Nexus 6 vs Moto X 2014: Close Cousins, Nothing More | Pocketnow

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Google's Nexus 6 looks like a (much) bigger version of Motorola's second-generation Moto X - but just how similar are these Android powerhouses? Find out in Michael Fisher's Nexus 6 vs Moto X comparison from Pocketnow, then check out our full written review at Pocketnow: /2014/12/05/google-nexus-6-review
CORRECTION: We say "Nexus 5" in the narration at 2:56. Obviously we're referring to the Nexus 6. Pocketnow regrets the error.
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Nexus 6 vs Moto X 2014: Close Cousins, Nothing More | Pocketnow
• Nexus 6 vs Moto X 2014...
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[@Pocketnow]

Please note that we've caught and corrected the "Nexus 5" narration flub at 2:56, folks. Obviously we're talking about the Nexus 6 there. The correction appears in the description and via annotation. Please vote this comment up for visibility. Thanks to those of you who called our attention to it! ^M

[@ariesego2329]

At first I was so positive that I was going to get the nexus 6....but then the red leather moto x customisation was revealed and oh my. I need the size, I need the battery, and I need turbo charging, but customization beats all of that

[@henryjoelmakaveli]

Joshua Kerbo you wanna consider getting a nexus 6,it's a beast

[@ariesego2329]

henry joel I actually had a nexus 6 and loved it....then the red leather option for the moto x was released

[@henryjoelmakaveli]

Joshua Kerbo oh okay i see

[@ariesego2329]

henry joel​ yeah I mean like I just love red leather its my spirt leather

[@cpthornman]

Even doing a small ad you make it interesting. I can't think of other tech reviewers that are capable of that. I think that's why you're one of the best out there. Personally I think you're the best but that's just me.

[@Pocketnow]

Really appreciate it; thanks! ^M

[@heimdall97]

couldn't agree more to this. keep it up, guys!

[@dokiki6107]

heimdall97 yup whenever a new device comes out I always come to pocketnow first for a review. And who else agrees that even their voices sounds professional?

[@sizzlingguatemalan5877]

Do Kiki and they're unbiased, they're really good and my fav, all of em

[@dokiki6107]

SizzlingGuatemalan yup....just so many beautiful voices

[@Pocketnow]

Also folks: please make sure, if you're asking us questions, that your KZbin comment preferences are set to allow replies. We can't answer your questions otherwise! ^M

[@JSantana319]

I chose the Moto X because is the most comfortable device to carry. I just received the update to Lollipop and I'm very impressed with how fast this thing runs. The touch less controls, the active notifications, seeing the time as soon as you approach your phone are huge points the Nexus 6 is missing.

[@bigheadbram]

I also just got he lollipop update, last night actually. Has a few stutters for me and the battery suddenly dropped from 65-50% today at around 12pm which was weird, but i love it, feels like I have new phone. Those issues i have can be fixed with another update

[@JSantana319]

bigheadbram Yeah, they're a few hiccups here and there. The battery for me has been almost the same. I still get 5 hours of screen on time.

[@ik1llpeeple4fun]

Everything you mentioned is on Nexus 6. That's the ambient display - phone will wake up in black and white when removed from pocket or lifted up or reached for. I love the feature!

[@Scerttle]

Gotta give you guys a thumbs up for pointing out the sponsorship at the beginning of the vid. Most people don't bother, even when the entire video is a sponsored one 👍

[@zak2731]

I never realized Pocketnow was Max Payne

[@avigole]

Michael Fisher has the best tech reviews in the industry !!! way to go captain !!!

[@RobWatkins]

Really good comparison ***** Thanks for your opinions!

[@MochenLiuUX]

Which one are you using now?

[@RobWatkins]

I bet the Nexus 6.

[@drroberts5172]

'...it carries the cache of the Nexus name..." LOL, love it.

[@oscarveliz3538]

Just ordered a Moto X on cyber monday. Very excited!!

[@DunhamBaby]

I will definitely take the Nexus 6. I couldn't wait for the Note 3 because of the screen size, but all the bloat was a huge disappointment. the N6, even bigger, no bloat, can't wait to my t-mobile jump to get it.

[@DunhamBaby]

I actually got the note 4....irony..

[@dgrass247]

Omg Micheal fisher, i never knew you were an actor. I just saw you on a haunting TV Show.

[@aaryjan]

Although it seems that most viewers do not really notice, care or do forgive you the slip up, that statement @ 2:09 that "The Nexus enjoys dual front-facing speakers, where the Xus (?) does not" iis a very strange one. Maybe the X does not allow its users to enjoy stereo?

[@zacharyrhodge]

What could possibly be appealing about the blue trim on your Moto X, especially on the black leather? Having a setup like that would seriously drive me nuts. It's so unsightly.

[@adrianabac]

Michael, were you reading The Science of Interstellar by Kip Thorne? I noticed it when you compared the brightness levels of the two phones. lol

[@rg0]

Pocketnow you should have waited for the Lollipop OTA on the Moto X. The software would be almost the same.

[@rg0]

Also, Jaime Rivera definitely lifts.

[@ahzam_9]

I feel that the Moto X 2014 should've been the actual Nexus 6. Perfect size, good display, upgraded camera, smooth performance and most importantly budget oriented.

[@RoscoAlexOffice5]

It's a simple decission, if you want the latest android and a 5,9" phone pick the nexus 6 but if you want a phone that can be personalized chose the moto x. My personal choice is the moto x(but I still hate the dimple on the back, it's too big). Keep up the good work Pocketnow!

[@michaelcastillo19]

michael Fisher is greatly missed.

[@faisalmohammad9495]

Michael, mate! you nail it almost every time. Keep at it...

[@saurabhamin]

Michael Fisher is the best. i love watching his video reviews :) .. however would love to see a comparison of NEXUS 6 and moto X STYLE

[@marcieevee]

You can forget about the nexus 6 or future nexus line to grab 1st ota updates as google said since the nexus 6 is now on all carriers it will rely on the carriers itself to release the updates.

[@deepthinker609]

I am a Nexus hardcore fan but the size of the Nexus 6 is just impossible for me to handle. Unfortunately, I cannot live without the wireless charging capability so I am stuck with my Nexus 5 for some more time. Hopefully, we will have a refresh for the Nexus 5 early next year.

[@mr.2cents.846]

If the 3rd gen Moto X comes with front stereo speakers, I'll probably get it. Was going to get the new HTC One M9. But they decided to keep the awful black bar on the bottom of the screen. So I'll decide to keep my money and see how the new Moto X will be.

[@thejeff4656]

Daniel Groulx Your wish is granted !

[@mr.2cents.846]

+The Jeff Actually I just ordered today the Alcatel OneTouch idol 3 with 5.5" Technicolor screen and dragon trail glass. Plus two front facing JBL stereo speakers. Build in, almost, 3000mha battery and a dual slot for sim card and micro SD card up to 128GB. Can't wait.

[@akumasnowofficial]

I'm sad the leather looks so worn. I guess it was a neat idea at first but over time it looks beat up, to me anyways. Great comparison, Nexus 6 looks awesome!

[@TommyCrosby]

The Nexus 6 is still too big for me and don't add anything to compensate this like the Galaxy Note. I hope you will mention this in the review. The iPhone 6 Plus was lauded for having only little added features to better use the screen estate while the Nexus 6 have absolutely nothing despite the "space to explore" moto.

[@joeltoh1999]

Would like to see the Motorola dimple act as a secondary power button or have some features rather then simply aesthetics

[@danielvicol8645]

hi. u are my favourite reviewer. thank u and hope to see more videos from u. a fan.

[@Mark_W2000]

Nexus 6 vs iPhone 6 plus coming soon? Great video!

[@speedfiend925]

Hey Pocketnow, I read a rather interesting review in which the reviewer stated he managed to get pictures from the Moto X to be nearly as good as the Nexus 6 by merely ditching the Motorola Camera interface and downloading the Google Camera app from the Play store. Have you guys tried this? If not, I think it would be worth checking out and maybe doing a follow up review if the pictures were improved by making this tweak.

[@camlwatts]

Good review again Michael, your the best reviewer around.

[@OtherMaT]

My body is ready for the Nexus 6. Hopping some features like Raw and manual focus for the camera

[@vinaykuttuz]

Good Video! Very informative. Bought the Moto X Bamboo back, Loving it!!

[@JordanHarmon13]

Just received the ota Lollipop update to my Moto X 2014 so I'm sure everyone is getting there's soon.

[@erichedengren2003]

sweet

[@tonymancini9958]

Another great comparison from PocketNow... This one involving two of my favorite newer Android phones. I have a 2013 Moto X and absolutely love it. As soon as the 2014 Moto X came out I wanted to upgrade. I too would pick the 2014 Moto X over the Nexus 6 due to MotoMaker and the cool software tricks it provides.

[@mattheww729]

I think Motorola devices should use the dimple as a fingerprint scanner. It would be even more practical than the iPhone's scanner because your finger is on it all the time. This would also allow your phone to know who is using your phone by their fingerprint.

[@irtizahasan2976]

Would love to see a nexus 5 vs moto x comparison video.

[@gustavoavila1982]

Also the only thing that let me down about the phone was the camera, being the 2013 Moto X my previous phone I new what to expect, but I didnt expect the Moto X to be worse in low light, especially the front facing camera, I actually think that mine is faulty, I have compared both phones extensively and the previous model does a better job indeed.. What is that about? If some other Moto X users have experienced a similar issue please let me know.

[@rajvosa71000]

I almost got the Moto X, but at last minute changed my mind and went with N6. Hope I dont regret it lol

[@miguelnavarro2571]

Great review! Can you please share the wallpaper

[@Badwolf75]

Moto X for me. Thanks to Verizon's Black Friday deal, I just upgraded from a Moto X 2013 to the Moto X 2014 for the cost of an upgrade. I was interested in the Nexus 6, but found the size off putting. I'm also too fond of the Moto X user experience to do without.

[@aquilis6969]

The Lumia 1020 tried to steal the show on the table, everything was black and white except for the 1020, something green was also there but couldn't figure it out.

[@Pocketnow]

That'd be the XBox-edition Dot View case on our M8 for Windows. ^M

[@WiggysanWiggysan]

There is a reason why Pocketnow keep on top of _The_ game ........ ..... reviews like this. Top work from *"The Voice"* , Mr ***** as always.

[@BlakeBowden]

What's up with the advertisements masked as reviews/comparisons?

[@Andesu]

I wonder if using the Google Camera in the Moto X would yield similar results in photography.

[@pamkoakes]

Love, love, love my Nexus 6! I have used both but overall the N6 reigns supreme in the most important areas. Sure customization is nice but most us use a case. All being said, I would like some of the software features... but I have managed the important ones with the commandr app such as read text messages or read email messages while driving.

[@DavidOliveiraYadin]

I've always had Nexuses, but after having the Moto X for a couple days, I was completely sold. The better specs don't make up for the experience you have with the X. I sure hope the next nexus will take more of that in consideration, since Google now is ever improving, but for now, and maybe from now on, I'm an X fan rather than Nexus.

[@jortuspelatus7364]

Basically, the Moto X 2014 using the same camera sensor (Sony IMX 135) as the the Samsung Galaxy S4 and other 2013 phones. Explains why the picture quality seems sub-par. Nexus 6 for me!

[@akamanonthemoon]

I did choose and picked the Moto X 2014 ed, which arrived on Monday. Got the code on Cyber Monday as well and called to save another $140 clams!! Also downloaded and installed Lollipop last night!! Impressed so far!!

[@thtech2133]

16gb or 32gb?

[@akamanonthemoon]

32GB!

[@TerrySteiner]

Any chance we will see a follow up video for the Moto X with Lollipop? I'm curious on your guys take in it.

[@LeandroQuibemMagnabosco]

i'd choose the Nexus 6, since I have a Nexus 5 right now that have just hit the ground really hard and isnt working anymore.. BUT... since we cant buy the N6 here in Brazil, I bought the Moto X 2014 and I am now waiting for it to arrive :-)

[@LATasKara]

amazing comparision, congratulations on it!

[@oromoto]

Love the Spotlight stories!!!

[@JaguarCasas]

you should do a review of the Moto X (2014) with the marshmallow 6.0 Update

[@salazars94]

Like how you say on SOME units about the pink color when brightness is very low

[@4g63mark]

Excellent video Michael. I agree with you're assessment. I too chose the Moto X over the Nexus 6. The software enhancements, superior performance, and logical size made it a no-brainer for me.

[@john914]

Nice comparisons. Does the Nexus 6 have Slimport support?

[@UltratechReality]

By the way I wish Google would start to develop more functionality into android that would take advantage of larger screen real estate. Such as samsungs touchwiz with multi-window/ dual apps. Hey maybe they could bake it into a Google launcher update.

[@matthewwilson7161]

Great video guys, keep up the good work

[@21xforumboarderx21]

I thought the moto x has had the lollipop update already my phones had it for like a month and I have verizon

[@gustavoavila1982]

I was checking a Nexus 6 in an ATT store last week and I dont know if it was the software problems the carrier version was having or the screen burning that some people are reporting but that particular display model wasnt showing the home button. And when I looked closely I could see the circular shape where it is supposed to be. It worked fine, it just wasnt there. Just noting.

[@max20082nd]

I choose the Moto X. I just ordered my own customized 32GB pure edition the other day. I can't wait to get it.

[@jstyledipset]

The problem is I can't buy the Moto X unlocked here in Canada :(

[@egarjanis]

Will stick to my Nexus 5 for one more year. But these both are great phones and the ones I would pick for next purchase.

[@gmaster45612374]

Great and thoughtful review as always.

[@NADAANAE]

great comparison video! still love my moto x(1st gen)

[@gustavoavila1982]

I got my 2014 Moto X pure edition in late October and some days later the Lollipop upgrade was rolling out to the device according to Motorolas webpage, but it didnt arrived to mine untill yesterday morning. Havent experienced it much yet, but it appears to have improved the battery life a bit, just a bit. Im worried about all those little animations might cause lag though.

[@tropicvibes]

I couldn't update my "Pure Edition" Moto X while in the States with an AT&T sim card installed. As soon as I landed in Jamaica I popped in my Digicel Sim and was alerted of the update. So maybe if you remove the carrier sim you can update if you have the unlocked / pure version

[@arfifteenguy]

Thats why I have both cause I could not choose one over the other and the sim trays are identical and swap out easily. I love the size of my Nexus and I side loaded Android L on my Moto X 2nd gen so the work and feel similar in the software experience. I adore the fact my Moto X is made to my desires and it is a great performer even with out the best over all specs

[@themanunleashed]

Good Job! I would choose the MotoX because of the hands free gestures and customizable features. I'm not sure if I'm fully bought because of of the camera, granted, I'm used to 41 megapixels. 😆

[@Kelsie154]

Of the two, I'd probably choose the Nexus 6. I'm a sucker for big displays, and the personalization of the Moto X would just be trouble down the road, if I chose to sell it. But honestly, I'd choose neither. The selling point for me, is generally the camera... and that is something Motorola has never figured out how to do well. I'll probably just stick with Samsung and/or an iPhone for the time being. If Motorola were to ever fix their camera issue, I'd come back to them with flying arms.

[@JosephKennedy19]

Says the girl who is now a proud owner of a Moto X ;)

[@Kelsie154]

Joseph Kennedy Haha yeah.

[@CherylBoutz]

I can see why you were worried about the camera. My first motorola, (an old 2009 Motorola cliq xt,) had a pretty awesome camera. Then when it was replaced by insurance with a Motorola dify, that camera always had a nasty greenish discoloration to every picture I took. Lets just say I was pretty unhappy for the whole time I had it. I was so happy to finally upgrade. I loke what I see in this phone. There are things it has that samsung doesn't and I'm excited about it. I'm getting my nexus 6 friday

[@venkypandu]

I knew they shouldn't have gone with a 2k display, would've saved the Nexus 6 from micro stutters, improved battery life and lowered prices, giving us all the Nexus we wanted, maybe.

[@guitarhero174]

It's been almost two weeks now... Where's the review Mr.Fisher?

[@longsock123]

Pocketnow What about the written Droid Turbo review?

[@Pocketnow]

longsock123 We confined our official review pass to video on that one, but our own Rithvik Rao gave us a nice written review rebuttal: pocketnow.com/2014/12/01/motorola-droid-turbo-review-rebuttal ^M

[@Pocketnow]

randy rivas Boomtown: pocketnow.com/2014/12/05/google-nexus-6-review ^M

[@guitarhero174]

Pocketnow excellent review as usual, Michael.

[@flexrpv3913]

***** Pocketnow What is your carrier that's delaying your updates. I've had lollipop on my moto x Since Nov. 16 (if I remember correctly)...People have actually been complaining that there Nexus 6 isn't even getting a soak test before the moto x...strange that you guys haven't even gotten anything yet

[@Pocketnow]

***** It was the Pure edition, but it finally landed a day or so ago. Lollipop running well on MotoX! ^M

[@NehemYah810]

You averaged at 5.5hrs SOT on the Nexus 6 and that wasnt great?? Mine maxes out at 3 and a half hours on the 7.0 preview and I was looking at 2 and a half on marshmallow.

[@techtravelkpop1299]

The way Michael talks sort of reminds me of captain kirk.. not a bad thing and I really like his work ..

[@servel2]

Pocketnow ***** the performance on the Nexus 6 is screwed by the encryption setting. It hinders not only battery but response time.

[@DonnKnee]

The camera has gotten a lot better on Lollipop on my Moto X.

[@elchamber]

I'd probably choose the Moto X cause I need a phone for runs and not a tablet if you know what I mean. Also, since I'm on Verizon, though Nexus 6 is said to be available now on that network, the transition would be smooth on the Moto X. If the price of the 64GB Nexus 6 is too close to the 32GB Moto X, I'll get the Nexus 6 then.

[@terrencemoore8739]

I have the 5.0 update on the new Moto X and it runs just as well as it did on KitKat.

[@terrencemoore8739]

Verizon sent it out alreadt

[@terrencemoore8739]

Sebastian Wittmann yeah but I mean how often will it really be showing, your hand is usually covering it

[@EsteBandido_YT]

Why wasn't there a 128GB model for Motorola Nexus 6? I wouldve bought it without thinking it twice. Now I'm considering getting either LG G3 or G4 just because of expandable storage. 128 GB of music!!

[@MartinLawlietProioxix]

Awesome comparison. Definitely the Nexus 6 for me, then again I'm not an average smartphone user. The bigger display is a huge plus for me, although I'm not too sure about the display technology based on recent screen burn issues people have been posting on reddit. Also I don't like SD cards or removable battery (I know neither has it) but point is I prefer 64GB of storage + cloud for my stuff. If I want more battery life I'd rather use a power bank than a removable battery. I'm sure to get more than a few charges out of a power bank anyway. Overall both smartphones are fantastic I think.

[@GuidoPetruolo]

No doubt about it, the Moto X 2014 would be my choice. However, since I live in Spain, I could only get the white bamboo version.... I want a black one!!

[@timohypponen4272]

The pink screen isn't a feature... It's bad color accuracy.

[@thosko98]

I am thinking about getting the moto x.. It only costs 350% where I live.

[@RichardDurishin]

Wait. Michael, are you saying that with the Nexus 6 you cannot set up text messages to be read aloud - or over BT - as with the 1020 that is my daily driver? That is a deal breaker for this anxious-for-a-new-halo-device Win Phone user whose eyes have begun to wander.

[@BrudusMaximus]

It's Febuary 14th. Does the Moto X have 5.0 yet?

[@ideym]

Will have the Nexus 6 review today?

[@UltratechReality]

I think the nexus 6 should have a smaller screen and lower resolution (1080p). That would have help with overall performance and battery life. Just imagine if the moto x was the nexus 6 just add bigger battery, better camera optics/OIS, and front facing speakers. That would be awesome, go to the google play store and design your own moto x nexus6. To bad we don't live in a perfect world. Lol I think I'm going to keep my M8 until next year.

[@sadubros]

The performance issues on the Nexus comes from the device's always active device encryption. In an attempt to increase security on Android, google added device encryption that works through every app, homescreen, lockscreen, etc. This bogs down the performance a bit, but this basically means that its running the Operating software twice. Considering the speed that it goes now, its pretty impressive. Without device encryption, hopefully you can toggle it on/off in the next update, the Nexus will be the fastest phone on the market.

[@MissMartianDCAU]

sadubros that's true, but having a lower resolution will still improve performance, will it not?

[@sadubros]

***** Not really considering the Quad HD is being powered by an 805. If it was the 801 then it would be a different story. Heck, the galaxy note 4 can outpace the iPhone 6 plus even with Quad HD.

[@sizzlingguatemalan5877]

Me 2, probably until the m9 comes out

[@UltratechReality]

sadubros Well with a 1080p display that would help with battery life on nexus 6. I think quad/ 2k displays and 4k are over kill on smartphones, mainly because their is not a lot of optimization yet to support 2k/4k. Such as Games and books, you might be able to find some high resolution wallpapers.

[@joaquin9321]

I'll go for the N6, I have big hands and want the better media consumption phone for $700 (it is my limit). And I have an iPod 5 so I wouldn't have to take my huge N6 for go running, for example

[@mikhail1104]

Thanks for the comparison 👍

[@91722854]

why would google nexus 6 and moto x 2014 still uses amoled while everyone knows amoled will be at risk of screen burn in and looks pretty bad in terms of quality after the the appearance of burn in mark!

[@6speeds10]

nice video. i think id go with the nexus 6. i could get used to the size.

[@SpammusX]

My VZW Moto X already got Lollipop OTA since the 25th of November. This comes with the ability to dim the screen like the Nexus 6. Did Verizon actually beat other carriers to the punch??

[@sleepnclass]

Love michael's reviews.

[@coolchris9480]

Any news on when the Nexus 6 is coming to Verizon? I'm so ready for it.

[@MyNameIsSkater]

It's already on it

[@richardortiz3753]

Would you say that the Note 4 is a better phone than the nexus 6? For me, camera, battery, screen is what I'm looking for.

[@Str4ightUpL4zy5]

You think the battery will get better over updates?

[@Andrew-bu5tb]

How does ur pure edition moto x not have lollipop I'm on Verizon and have been running lollipop for a week now on my moto x. Hopefully you'll get it soon because I am loving me some lollipop.

[@vasilikichavale3781]

Please do a comparison with z3 compact and moto x 2!!!! PLEASE !!!!

[@Kyubi2345]

I would definitely Choose the Moto X. I dont think anyone needs a 5.96 inch Phone. That and i just think Motorola knows how to make phones just a lot more innovative. I just wish they knew how to fit a better battery in their X Line of phones.