[Official] User reviews

joe71 · Jan 18, 2015

Okay I have had my nexus 6 for just about 36 hrs. Back in November when it arrived all the talk was about the size. I didn't want a large phone so that was strike one, strike two was no expandable memory storage. So with that in mind I was looking more towards the HTC M one 8 or note 4. Then Christmas day I learned I was getting the nexus 6.
A few weeks later I was at c.e.s and had a chance to check out the device.
Yes it's big, but not huge.
The display is great
One thing i really like about the nexus devices is they are very simple, user friendly.
My first nexus device was the nexus 4 after my Samsung Galaxy S3 up and died that's the replacement device I got from T-Mobile.
Anyone who has owned a Samsung device knows it's overloaded with bloatware. The S-3 took it to a whole new level.
The worst part was all the hidden folders, sub folders, setting for settings. I thought a lot of it was useless and waste of space.
So that's a major plus.
The camera is nice takes decent photos but for settings and opitions it's lacking. I check out a dozen or so phones at the consumer electronic show. the phone with the best camera in my opinion was the ZTE Z Max.
So far I have been very Happy with the nexus 6.

Old Member · Jan 21, 2015

For the record, after unlocking, and rooting my Nexus 6 but leaving it stock it was a very good phone. Better than my Note 4 ask I mentioned above. Yesterday, I unencrypted and ROM'd it and it is probably the best phone that I've ever had. Battery life is unbelievable with Franco Kernel and Pure Shamu. If you've not tried it, I highly recommend making the jump.

shalemail · Jan 22, 2015

Showing my ignorance here (as I have never rooted a phone) can an AT&T version even be rooted? Has it been done successfully?

codesplice · Jan 22, 2015

shalemail said:
Showing my ignorance here (as I have never rooted a phone) can an AT&T version even be rooted? Has it been done successfully?

Yep! Nexuseses are the easiest of all Androids to root - and the process is pretty much always the same:
- Unlock the bootloader ("fastboot oem unlock")
- Flash a community-built recovery ("fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-xxx.img")
- Boot to recovery and flash a superuser.zip
- Profit!!! I mean ROOT!!!

Details are here - and they apply no matter what carrier version of Nexus you have. :thumbsupdroid:

Mikestony · Jan 22, 2015

"Nexuseses"??? Lol [emoji2] [emoji2]
Carry on [emoji14]

codesplice · Jan 22, 2015

Mikestony said:
"Nexuseses"??? Lol [emoji2] [emoji2]
Carry on [emoji14]

Nexii?

lunatic59 · Jan 22, 2015

The plural of Nexus is Nexus.

TheAmazingDave · Jan 22, 2015

lunatic59 said:
The plural of Nexus is Nexus.

Well, that's no fun....

lunatic59 · Jan 22, 2015

It's like the Borg collective. They're no fun either, but resistance is ... y'know.

codesplice · Jan 22, 2015

lunatic59 said:
It's like the Borg collective. They're no fun either, but resistance is ... y'know.

... The refusal to accept something new or different?

FrancisJ · Jan 29, 2015

The phone isn't really as fast or as smooth as I hoped. There seems to be little hick-ups here and there. Like a shutter when swiping between home screens. Sometimes when i load the messenger app and start typing there will be no letters showing up. This only seems to happen when i try to do things fast. Like turn on my phone, open messenger, and send a quick text.
The animations are not smooth. When you tap a button there is a wave that moves beneath your finger. Well, that animation sometimes seems to lag also. Its like a damaged DVD. That jerky motion. Sometimes it will lag so much that the phone will think i was long pressing.

Over all i have been very disappointed with this phone. I did a bit of research online and found that the encryption makes the phone lag. I went through all the steps and what-not and disabled the darn thing. It definitely helped a bit, these "hick-ups" seems to happen a lot less But, they are still there. I have already passed my 14 days return limit and I am not sure what to do.
So far i really love the way Lollipop looks but frankly i miss the little finishing touches Samsung adds to their phones. Like having the volume lowered when headphones are removed. Or the home button. IDK im not sold on the whole "Pure android" experience. This will mostly be my first and last Nexus. Gosh I'm embarrassed to say, this phone even has me considering an iphone.

I love android, i love my Note 2, i regret this phone.

Fun Human · Jan 30, 2015

I will chime in again probably for the last time unless some software update comes out that really improves things. I would not recommend this phone to anybody. I've owned it long enough to know I do not like it. The only feature is the 6 inch screen and the battery life that I like. Everything else sucks! Don't go crazy people it's my opinion! Anybody upgrading from an old phone will probably love it. Anybody moving from a Note 2, 3, 4 won't. These reviews have kind of become a Note versus N6 debate but its not. Its about the shortcoming of this phone.

This phone does lag...All the time. I end up opening apps because I'm double tapping wondering if the phone detected my touch. People have complained about Touchwiz lag including me. That said this phone is no better. Honestly slight lag on any phone is no big deal to me and not the deal breaker.

The deal breakers are no Home button (sucks), power/volume button position, no S pen, no LED light (seriously is this a joke!!!?) . Please don't tell me "Oh I like walking across the room to see if I missed a call or a text."
" Ambient light not working all the time and having to fumble for the power button. No IR blaster. I can't remember the rest but after reading the previous review I wanted to continue my thoughts. I'm still using my Note 3 as a second phone and it's better. One last thing, I installed ADW Launcher Ex and it does make the N6 interface nicer. I had used it on my Note 2 but thought it slowed the phone down a bit. On the N6 it adds slightly to the lag but it's much nicer than stock Android.

That's it thanks

shalemail · Jan 30, 2015

I am endlessly shocked by the wide range (from I love it - in this case I am in that boat - to I HATE THIS CRAZY THING). Honestly I don't know if it's quality control or what but my phone has been exceptional. Fast, buttery smooth, no expanding battery, no lag. The only thing I don't like is it's huge. If it were a bit smaller say 5.5in it would be perfect. Honestly I don't get the hate.

I have a remote for my tv, I have a stylus (that I never use fyi). I have moto display for notifications. (BTW - there IS an LED ...it's disabled - but can be enabled)
Two cents? This is mine.

Fun Human · Jan 30, 2015

I had plenty of forethought and knew what I was getting and what I was missing. I'm only talking about this phone.

Again no LED is a joke. There is no reason I should have to modify my phone. In call volume is terrible!!!!! And a known problem if you haven't heard! Next the hundreds of people who mention lag don't have defective phones. They are using the phone to capacity and it lags. Oh and that "close all button"...Oh wait your expected to swipe the hundred open individual pages to close. That's brilliant!! Oh and since I had no chance to experience the horrible volume/power button placement until I owned the phone. I could go on but those were the only notes I took with my S pen on my Note 3 at the gym.

There is nothing outstanding about this phone if your a previous Note user. And since the Note 4 specs are basically the same the N6 features a bigger screen and that's it! And lacks all the other features (whether you use them or not)(FYI no cares what you use or don't). Oh and this is a review forum which means individuals voice their personal opinion and comparisons to other phones they have used. This in turn helps others who may be familiar with other phones used as a comparison.

This is an accurate review.

andygu3 · Jan 31, 2015

My 2¢, I love this phone. It's exactly what I was looking for after owning the Sprint Hero, Evo 4G and then the Note 2. It was an easy decision on why I got this phone, stock android. After dealing with Sense UI and then Touchwiz, I couldn't wait to load a CM rom, a DU rom... any aosp, stock android rom to enjoy the phone. MikG for the Evo 4G is/was the only rom I would consider over an aosp rom.

The no led was a bonus for me, not allowing the phone to control me has been nice,. I like ambient display much better.

I've now owned this phone for a week and I haven't sensed a hint of lag at all so I must be rooted and running a rom? Nope, I'm so happy with the performance of this encrypted phone, I'm not sure when or even if, I'll root.

Can't speak on the camera, haven't really used it to give any feedback.

I couldn't be happier with the purchase of the Nexus 6, it was also nice having the phone in my hands in 2 days after ordering from Amazon.

lunatic59 · Jan 31, 2015

First things first. Let's not make this personal. It's about the phone, not the user. I've edited the most offensive stuff out, so let's keep it civil.

This is also NOT a comparison thread. We have one of those right here. If you want to discuss the specific differences between these devices, please post there. This review thread is to discuss the Nexus 6 and what it does and doesn't do well and why we do or don't like it.

No phone is perfect. That's why they keep changing them and why we keep buying them. No manufacture or process is perfect. A beautiful design and strict QC still lets some lemons get through to the end user. Let's make sure we aren't complaining about a defect rather than a design flaw. No user is perfect, either (except for me, that is

). We make choices, sometimes good, sometimes regrettable. That's just the way it is.

I can't speak to the lag because I haven't seen it, but i don't doubt others do. But, just saying the phone is laggy ... no it's not ... yes it is ... no it's not ... is not very helpful to anyone. The forums are about users coming together to overcome problems, not polarize over perceptions, so how about SPECIFIC discussions take place (not in this thread, please) about these issues to try and determine if they can be resolved.

I will reiterate my initial review after 2 months of continuous use.

Pros: Size ... take getting used to, but I'm loving the big screen. Build is stellar, although I need a case for now (clear to show the beauty). Performance is fluid and responsive. Battery life is excellent. Radios are the best I've ever had. Call quality is clear without drops or noise. Plenty loud. The speakers are incredible. Camera is a huge improvement over previous Nexus phones although still not the best out there.

Cons: The button placement is inconvenient and easy to mis-press a key. The curved back can be a plus if using in-hand, but makes laying flat on a desk next to impossible. This is probable just me, but the USB port seems to be upside down. At least it's flipped from every other phone I've owned.

Reported issues: Popping back cover/swelling battery. Screen Burn-in. Random reboots. Screen doesn't sleep in-call due to a poorly placed proximity sensor (left ear, only).

Did I miss anything?

joe71 · Jan 31, 2015

Down to 4% battery life after going nearly 24hrs since the last charge, that's with moderate to heavy use, posting photos using the camera, watching videos huge improvement over my LG Optimus

Battery level was at 4% when the phone power off

TheAmazingDave · Feb 3, 2015

So I bit the bullet and RMA'd my N6. While the device was essentially perfect, there was one issue with my AMOLED that I couldn't ignore any longer.

No, it didn't burn in the slightest. The problem is/was a small area of the display had a color issue. For the last few months, I just figured it was in my head and I was looking for a problem, since the color mismatch was that slight. I asked a friend if they could see it as well, and when they confirmed, I bit the bullet and started the exchange process.

New phone in hand, the display is perfect. The vibration motor doesn't buzz. The camera works well, as did the cam on my other device. No lifting back plate, and no peeling letters. I haven't played any music/audio on it yet but I'll assume the speakers are okay.

I can't think of anything else I should check on the new phone, but if anyone has any ideas, please post. I'm going to send my original phone back tomorrow afternoon.

lunatic59 · Feb 3, 2015

The only other issues I can think of would be the random shut-off/reboots. Not sure how'd you'd check that, though.

TheAmazingDave · Feb 3, 2015

Right; time will tell on that issue.

brosko · Feb 3, 2015

Check NFC, wireless charging, Bluetooth, front and rear cameras (pictures and video), USB data port (by connecting to computer) gps antenna, cell antenna, WiFi antenna, speakers,screen rotation etc.

Robert7107 · Feb 17, 2015

Hey everyone,
So iam looking too get the nexus 6 but want some unbiased feedback.....

Tell me what you really love about the device and what you think is ok and what you hate about it......

I have seen the you tube videos, read the reviews just looking for all the input i can get.......

TheAmazingDave · Feb 17, 2015

Robert7107 said:
Hey everyone,
So iam looking too get the nexus 6 but want some unbiased feedback.....

Tell me what you really love about the device and what you think is ok and what you hate about it......

I have seen the you tube videos, read the reviews just looking for all the input i can get.......

I love everything about my N6. It fits my needs to a T. If I have any complaint, it's that the size can make it cumbersome to use one handed. That's something you know going in though, so it's not really a negative. My biggest usage case is media consumption, texting/email, light gaming, and mobile web access. With the gorgeous AMOLED and stereo front speakers, media on the N6 is a no-brainer. That goes double for games. The huge screen and decent autocorrect makes two-handed typing a breeze, and Google's voice recognition text entry is great for single-handed use. With an excess of power under the hood, navigating stock Lollipop is smooth and fluid. I didn't even feel the need to decrypt the phone; all N6 are encrypted out-of-the-box. I get solid battery life, and blazing LTE speeds around here on T-Mo.

I have to dig to find something I don't like about it. What I can honestly say is that I wish it snapped pictures faster, and that it had higher frame rates for video recording. Other than that, I really have nothing to complain about. There's a few Lollipop quirks that irk me, but that's no fault of the device itself, and they'll likely be worked out as Lollipop matures.

If you're craving a ton of whiz-bang features, you might not be happy with the N6. If you want an all-around great flagship phone, I don't think the N6 will disappoint.

lunatic59 · Feb 17, 2015

Sorry, I've got plenty of bias for this thing. It's to date, the best phone I've ever owned and I could easily claim it's the best i've ever seen (although there are those who would take issue with that statement which is why i never said that

)

I'm not a gamer, so I have zero frame of reference for that, but you can take Dave's word for it. I would.

I really don't find using the phone one-handed that cumbersome any more, but it does take some adjustment. If you have small hands or put on a case with substantial bumpers, you might have some issues, though. I am using a Spigen slim case and that's plenty protection for me.

I have never seen some of the reported issues with my (AT&T branded) phone, although I don't discount their experiences. Right now, no lag, no random restarts, no back separation, no screen burn-in or ghosting, clicky vibration or failure of the proximity sensor. And, from what is going around the interwebz, if you do have any of those issues, Motorola is quick to honor the warranty and replace it.

I will second the excellent battery life and display clarity. I will also add that I have never had better call quality or stronger LTE/WiFi connections. The radios in this thing are stellar.

One more thing is the speakers ... All I can say is get one in your hand an put on a music video. Crank up the volume a little and you'll see.

My wife and i have spent hours listening to music on this thing even though we have the house wired for sound. Of course you're not going to see the low end, but they are loud, clear and don't distort much even at max volume.

My peeves continue to be the location of the buttons, which I think could have been better (too close together and in the wrong spot) but the case helps. The curved back is win/lose proposition. Hand-held it is very comfortable, but if you keep it flat on a desk like i do at work, it's like typing on a turntable.

If, like me, you are a little obsessive compulsive about keeping your phones clean, the finish of the back (at least the blue model) is a finger print bonanza. Again, the case helps, but it shouldn't be required.

I won't comment on lollipop, since that's not really a hardware issue other than to say it's been rock-solid, almost as if it were designed specifically for this phone (which it was

).

Crashdamage · Feb 17, 2015

I got one for my wife and took her Nexus 5. Her Nexus 6 is simply the best phone I've ever used.

The Good: Very fast and smooth, great screen, nice construction, good camera, very good battery life, vanilla Android 5.

The Bad: Too large to fit in my pocket. A little heavy. A little pricey.

However, she doesn't mind the size and loves the large screen. She would definitely buy it again.

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