

[@0ISanderI0]

great video guys! if I lived in the US I would have gotten the moto x, but since I'm from the Netherlands I got myself the affordable nexus 5 as best alternative. Do not regret my choice..!

[@MULTIPLEtimes100]

I don't know why but I love the reviews that Michael does, something about his voice, good job :)

[@seanrossdennis]

yes i own the nexus 5...had all of the nexus line since samsung galaxy nexus....the nexus 5 is by far the best addition they finally fixed alot of the issues that kept plaguing the nexus brand....camera....sound quality and output...lte....high resolution and optical image stabilization....high end specs this thing is a bullet i love it and the voice command on the nexus 5 is by far the best ive ever used .....i hope they take advantage of the pattent portfolio they acquired when purchasing morotola and pile drive a droid razr nexus 6 into the market....lol

[@89raikessj]

This doesn't feel like an unbiased comparison to me at all. Seems slanted towards the Moto X at every opportunity, and credit is only given to the Nexus begrudgingly. I think the Moto X has some great software quirks, I love the customisation options and the domestic manufacturing, but ultimately there are some areas in which you simply cannot give it an edge over the Nexus. The screen segment, in particular, was baffling. I have neither phone, and as both implement close to Vanilla Android, I love them both, but this video feels a bit too similar to the "it's just better" argument often put forward (with little other than subjectivity) by Apple "fan-boys".

[@PhilippSuermann]

Long time no See - missed your Reviews!

[@Adriano991b]

Great vid! It helped me making my choice between those two phones! ps: your hair style is epic!

[@cassysamel6829]

I actually have both phones on the way. Nexus has a fantastic price, but I was able to find a killer deal on an off contract moto x. I've been going back and forth on which one to keep, and I'm leaning more on the moto x simply bc of form factor. I'm just getting tired of handling a big slab phone on a daily basis. The moto x feels awesome in the hand. The specs and kit kat on the nexus look great, but I'm not sure it's enough to give an edge in actual daily usage. Besides, it looks like the moto x can hold its own in performance and software features while maintaining a minimalistic android experience.

[@tomchristoforidis3999]

Fantastic, well produced video. Easy to follow and not overloaded with technical overload. Keep up the good work.

[@ZoeCaldera]

This video helped me make my decision much easier! I'm going with the MotoX. I'm an average Joe :D

[@TheyCallMeMidnight]

I ended up getting both the nexus first and then the moto x I love both phones. The moto x is so easy to live with everyday, the nexus 5 is extremely powerful but the battery life is usually why I leave the house with the moto x how ever I always pick up my nexus when wanting to listen to music watch movies or play games. It really is hard to choose between the two.

[@TrietBui]

I love both, but prefer Nexus 5

[@somethingelse25]

I have the Moto G and because of this review, I'll upgrade to Moto X if and when I upgrade. Thanks!

[@doubleatheman]

Really nice and well done video! If you can do a test that compares the radio performance of the nexus 5 vs other popular phones.

[@Kevlanco]

On the moto x video speaker demonstration, I had top check like 5 times to make sure my headphones were actually plugged in

[@joshuasin944]

Too me, between these two phones, it comes down to which one has the better battery life and the Moto X has superb battery life but you can't go wrong with the Nexus 5 also since its only $350 off contract.

[@Pocketnow]

It's one of my favorites, yes. Sparkle is a holdover from the webOS days, but it's also handy for demonstrating differences in display saturation. ^MF

[@BennyTriad]

The moto x is the best bang for your buck. Trust how the phone feels in your hand, and trust your eyes. Sold 5s and s4, I am loving it so far. You wouldn't buy a car or TV simply by reading a spec sheet would you?

[@JoshuaDay]

Superb comparison. I really did wish the Moto X was available in the UK.

[@DonaldOfEarth]

Which wireless charger was shown in this video?

[@RobertJohnLora]

Man.. what a perfect comparison. I just thought of how badly I wanted to see the difference between the two and, low and behold, Pocketnow delivers. You guys.. *high five

[@tarunsharma5057]

Voice command feature is also in Nexus 5... By Saying "OK Google".. And Nexus 5 is better than Moto x

[@ShoobedoobeOG]

I love that "X" transition in the beginning lol

[@dr.imranjm]

Good review. Should have elaborated on the battery life.

[@Trent_Skylark]

I would have really liked to hear a comparison on battery life. Right now that is the biggest deciding factor for me when choosing between these two. But I'm still leaning towards the Moto X.

[@Indasaid]

Interesting perspective Michael... I just like knowing about different phones and their capabilities. I'm a happy Note 2 owner, not needing to buy a new phone anytime soon.

[@zinzolin14]

I have the Moto X and by brother has the Nexus 5. Can't say which is better, but I do like my phone a lot.

[@ChrisGraves1119]

I have a nexus 5. Some one offered to trade their moto x +50 bucks for it ... i really do like active display and always listening. ... i know the internal hardware in the N5 is technically higher end though. even though the moto x costs more off contract.. esp now that the moto x has kitkat... i think its a good deal. Am i wrong / should i do it ?

[@OlavAlexanderMjelde]

Now you can buy the moto x with rebate, if you are in the USA. Deal ends in 2 days

[@izzy1394]

Honestly, I would choose the Moto X because the features are very innovative. The Nexus 5 display is nice, but it seems really boring to me. I have the Nexus 7, and I don't see a real reason for buying something that has essentially the same features.

[@fizziefizzer]

Regretted I did not see this video before purchasing the Nexus 5... it's an awesome device, it really is and I love it. But one thing just keeps disappointing me is the battery life. Battery life is absolutely terrible. I have to charge the phone twice in a day. 4 hours of screen on time at most. Well, I'll be waiting for the Moto X+1 and/or the Nexus 6 then.

[@blinkin_park182]

I know I'm late, but I used to have the same battery problem as well. If you don't really care about your phone knowing where you are at all times, you should turn your location settings to battery saving.

[@noperope325]

Thank you so much. I have been debating between these two phones for a few days and needed this video. Even though I want to learn how to be more of a power user, and the customization resell devalue of the Moto X, it just trumps Nexus 5 with possibility.

[@cbixby8335]

I love moto phones when I was getting ready to upgrade last January I decided to go with the nexus 5 since the nexus will get updated more

[@Dalex19]

Dang it Michael! Did you have to make such a nice video that I'm thinking about cancelling my Nexus 5 order. I've been a nexus fan forever now, but the small battery and poor camera have me rethinking my purchase. The 5 is definitely more future proof, but I don't keep my phones that long anyway, and up here in Canada I can find a moto x for the same 350$. I prefer the compactness of the X and I miss Amoled screens. Ugh, so freaking difficult! Great video man.

[@arvaneret_329]

I miss when smartphones used to look more or less like that. They had a good size, felt good in the hand and didn't have weird-looking, rounded corners on the display. I also miss removable batteries and having a headphone jack included.

[@QuadiePoo]

Love my Moto X and it is also the first phone to get the 4.4 update (after the Nexus 5 of course)

[@kreiger]

Awesome! Since the Nexus 5 is such a customizable device, would it be able to add similar notifications like the Moto X?

[@ambarbs]

Mostly people users will be using a pair of earphones to listen to music or other audios so it hardly matters how the sound quality of the external speaker is. But on the other hand, that bluish Moto X looked really sexy!

[@vinedua]

thanks mikey fisher n lovely review and comparison well drawn !!

[@JeffersonPoe]

thanks for posting this! been looking for a comparison video between the two Google children. Since I can only trust stock (or near stock) android experience, these two are pretty much my only options.mind posting the Camera comparison on your website so they can be viewed clearly? From this video, seems that Nexus 5 shots are moderately better than Moto X's, which is a shame, since I think Moto X has so many things right about it.

[@88desdes]

This is why pocketnow is still one of my fav youtube channel for all the mobile goodies and undoubtedly one of the best around.

[@fol8117]

These reviews make me really happy because Michael is like the good mom who makes sure everyone made the right choice and makes everyone win... I love you mom - Greg

[@adamwright5367]

I really enjoyed this comparison! Could you do a comparison of the iPhone 5s vs the nexus! Cause one is gonna be my next phone!

[@trisha1911]

Which phone would you recommend overall? Based on camera and battery life. Thank you! Please advise.

[@simply1lloyd]

You heard it here first people... 2014 = the Nexus 6 aka the Moto Nexus. Customizable (like the Moto X) but pure Google. Pleeeeeease Android Motorola Mobility

[@LinuxIsNotAnOperatingSystem]

I think the next Nexus will be made by Sony. =/

[@simply1lloyd]

João Victor Schiavo Sony has nice hardware but their skin is horrible in my opinion

[@LinuxIsNotAnOperatingSystem]

Yeah, but it wont have Sony Skin. My sad face is just because I would like what you said, a Moto Nexus.

[@naomifordham7103]

Lovely review again Mr Fisher. There are good points and bad points for both. I suppose it all boils down to preference. Is it possible to do a comparison of the Sony Xperia z1 and the nexus 5? Many thanks

[@adriancharlton1167]

Have you used the Moto X since that latest software upgrade focused on camera updates? Much better and more uniform, and I liked that they separated it from the system so the camera can be updated separately and vice versa.

[@terrymulcahy4068]

Interested in knowing what the best, most powerful Android device is. Not a fan of bloatware.

[@PelegTsadok]

Actually there is an app in the Play Store that does pretty much the same thing like the Moto X. It's called DynamicNotifications.

[@ramialloos1626]

Nice review mate, but who is the winer for the giveaway?

[@djordjetosic54]

n5 display and moto x display arent even in the same category.. n5 is NOT washed out, its well calibrated, acurate and natural. of course it appears to be washed out when you compare it to something like cartoonish sureal amoled.

[@kplagr]

I will personally pick the Nexus because of the screen size and that it is Full HD!

[@tylerpinder1]

Although in most cases you are right, but your videos sound awfully biased to trashing the Nexus 5 next to other devices.

[@Pocketnow]

Since we're giving one another suggestions: our Moto X review, linked in the description, has some battery impressions. ^MF

[@ChrisWiggins1]

Wooo hoo MotoX. Coming from a line of Nexus devices, the MotoX has made me the happiest. That and knowing it is going straight to KitKat. It can't be beat!

[@ridwankabir2921]

which should i get? will the moto x specs affect the phones performance?

[@logan_parker]

Awesome comparison. Very fair and honest as always. I'm getting the Moto X when I am eligible for an upgrade in December. Hopefully by then, it will be running Kit Kat. :-)

[@treverpitts]

who cares if one phone had 1080p or 4k or even 720 p quality screen most people just want a phone that works and works well. for me i think both phones are awesome at what they offer

[@kobe5rings]

Ordered the nexus 5 but the moto x active notifications is probably the best screen feature ive ever ised

[@oliver_liew]

Why does Michael always sound like he's trying to do a TV movie voiceover? Hmm... Hahah great video though! :)

[@williaamlarsson]

if you feel like you want or need the better hardware on the Nexus 5 then just buy it, you can't go wrong with it. otherwise the N4 is still not a bad device, but the camera and batterylife on the N4 can be a good reason to upgrade.

[@Pocketnow]

Giveaway winner won't be announced until tomorrow's Pocketnow Weekly. So while you have less than an hour to enter, you have quite a while to find out who won. ^MF

[@SuperGamingMysteryV]

AMOLED Screens have been known to over saturate colors more so I can understand the difference. Although that viewing angle fading is mildly disturbing. I think I'll wait for the G2 vs N5.

[@Chetan2b]

You were biased here I felt with your language. At most places u tried to tell why moto is better than nexus but u never told better features of nexus over moto. :)

[@MrAndrew1953]

I was suprised with that result as I thought like most the Nexus 5 would do a Road Runner on the Moto Coyote.

[@cassysamel3914]

I'm waiting on the Nexus 5 that I ordered. But I have an available AT&T upgrade that I'm considering using on the Moto X (Not planning on going anywhere since I'm part of a family plan). I've always overlooked the Moto X bc of the mediocre spec sheet, and their "color cusomization" sales pitch. But the more I look at it and play with it, the more comfortable and solid it feels, and the more I can see myself using it on a daily basis. The $99 on contract price is also suitable for the phone.

[@Xtechi]

whats the name of that wireless charging stand? and do you like the white Nexus 5 or should I get the black one?

[@chetanmahajan9728]

Very well made video Michael .. good job, keep the good stuff coming !!

[@MisterIm313]

Fantastic comparison as always. I only wish the Moto X came to the UK. Looks like we'll have to make do with the inferior Moto G.

[@pablo.station]

I had a difficult time choosing between these two devices. I love the Moto x but had to go with the nexus 5. I don't regret the purchase one bit, but I can defiantly see myself getting the Moto x 2 whenever that happens..

[@v8supercarzFan]

Michael, I haven't been able to find it anywhere in the Galaxy Note 3 review video, but what did you give the Note 3 out of a score of 10? Thanks!

[@JSantana319]

After testing the Moto X and Nexus 5 I think the Moto X has a much better sound and a few software tweaks with the hands free controls, but that's it. I choose the Nexus because is more affordable, you get the latest updates, and no contract.

[@vedantjoshi8113]

in india moto x is cheaper than nexus 5 . I love gaming, watching videos, little bit photography. which one is better ?????????????? pls reply

[@PradeebanKalaivarnan]

not many talks about the heat... my Nexus 5 is a very good cup warmer when playing Asphalt/3d games While my Moto X get slightly warm but that happen even in PS Vita.. so NP.. Nexus 5. when playing games horizontally i cover up the speaker quite often.. the navigation and chin bezel make it uneven.

[@zeuspop13]

i always prefered AMOLED over LCD. hopefully AMOLED screens will get the ability to become brighter though. i was so surprised when i first saw a moto x and saw how good a 720p display could be.

[@electrology]

Thank you so much for this comparison. I was waiting for this

[@broHanSolo]

the Stormtrooper look is beauiful.

[@FSTK]

Moto X better represents what Google stands for, which is software over hardware. And it's being noticed.

[@Pocketnow]

Not a serious question at all. In retrospect, slightly harsher than I intended. Apologies. ^MF