Nexus 5 - is it still worth it

The Nexus 5: A Flagship Phone with Its Limitations

The Nexus 5 was released as one of the flagship phones in its series, boasting impressive specs at the time of its release. The phone's design was sleek and compact, with a hard shell plastic body that came in white or black soft touch finishes. The screen measured 5 inches diagonally, offering a full HD 1080p resolution at 445 PPI. Its small size made it easy to hold and use one-handedly.

Inside the Nexus 5, there was a powerful processor - the Snapdragon 800 - paired with an Adreno 330 GPU for efficient graphics rendering. The phone also featured 2 GB of RAM, wireless charging capabilities, and NFC technology. Although considered flagship specs at the time, the device had some notable drawbacks. One major concern was its relatively small battery size, which led to a lackluster battery performance out of the box.

Modern users experienced around 9 hours of average battery life with typical use. However, this may not have been enough for many users who relied on their phones for extended periods. Additionally, some critics felt that the 8-megapixel camera was underwhelming, producing images that were often washed out and lacking detail in low-light conditions. The front-facing camera, which was capable of taking 1.3 megapixels photos, also suffered from similar issues.

A year after its release, reviews still praised the Nexus 5 for its performance, compact design, and user experience. Although it may not have been a game-changer at launch, many reviewers continued to appreciate its overall quality. The phone remained popular among Android enthusiasts who valued its stock Android experience and Google's reputation for providing timely updates.

For comparison, other flagships released around the same time included the Samsung Galaxy S5 TouchWood Edition and the HTC One M8. While each of these devices had their strengths and weaknesses, they offered more advanced cameras, improved battery life, and enhanced performance compared to the Nexus 5. The Galaxy S5, in particular, boasted a larger screen, more powerful camera capabilities, and dust and water resistance.

The HTC One M8, on the other hand, brought unique features such as its BoomSound speakers and UltraPixel camera technology. Although it was criticized for poor image quality, its performance and design made it an attractive option for many consumers. The Nexus 5's software experience also stood out among these devices due to Google's commitment to providing timely updates.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Nexus 6 is expected to build upon the success of its predecessors. With a rumored 13-megapixel camera featuring image stabilization, this device may finally address some of the issues faced by earlier models in that department. The phone will also boast improved performance with a newer Adreno GPU and 3 GB of RAM. However, it's essential to remember that a higher price tag often accompanies better specs.

A key aspect of using any high-end smartphone is the overall experience it provides. The Nexus 5 delivers an exceptional user interface, with no noticeable input lag or delay in its performance. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a seamless mobile experience. Moreover, Android's continuous updates bring new features and enhancements to users' devices regularly.

For consumers navigating the Android market, choosing between flagship phones can be overwhelming due to their similarities. Devices like the Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy MX3, Sony Xperia MX4, and OnePlus One share many characteristics, making it challenging to decide which one is right for you. Nevertheless, all of these options offer exceptional performance, impressive cameras, and seamless user experiences.

In conclusion, while the Nexus 5 may not have been a groundbreaking device upon its release, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, high-performance smartphone with a stock Android experience. Its limitations, such as the smaller battery size and relatively lower camera capabilities compared to competitors, should be weighed against its strengths. For many users, the Nexus 5's value proposition lies in its performance, design, and Google's commitment to providing timely updates, making it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable Android experience.

---

**Comparison of High-End Smartphones**

The release of high-end smartphones is often met with excitement and anticipation among tech enthusiasts. The market offers a range of options from various manufacturers, each with its unique features and specifications. In this article, we will explore some of the key devices that are often considered when choosing between flagship phones.

One device to consider is the Nexus 5. As mentioned earlier, it boasts impressive specs at the time of its release, including a 5-inch screen with full HD 1080p resolution, a powerful Snapdragon 800 processor, and 2 GB of RAM. Its compact design makes it easy to hold and use one-handedly.

Another notable device in this category is the Samsung Galaxy S5 TouchWood Edition. While it shares many similarities with the Nexus 5, including its 5-inch screen size and mid-range specs, it offers some key advantages. The S5's camera capabilities are significantly improved compared to the Nexus 5, featuring a larger sensor, optical image stabilization, and a higher megapixel count.

In contrast, the HTC One M8 boasts unique features such as BoomSound speakers and UltraPixel camera technology. Although its performance is similar to that of the Nexus 5, it offers an enhanced user experience due to its improved audio capabilities and superior camera quality. However, some critics have noted that the phone's image quality could be better.

Other high-end smartphones worth mentioning include the Sony Xperia MX3, which features a larger screen size and improved camera capabilities compared to the Nexus 5. The OnePlus One is another option that offers impressive performance and a sleek design at an affordable price point. Its camera capabilities may not match those of some other flagships, but it still delivers excellent results.

When choosing between these devices, there are several factors to consider, including screen size, camera capabilities, battery life, performance, and design. Each device has its strengths and weaknesses, and it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

In conclusion, high-end smartphones offer exceptional performance, impressive cameras, and seamless user experiences. The Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S5 TouchWood Edition, HTC One M8, Sony Xperia MX3, and OnePlus One are all notable devices in this category. While they share many similarities, each has its unique features and advantages that set it apart from the competition.

---

**Update: What's Next for Android?**

The ongoing saga of high-end smartphones continues to shape the world of mobile technology. As we move forward, there are several exciting developments on the horizon. Google's commitment to providing timely updates for its Nexus series is well-known, and this trend is expected to continue with the release of the upcoming Nexus 6.

One feature that has been heavily anticipated is the improved camera capabilities of the Nexus 6. Rumored specifications include a 13-megapixel sensor featuring image stabilization. This technology aims to provide sharper images and reduced camera shake, even in low-light conditions. While it's unclear whether this will be the only new camera-related feature, it promises significant improvements over earlier models.

The Nexus 6 is also expected to boast improved performance compared to its predecessors. A newer Adreno GPU and 3 GB of RAM are rumored to provide enhanced graphics rendering and overall system performance. This should result in smoother gaming experiences, faster app launching times, and generally more responsive interactions with the device.

Another aspect that will likely receive significant attention is design. The Nexus series has long been known for its sleek and minimalist aesthetic, and this trend is expected to continue with the release of the Nexus 6. Expect a device that is both visually stunning and functional, catering to users who value form and function equally.

While the Nexus 6 promises several exciting features, it's essential to remember that it will likely come at an increased price point compared to its predecessors. This is a trade-off many consumers are willing to make for the benefits of having the latest technology. The question remains whether the Nexus 6 will be worth the investment, but one thing is certain - Android fans can't wait to get their hands on this device.

---

**Conclusion**

The world of high-end smartphones is constantly evolving, with new devices and features emerging every quarter. While the Nexus 5 may not have been a groundbreaking device at its launch, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, high-performance smartphone with a stock Android experience. The upcoming Nexus 6 promises to build upon this success, offering improved camera capabilities, enhanced performance, and a sleek design.

As we move forward in the world of mobile technology, one thing is clear - consumers will continue to be spoiled for choice when it comes to flagship smartphones. Each device offers its unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

In conclusion, high-end smartphones are all about delivering exceptional performance, impressive cameras, and seamless user experiences. The Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S5 TouchWood Edition, HTC One M8, Sony Xperia MX3, and OnePlus One are just a few examples of devices that have set the bar high for mobile technology. As we look to the future, one thing is certain - Android fans will continue to be at the forefront of innovation in this space.

---

**Recommendation**

Based on our analysis, here are some recommendations for users seeking a flagship smartphone:

* For those who value compact design and performance: Nexus 5 or HTC One M8.

* For those who prioritize camera capabilities: Samsung Galaxy S5 TouchWood Edition or Sony Xperia MX3.

* For those looking for an affordable option with impressive specs: OnePlus One.

Ultimately, the choice of device depends on individual preferences and priorities. It's essential to research each option thoroughly and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

---

**Glossary**

* **Flagship phone**: A high-end smartphone that sets the standard for performance, design, and features.

* **NFC (Near Field Communication)**: A technology used for wireless communication between devices within close proximity.

* **Adreno GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)**: A hardware component responsible for rendering graphics in mobile devices.

---

**Disclaimer**

The content of this article is intended to provide general information and insights into the world of high-end smartphones. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's essential to note that the specifics may vary depending on individual circumstances. Always consult reputable sources before making purchasing decisions or investing in new technology.

---

**Final Thoughts**

The world of high-end smartphones is constantly evolving, with new devices and features emerging every quarter. As we move forward, one thing is clear - consumers will continue to be spoiled for choice when it comes to flagship smartphones. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of mobile technology, there's something on this list that's sure to suit your needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of high-end smartphones and discover the latest innovations, features, and technologies that will take your mobile experience to new heights.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enYouTube what's going on my name is Kevin the tech ninja and this is a video that was requested by one of our fans on Twitter so thank you so much for your video request but they want to know if the Nexus 5 is still worth it they're thinking about getting a new phone but they see the Nexus 6 coming out and also they had their eye on the S5 and also the M8 well we're going to break down all the phones and we're going to find out if the Nexus 5 is still worth it when the Nexus 5 was released around this time last year it didn't change the way we use our phones but what it did provide was one of the best phones of 2013 and half the price of the competition the design of the phone was a mixed bag due to two different design materials the white Nexus 5 is a slick hard shell plastic and the black Nexus 5 is using that fan favorite soft touch plastic the screen is 5 in at full HD 1080p resolution at 445 PPI it's a one-handed phone that fits comfortably in the pump palm of my hand inside the phone we have the Snapdragon 800 the andreno 330 GPU 2 GB of RAM wireless charging and NFC at the time of the release this was considered Flagship specs one thing that stuck out to a lot of Android users was a smaller battery this phone used although the Snapdragon 800 processor is known for his battery saving properties it still suffered from a lackluster battery performance out of the box with modern use you'll get around 9 hours of battery life and for some people that wasn't enough some people also say the 8 megapixel camera took a back seat as well the images that came from device left a lot to be desired images were washed out and in low light they were very grainy the 1.3 megapixels on the front camera had the same issues just at a lower resolution almost a year later after this phone's being released it's still used by a lot of people and a lot of tech sites and reviewers still find the Nexus 5 as one of the better phones and I can can see why it's light it's fast it's easy to hold and it's just an overall good experience on a phone a few months after the Nexus 5 came out the touchwood enabled Galaxy S5 was announced the S5 was relatively the same size but it also had dust and water resistance at IP67 certification the camera was double the megapixels and overall the camera experience ran circles around the Nexus 5 it had the newer Snapdragon at 801 and to the same 2 GB of RAM and GPU but it also had a bigger battery and combined that with the 801 processor your battery life experience was great you could easily go 12 hours with modern use 5 months after the Nexus 5 the HTC1 M8 was released and that too was a 5-in phone it's made out of aluminum and has the front-facing boom sound speakers it ran HTC sent software the Snapdragon 801 and same GPU the camera took a lot of flack for Ultra pixel camera It produced poort images and it made the Nexus 5 camera look pretty good still performance was excellent and still seen as a top Android phone a lot of people stuck with the Nexus 5 for its stock Android experience and also Google's track record is that the Nexus phones maintain updates for at least two years afterwards and obviously we have the Nexus 6 which is going to be a beast of a phone as of this video it's not released yet but look at the specs we can assume a lot of things about it especially the cameras a 13 megapixel with image stabilization which is a big plus consider the Nexus 5 only had the eight without the image stabilization um of course it has the 3 GB of RAM on board and also has the newer andreno GPU which should increase some of the gaming experience but the price tag is double the price of the Nexus 5 so you have to consider that as well now I did mention specs throughout this video but I really want to talk about the experience on the device you know it just feels like when you're using a Nexus phone that it runs like no other phone it just really has that smooth experience there is no input delay and it's honestly just the best experience on any type of mobile device that I've used period and also getting updates is really a big deal because around this time every single year a newer version of Android comes out and knowing that you're going to receive it around the first couple days of it coming out is a really good feeling and especially Android because every single update a lot of enhancements come out not just refresh and refinements on older enhancements this is brand new stuff and it actually feels like you get a new phone every time a major version of Android comes out to sum things up no matter which device you're looking at in this price range and we can even include a few more like the MX3 the mx4 and also the OnePlus One you really won't experience much difference I mean a couple things here and there may be faster or when it comes to gaming you may have more frames per second but in this price range all the phones are phenomenal so you don't have to run out and grab the latest $700 phone but you can actually scale it back a little bit and get a phone that may have came out last year or anything like that as always guys my name is Kevin the tech ninja make sure you like this video And subscribe to Android Authority for more great videos and giveaways this is Android authority your source for all things Android take care guys aYouTube what's going on my name is Kevin the tech ninja and this is a video that was requested by one of our fans on Twitter so thank you so much for your video request but they want to know if the Nexus 5 is still worth it they're thinking about getting a new phone but they see the Nexus 6 coming out and also they had their eye on the S5 and also the M8 well we're going to break down all the phones and we're going to find out if the Nexus 5 is still worth it when the Nexus 5 was released around this time last year it didn't change the way we use our phones but what it did provide was one of the best phones of 2013 and half the price of the competition the design of the phone was a mixed bag due to two different design materials the white Nexus 5 is a slick hard shell plastic and the black Nexus 5 is using that fan favorite soft touch plastic the screen is 5 in at full HD 1080p resolution at 445 PPI it's a one-handed phone that fits comfortably in the pump palm of my hand inside the phone we have the Snapdragon 800 the andreno 330 GPU 2 GB of RAM wireless charging and NFC at the time of the release this was considered Flagship specs one thing that stuck out to a lot of Android users was a smaller battery this phone used although the Snapdragon 800 processor is known for his battery saving properties it still suffered from a lackluster battery performance out of the box with modern use you'll get around 9 hours of battery life and for some people that wasn't enough some people also say the 8 megapixel camera took a back seat as well the images that came from device left a lot to be desired images were washed out and in low light they were very grainy the 1.3 megapixels on the front camera had the same issues just at a lower resolution almost a year later after this phone's being released it's still used by a lot of people and a lot of tech sites and reviewers still find the Nexus 5 as one of the better phones and I can can see why it's light it's fast it's easy to hold and it's just an overall good experience on a phone a few months after the Nexus 5 came out the touchwood enabled Galaxy S5 was announced the S5 was relatively the same size but it also had dust and water resistance at IP67 certification the camera was double the megapixels and overall the camera experience ran circles around the Nexus 5 it had the newer Snapdragon at 801 and to the same 2 GB of RAM and GPU but it also had a bigger battery and combined that with the 801 processor your battery life experience was great you could easily go 12 hours with modern use 5 months after the Nexus 5 the HTC1 M8 was released and that too was a 5-in phone it's made out of aluminum and has the front-facing boom sound speakers it ran HTC sent software the Snapdragon 801 and same GPU the camera took a lot of flack for Ultra pixel camera It produced poort images and it made the Nexus 5 camera look pretty good still performance was excellent and still seen as a top Android phone a lot of people stuck with the Nexus 5 for its stock Android experience and also Google's track record is that the Nexus phones maintain updates for at least two years afterwards and obviously we have the Nexus 6 which is going to be a beast of a phone as of this video it's not released yet but look at the specs we can assume a lot of things about it especially the cameras a 13 megapixel with image stabilization which is a big plus consider the Nexus 5 only had the eight without the image stabilization um of course it has the 3 GB of RAM on board and also has the newer andreno GPU which should increase some of the gaming experience but the price tag is double the price of the Nexus 5 so you have to consider that as well now I did mention specs throughout this video but I really want to talk about the experience on the device you know it just feels like when you're using a Nexus phone that it runs like no other phone it just really has that smooth experience there is no input delay and it's honestly just the best experience on any type of mobile device that I've used period and also getting updates is really a big deal because around this time every single year a newer version of Android comes out and knowing that you're going to receive it around the first couple days of it coming out is a really good feeling and especially Android because every single update a lot of enhancements come out not just refresh and refinements on older enhancements this is brand new stuff and it actually feels like you get a new phone every time a major version of Android comes out to sum things up no matter which device you're looking at in this price range and we can even include a few more like the MX3 the mx4 and also the OnePlus One you really won't experience much difference I mean a couple things here and there may be faster or when it comes to gaming you may have more frames per second but in this price range all the phones are phenomenal so you don't have to run out and grab the latest $700 phone but you can actually scale it back a little bit and get a phone that may have came out last year or anything like that as always guys my name is Kevin the tech ninja make sure you like this video And subscribe to Android Authority for more great videos and giveaways this is Android authority your source for all things Android take care guys a\n"