Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the formidable LG G4 goes up against the new and exciting Huawei Nexus 6P. The LG G4 is a great device and loved by many for its innovative designs – with the QHD display and buttons on the back – but how does it stack up to the higher-end of the Nexus devices. Fresh from the Google conference in San Francisco is the new Nexus 6P by Huawei – a first for the Chinese company and big boost for them as well, finally cracking into mainstream USA…how does it compare to the tried and true LG G4. That is what we will look at in today’s comparison.
A few items are rather similar on these two smartphones. The displays are close in size – 5.5-inches on the LG G4 and 5.7-inches on the Nexus 6P – and both are Quad-HD (QHD) technology with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. This works out to 538 pixels-per-inch (PPI) on the G4 and 518 PPI on the 6P. Both use a Qualcomm Snapdragon 64-bit processor, just different models. They both come with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory – the LG G4 has room to expand memory via a microSD card – the Nexus 6P has a 64GB and 128GB option, but no means for external expansion. The LG G4 and Nexus 6P both have an 8MP front-facing camera (FFC) for excellent selfies and video chats.
They both have the usual suspects – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (4.1 on G4 and 4.2 on 6P), GPS, NFC, a microUSB2.0 port (Type-C on Nexus 6P) for charging and data transfer and quick charge battery.
Please take a deliberate look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each individual device in greater detail and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
LG G4
The LG G4 is slightly larger than its predecessor but includes a slight curve to the entire device…just enough to make it a pleasure to hold in your hand. They improved the ceramic-coated metallic plastic backing, making it easier to grip and added an optional genuine leather back in one of several colors…complete with stitching.
The QHD display on the G3 was statistically superior, but in reality, it has a rather dull looking, washed-out set of colors. LG concentrated on improving the display on the LG G4 and switched to a new IPS Quantum display technology. LG credits this new technology for creating a 25-percent brighter display with a 50-percent increase in the contrast and 56-percent improvement to the color accuracy. The new LG G4 sports this new technology on a 5.5-inch QHD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 538 PPI…this compares to the 5.7-inch QHD AMOLED display and 518 PPI found on the Nexus 6P.
LG chose the Snapdragon 810 in their LG G Flex 2, but then passed on it for the LG G4. They stayed with Qualcomm, but moved down to their 64-bit Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor in the G4, with a quad-core clocked at 1.44GHz and a dual-core clocked at 1.82GHz. Huawei decided to go with a v2.1 of the 64-bit Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor in the Nexus 6P. The LG G4 and the Nexus 6P both pack 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, with the Nexus 6P also having a 64GB or 128GB option. The LG G4 has room for expansion via a microUSB card and the Nexus 6P does not.
The LG G4 has a top-rated camera area with a 16MP sensor, laser autofocus, dual-tone LED Flash, a wide f/1.8 aperture and OIS for their main camera. LG also included a huge 8MP FFC with the f/1.8 aperture that should take excellent selfies and provide great video chatting. The Nexus 6P also has a top-rated camera with a 12.3MP main camera with all of the amenities and a 8MP FFC. The LG G4 uses a 3000mAh removable battery, compared to the non-removable 3450mAh on the Nexus 6P and both batteries should get you through a day. They both offer a quick charge feature and the LG G4 offers an optional wireless charger.
The LG G4 does offer a couple of things the Nexus 6P does not have – an FM Stereo radio, a built-in IR Blaster, a microSD card slot and comes with controls that are easily accessible on the back of the device. It also incorporates some great software features in the camera app and on the device itself. The LG G4 is available in a variety of colors in either the standard ceramic-coated plastic back or genuine leather backing. It is running the latest Lollipop, will cost you about $600+ off contract, and is available on all major US carriers.
Huawei Nexus 6P
Google decided to give both type of Nexus owners what they want – the LG Nexus 5X is the more mid-range spec’d and priced device, while the Huawei Nexus 6P is the high-end and more expensive device. It is a beautifully designed and well-built device with an all-metal unibody construction and available in three colors – Aluminum, Graphite or Frost.
The Nexus 6P comes with a Samsung-made AMOLED QHD display that measures 5.7-inches with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and 518 PPI. This compares to the 5.5-inch LCD QHD display on the LG G4 with 538 PPI. Huawei generally uses its own HiSilicone Kirn processor, however, Google must have wanted their Nexus device to use a more familiar and trusted brand, so they used the 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 quad-core processor, version 2.1. It has four cores clocked at 1.55GHz and four cores clocked at 1.9GHz. The LG G4 skipped the Snapdragon 810 in favor of the 64-Bit 808 hexa-core processor. Both devices have 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory, although the Nexus 5X also offers 64GB and 128GB options, but only the LG G4 has a microSD slot for expansion.
The camera on the Nexus 6P was just rated one of the best by a national testing firm, second only to the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. It has a 12.3MP sensor, laser autofocus and dual-tone LED flash…but no OIS. This goes up another terrific camera on the LG G4 with a 16MP sensor, laser autofocus, LED flash and OIS. The LG G4 and Nexus 6P both have an 8MP FFC for selfies and video chatting. The Nexus 6P has a large, 3450mAh non-removable battery that includes Quick Charge 2.0. The LG G4 has a fairly large 3000mAh removable battery with a fast charge feature and an optional wireless charger (Qi enabled).
The Nexus 6P has a few features not found on the LG G4 – let’s start with a full metal body. It has a fingerprint sensor for Android Pay and unlocking the device. It has dual front-facing stereo speakers for great sound and a good location for watching videos or playing games. It also uses the Type-C reversible microUSB port for faster charging and data transfer. It will cost you $500 for the 32GB model.
…And The Winner Is…
Summary
This was one of the toughest one to pick – the LG G4 does have a removable battery, the ability to expand its internal memory and an IR Blaster. But the Nexus 6P has an all-metal body, fingerprint sensor, dual front-facing stereo speakers, Samsung AMOLED display, a revised version of the Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, an equal camera, Type-C microUSB port and a larger battery – and you get all of this for $500…less than the $600 that an LG G4 would cost.
Another BIG factor is that it will come with the newest Android 6.0 Marshmallow – pure, unadulterated Android and the fastest updates possible. Because of Android Pay, 6.0 Marshmallow and the fingerprint sensor, you will be able to make mobile payments by using the fingerprint sensor. It is a great looking device, the most up-to-date hardware and software, great camera and solid build for only $500 – I’d call that a winner…what do you think?
[socialpoll id=”[socialpoll id=”2298112″]