Google announces their new smartphone, the Nexus 5X

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Google just announced the Nexus 5X during its press conference in San Francisco—and it’s exactly as we expected. Thanks, leaks! Even though we knew pretty much all there was to know about Google’s new small flagship, it’s still a very exciting device because of its lineage.

This is a Nexus phone! Better yet, this is essentially a sequel to the excellent Nexus 5, which Google said was one of its best-selling Nexus phones to date.

Below are the phone’s key specs:

• 5.2-inch Full HD display
• 12-megapixel camera with f/2.0 aperture
• 4K video
• 5-megapixel front-facing camera
• “Nexus imprint” fingerprint sensor
• Snapdragon 808 processor
• 2GB of RAM
• 16GB/32GB of internal storage
• Android Marshmallow
• USB-C
• 2700mAh battery
• Color choice: Black, white, ice blue

I know what you all are thinking: the specs aren’t the latest and greatest. So what? We are getting way too caught up in the spec race; don’t let that cloud your judgement of what is still a very good phone. The Nexus 5X is going to be a very smooth, very advanced device, even without the latest specs of its larger brother. This is a phone that offers affordability while still offering plenty of power.

Google also detailed some cool features coming to the Nexus 5X, including something know as Android Sensor Hub, which processes all location data and other sensor input. It will recognize activities, gestures, and will recognize when your phone has been sitting for a while to go into low power mode.

Another neat feature is the ability to double-tap the power button to instantly launch the camera. That could be a little awkward seeing as the power button is on the right side of the device, but it’s nice to see Google has some shortcuts in mind.

Google also talked about “Nexus Imprint,” which is the fingerprint sensor support built right into Marshmallow. The technology will apparently recognize a user’s fingerprint in less than 6 milliseconds, and it will almost never fail. With fingerprint support, users will be able to take advantage of Android Pay and payment through the Play Store.

Lots of stuff to like about the Nexus 5X, even though it doesn’t come equipped with the latest specs. That’s not really the point of Google’s smaller device; it’s more fan service for those who loved the original Nexus 5 with some awesome upgrades here and there.



The Nexus 5X will start at $379 for the 16GB model, and is available to preorder today. Shipments are expected to go out later next month.