Nexus 6 vs. Samsung Galaxy S5 – Specifications, Features, Release Date And Price Comparison

Long-awaited Google's Nexus 6 has finally been unveiled in a special event and the release date is pegged for Nov.12. The handset can be availed from all four major carriers in the U.S. namely AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. Moreover, the Nexus 6 can also be purchased from Best Buy and Google Play. Reportedly, the pre-order window will start on Oct. 29. On the other hand, the mighty and well-received Samsung Galaxy S5 was released in Q2 2014. Readers who are interested in purchasing the impressive Samsung Galaxy S5 or the latest behemoth Google Nexus 6 should check out this comparison.

Display, Design And Size

The Google Nexus 6 features a whopping 5.9-inch AMOLED display complemented by none-other-than the Quad HD resolution of 1,440 x 2,560 pixels and the pixel density works out to be 493 ppi. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S5 comes with a relatively inferior 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display along with 1,080 x 1,920 pixels resolution and 432 ppi pixel density.

When it comes to exterior design, the seriously-huge Nexus 6 looks like a replica of Motorola's Moto X. In addition to the Nexus 6's plastic exterior, there is a metal band encircling the sides of the device, adding the premium-look to the gigantic handset. Additionally, the latest Nexus handset comes with 2 front-facing speakers, whereas the Galaxy S5 comes with one speaker, reports Phone Arena. The Galaxy S5, meanwhile, features the perennial perforated/dimpled back panel design synonymous to many of the high-end Samsung smartphones. Nonetheless, the device's surface is matte-effect laden instead of the cheap, glossy look seen in other Samsung handsets, writes CNet.

Speaking of size, the thickness and weight of the Google Nexus 6 are 0.40-inch and 184 g respectively, whereas the Samsung smartphone is 0.32-inch thick and weighs 145 g. Meaning, the Nexus 6 is comparatively thicker and much heavier than the Galaxy S5.

Hardware, Software And Memory

As expected, the Nexus 6 is powered by the superior quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 805) Krait 450 processor, clocked at 2.7 GHz and Adreno 420 for graphics. The Samsung handset, on the other hand, is powered by a relatively inferior quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801) Krait 400 processor, clocked at 2.5 GHz and Adreno 330 for graphics. While the Google handset is backed by a solid 3 GB of RAM, the Samsung device settles for 2 GB.

Moving on to the software powering the device, Samsung's S5 runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS along with TouchWiz UI, whereas the Nexus 6 runs on the latest Android v5.0 Lollipop OS. The killer differentiating aspect of the Nexus line of devices is that, it offers stock vanilla Android experience. Therefore, Android Lollipop will catch the eyes of users with interest in minimalistic design philosophy bundled with an impressive overall user experience, opines Phone Arena.

Furthermore, the Galaxy S5 offers 16 GB and 32 GB of in-built storage, while the Google handset goes one step further and provides 32 GB and 64 GB of storage capacities. While the Galaxy S5 supports microSD card for expansion up to 128 GB, the Nexus 6 follows Google's tradition of not providing expandable memory option. However, readers should note that the internal storage capacity is upped in the Nexus 6 to compensate this deficit.

Camera And Battery

Samsung Galaxy S5 sports a solid 16 MP rear-facing camera with LED flash and optical image stabilization. In addition, there is a 2 MP secondary shooter for selfies. Google Nexus 6, on the other hand, features a 13 MP primary camera with dual-LED flash and optical image stabilization (OIS). However, the front-facing camera specification is same as the Samsung device. And as far as the battery goes, the Samsung smartphone houses a good Li-Ion 2800 mAh unit, whereas the Google handset trumps the S5 with a powerful Li-Po 3220 mAh unit.

Additional Features

1. Both the phones offer wireless charging facility. Apart from the standard connectivity options, both the smartphones support NFC and 4G LTE. In addition, the Samsung device offers Infrared port support, while the Google smartphone doesn't.

2. The Samsung handset comes in Charcoal Black, Copper Gold, Electric Blue and Shimmery White, whereas the Google device offers Midnight Blue and Cloud White shades. Speaking of SIM, the Galaxy S5 employs micro-SIM, whereas the Nexus 6 supports nano-SIM.

3. The Galaxy S5 houses a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the smartphone and also for making mobile-based payments, whereas the Nexus 6 doesn't. Plus, Samsung device comes with a water- and dust-proof exterior (IP67 certified), but the Google handset compensates the lack of IP67 certification by providing a water-resistive coating. Meaning, the Nexus 6 can sustain water splashes with ease, but dropping the handset underwater for longer time will damage the device, says Phone Arena.

Price And Release Date

The Google Nexus 6 will reportedly be priced at US$649 that roughly translates to AU$737. As mentioned earlier, the device can be pre-ordered from Oct. 29 and the release date is set for Nov. 12. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S5 can be purchased for AU$589.95.

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