LG Nexus 5X (2015) – Everything you need to know

Everything you need to know about the LG Nexus 5 (2015)

Want to know everything about the upcoming LG Nexus 5X 2015? Here’s what we know so far, including the expected LG Nexus 5’s release date, new features and the latest info on specs.

When LG worked with Google on the original Nexus 5, it felt as though the smartphone stars had aligned.

Featuring specs traditionally seen on handsets close to twice its price, the original LG Nexus 5 was serious value for money.

As such, imagine the delight of Android fans everywhere when the rumour mill started churning out talk of a new LG Nexus smartphone for 2015.

Unfortunately, Google is keeping the next-gen LG Nexus 5 – or possibly Nexus 5X – under tight wraps, so we have only leaks, rumours, and speculation to work with right now.

However, Google’s big product launch is scheduled for 29 September, so the devices are imminent.

Update: Hours ahead of launch, we’ve hit upon the motherlode of leaks, revealing what looks very likely to be the entire spec sheet for the Nexus 5X.

Ahead of today’s (29 September) event, here’s the full list of claimed specs:

• 5.2in IPS LCD (1,920 x 1,080, 424ppi)
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow
• 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
• 12.3-megapixel rear camera (f/2.0)
• IR laser-assisted autofocus, 4K video capture (30fps), CRI-90 dual-flash
• 5-megapixel front camera (f/2.2)
• 2,700mAh battery
• 16/32GB storage options
• Nano SIM
• 147 x 7.9 x 72.6mm dimensions
• 136g weight
• Quartz White, Ice Blue, and Charcoal Black colour options
• USB-C port and charger
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Fingerprint sensor, sensor hub, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, hall sensor, Android context hub
• Phone, charger, earphones, quick-start guide included in box

And here’s a leaked image of the Nexus 5X in all of its glory:

Original rumour round-up:

Latest LG Nexus 5 news – Fingerprint scanner & USB-C

• 23 September 2015 – Nexus 5X renders show new colour option
  
• 23 September 2015 – Nexus 5X packaging leaks
• 19 September 2015 – Google smartphone to be called Nexus 5X
• 10 September 2015 – Nexus 5 could have just 2GB RAM
  
• 06 September 2015 – New Nexus 5 leaks again
  
• 31 August 2015 – Nexus 5 coming with Snapdragon 808
  
• 29 August 2015 – Nexus 5 could be here very soon
  
• 17 August 2015 – New Google Nexus 5 photo leaks
  
• 14 August 2015 – LG Nexus 5 render: Fingerprint scanner, USB-C
  
• 07 August 2015 – Android Pay launching with LG Nexus in October
  
• 14 July 2015 – Nexus 5 could be more powerful than Galaxy S6
  
• 17 June 2015 – LG Nexus phone with 3D camera rumoured
  
• 26 May 2015 – Nexus phones from LG/Huawei coming 2015
  
• 12 May 2015 – True Nexus 5 successor could be in the works
  
• 19 March 2015 – LG tipped for Nexus duties after Google visit
  
• 27 February 2015 – Huawei/LG to build two Nexus devices
  

In Brief

When is the LG Nexus 5 coming out? September 29 unveiling
What’s new about the LG Nexus 5? Marshmallow, USB-C, fingerprint scanner.
How much will the LG Nexus 5 cost? £300-500.

Related: Best Android Smartphones 2015

When will the LG Nexus 5 come out?

Regarding an unveiling, we’ve already been given a huge clue by Google. The company has invited us, and many other members of the press, to a special product launch event on September 29.

That fits with other rumours suggesting Google’s next Nexus devices will actually go on sale at some point in October.

Unfortunately, Google is staying tight-lipped on both its plans for the event, as well as release details for any upcoming handsets.

One of the best indicators for the Nexus 5 (2015) release date are the launches of previous Google handsets.

What’s notable about the series is that the Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus 4, the Nexus 5, and the Nexus 6 all launched in October – that’s going all the way back to 2011.

As such, we’d expect Google to adopt a similar strategy with the new Nexus 5 and pencil in an October launch.

That theory is seconded by a report from Business Korea that claims Google will launch both Android Pay and the new Nexus 5 in October 2015.

That also suggests we’ll see Google’s upcoming Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system launch at the same time.

We’ve also seen a number of other leaks pointing to a 2015 launch, so we’d say it’s almost assured that October this year will see a new Nexus device landing.

It should be noted that Google is also tipped to be working on a second smartphone for 2015, namely a Huawei-built Nexus 6 – the true successor to last year’s Google phablet.

That device is also expected to launch at the same time as the Nexus 5. Take your pick, folks.

What’s new about the LG Nexus 5?

There are some serious improvements tipped for the LG Nexus 5 (2015).

The headline feature is Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google’s latest mobile operating system, set to land first on the 2015 Nexus devices.

We’re also expecting to see a fingerprint scanner, a feature sorely missed on last year’s Nexus 6.

Don’t forget the tipped inclusion of a USB-C port. That’s the burgeoning USB standard that will soon be appearing on a flurry of mobile devices over the next year.

Then there’ll be a raft of spec improvements over the 2013 Nexus 5, including boosts to the processor, RAM, and camera. Stay tuned.

It’s also rumoured that the new LG/Google smartphone will have a shiny new moniker – the Nexus 5X.

That’s probably to make it a little easier for consumers – and tech journalists – to differentiate between the old LG Nexus 5.

Last year’s Nexus 6, by Motorola

Should I wait for the LG Nexus 5?

It’s tough to say whether to wait for the LG Nexus 5. That really depends on what you want from a smartphone.

There are some serious advantages to buying a Nexus device, the most obvious of which is that you’ll be the first to get Google’s new operating system.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow will debut on the Nexus 5, so you’ll have it before everyone using third-party handsets.

What’s also important to many Android fans is that the Nexus 5 will use an unadulterated version of the software – no bloatware, just raw Google goodness.

Of course, the phone will be going up against some serious players when it lands, including the Galaxy S6 Edge, the LG G4, and the OnePlus 2.

Don’t forget that Google is tipped to be plotting a 6-inch Huawei Nexus for 2015 too, so this could be a better choice for those who prefer their handsets beefy.

You might also want to spring for the iPhone 6S, which is expected to land in September, launching with iOS 9 on-board. Check out our Android Marshmallow vs iOS 9 feature here.

Check out our smartphone group test video below for some added inspiration:

Related: iPhone 6S release date

In-Depth: Nexus 5 Specs & Features Explained

As with all prospective phone launches, the features of the LG Nexus 5 (2015) are in serious contention.

Here’s our round-up of what the Nexus 5 is likely to look like when the rumoured October launch window rolls around.

Nexus 5 (2015) display:

There have been several leaks on the LG Nexus 5, which have pointed to two possible screen sizes.

It’s alleged that the handset has been tested as two separate variants – a 5.2-inch model and a 5.5-inch model.

Most leaks point to a 5.2-inch handset however, and we think that’s the most likely form factor.

Anything higher would tread too close to the rumoured 5.7-inch Huawei Nexus 6 (2015).

The original LG-built Nexus 5 (2013)

The general consensus among rumour-spinners is that LG is opting for a 1,920 x 1,080 pixel P-OLED display on the new Nexus 5. That’s a respectable 423ppi pixel density.

There’s also a chance Google and LG will opt for a 1,440 x 2,560 pixel resolution display. That would give the screen an eye-watering 564ppi pixel density.

But is that likely? Well Nexus devices are often based on the company’s flagship phones from that year.

The LG G4, the company’s 2015 flagship device, uses a 2,560 x 1,440 pixel screen, which could be a major clue as to what sort of panel we’ll see on the next LG Nexus 5.

Related: Android 6.0 Marshmallow features

Nexus 5 (2015) design:

Nexus smartphones are never very extravagant affairs, and we’re expecting the Nexus 5X (2015) to follow that trend.

There have been a number of leaks teasing the new Nexus 5 design, but the best look at the device comes courtesy of a video leak.

The clip contains a render purportedly based on detailed factory schematics provided to smartphone accessory makers.

Check it out below:

(YouTube)X6AvenXqqzs(/YouTube)

The power button appears to be on the rear, in typical LG fashion.

There are also a number of features outed in the video, including a USB-C port and a fingerprint scanner – more on those later.

Other noteworthy design points include dual front-firing speakers and a pair of cameras.

A separate leak of the Nexus 5X appears to show similar design, although this image comes courtesy of AndroidPit.

Another new design point this time around is claimed to be an ‘Ice Blue’ Nexus 5X colour option, as revealed by Android Police.

We’ve also seen leaked packaging for the device. Unfortunately it doesn’t give much away in terms of handset design, but it does corroborate the claimed ‘Nexus 5X’ moniker.

Ice Blue color option

Nexus 5 (2015) camera:

When you’re building a smartphone in 2015, you’ve got to get the camera right.

Fortunately, the LG Nexus 5 is tipped to use a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera that is, at least, a sign that the company isn’t skimping on raw specs.

The front-facing sensor has been rumoured to offer either 4-megapixel or 5-megapixel image resolutions, which is similarly respectable.

Of course, megapixel count isn’t everything, and we still don’t have enough details on the camera to say for sure what will feature.

We can, however, look to previous LG offerings to gauge what we might see on the LG Nexus 5.

The LG G4, for instance, featured a high quality 16-megapixel sensor that shipped with laser autofocus, optical image stabilisation, and LED flash.

The LG Nexus 5 probably won’t be such a powerhouse, but we’re hoping at least a few of those features make it to the Google-powered smartphone.

Our best guess is that the G4’s laser autofocus will be bundled with the 13-megapixel camera, and probably an LED flash too.

Claimed render, with protruding rear camera and flash

Related: Android Marshmallow vs iOS 9

Nexus 5 (2015) specs:

The biggest issue of contention that surrounds the LG Nexus 5 (2015) is the processor that it will use.

Annoyingly, LG’s Nexus smartphone has been tipped with four different mobile chips. Ugh.

The first chip tipped to be included is the Snapdragon 810, which is Qualcomm’s current flagship offering.

It’s appeared on a number of high-end devices this year, although it’s as controversial a processor as they come.

That’s because the 810 has been plagued by complaints of overheating since the off, and Qualcomm has struggled to shake off that fiery reputation.

If the LG Nexus 5 is positioned as a high-end chip, the 810 is the most likely candidate to appear, but it could turn off savvy consumers that have already heard the complaints levelled at Qualcomm over the chip.

Then there’s the Snapdragon 808, a minor step-down from the 810 in terms of performance.

That also means it won’t melt the back of your handset because the processor got too toasty either, so that’s a plus.

It’s that sort of thinking that led LG to use the 808 in its flagship LG G4, so it wouldn’t be entirely implausible for the firm to offer the chip once again with the LG Nexus 5.

The 808 has also been rumoured to be appear, courtesy of Android Police ‘sources’, so stay tuned on that front.

Leaked handset, or spurious fakery?

The third chip rumoured to appear – courtesy of prolific leaker Evan Blass – is the Snapdragon 820.

Qualcomm only just officially confirmed the 820’s existence, revealing it to be the forthcoming top-end chip in the US company’s line-up.

Unfortunately, we’re not expecting the chip to land on devices until late 2015 or early 2016.

That means there’s a very slim chance we’ll see the 820 on an October-launching smartphone like the Nexus 5.

Lastly, and actually sort of least, is the Snapdragon 620, which is one of Qualcomm’s upper mid-range chips.

It’s the sort of component that you’d expect to see on premium mid-rangers like Samsung’s Galaxy A-series, which gives you a clue as to the price point Google might position the Nexus 5 at.

Neither LG nor Google has officially confirmed the chip that is set to feature on the new Nexus 5, so we’re resigned to speculation for now.

Other rumoured specs include 4GB of memory, 64GB of internal storage (that’s pretty big, especially for a potential mid-ranger), and a battery that will offer a capacity of 3,500mAh, 3,180mAh, or 2,700mAh, depending on who you listen to.

We should also note that a separate report, this time via Androidworld.it, suggests the Nexus 5X will feature 2GB of RAM, not 4GB of RAM.

We’d find that very odd, particularly as most modern Android flagships ship with 3GB of RAM on board.

Related: App Permissions: The Marshmallow feature that really matters

Nexus 5 (2015) software:

Android 6.0 Marshmallow – that’s Google’s next big thing when it comes to mobile software.

The chewy, delicious mobile update is coming to a Nexus device near you this October, most probably, and it’ll appear first on the Nexus 5 (2015) and Nexus 6 (2015).

As such, we already know a lot about what the software side of the new Nexus 5 will look like.

That’s because Google already waxed lyrical on Marshmallow back at its annual I/O developer conference earlier this year.

One of the biggest upgrades coming in the update is the arrival of Android Pay, Google’s answer to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. How very inventive…

Give all your money to Google

Related: How Google screwed it up with Nexus

In fairness, Android Pay is actually a revamp of Google’s existing mobile payments service that’s been kicking around in the US since 2010.

It’s going to work just like Apple Pay in that you walk into a store, slap your smartphone on a payment terminal, and walk out with new goods in hand and a slightly emptier bank account.

Android 6.0 will also be bringing Google Now on Tap, which is a context-driven upgrade for Android’s digital assistant.

For instance, if you’re watching a video, you can hold down the home button and get information about a person in the video. Similarly, if someone mentions a restaurant in a text, you can use it to get information about the restaurant.

You’ll also be able to say “OK Google” to access Google Now from anywhere in the Android OS, finally.

App permissions are getting smarter too. You won’t be forced to sign up to a load of developer demands when first using an app anymore. Instead, you’ll be asked to accept particular permission requests when you want to use a relevant feature.

Other features include standardised support for fingerprint scanners, battery life improvements, and simplifications to some of the controls.

The one thing that won’t really change is the aesthetics of Android. Google made some big changes with Android 5.0 Lollipop a la “material design”, and that flat design looks set to stick around in Marshmallow too.

Android 6.0: More chewy than iOS 9, at least…

Related: Best Smartphones 2015

Nexus 5 (2015) features:

The response to Google’s Nexus 6 last year was tepid, to say the least.

It was lacking seriously in the ‘wow’ department, and one of the reasons for that was the omission of a fingerprint scanner.

That was a big disappointment for fans of the Nexus series, as there had been plenty of rumours suggesting the sensor would appear.

Fortunately, it looks like Google has finally relented and is going to feature a fingerprint scanner on the Nexus 5.

Several leaks have suggested as much, including the render video leak that you’ll find further up in this article.

However, the biggest clue is that Android 6.0 Marshmallow is going to standardise Android fingerprint support.

Google made a big deal of this at I/O 2015, so it would be odd if the Marshmallow launch vehicles that are the Nexus 5 (2015) and Nexus 6 (2015) didn’t feature the technology.


It’s also likely Google will want to utilise the security benefits of a fingerprint scanner when it’s trying to peddle Android Pay to Nexus users.

Similarly, we’re also expecting Google to jump on the USB-C bandwagon.

USB-C, as seen on the OnePlus 2

Back at I/O, Google lauded the benefits of USB-C, and said it would be working hard to support the rollout of the technology.

The renders we’ve seen of the Nexus 5 also feature the burgeoning connection standard, so it’s almost assured that USB-C will feature on the new Nexus devices.

Other, less impressive features include Wi-Fi support, an NFC chip, and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity.

Related: OnePlus 2 review

Nexus 5 (2015) price:

The LG Nexus 5 (2015) price is an interesting one, mainly because we’re not sure how Google wants to position its new smartphone.

The 2013 Nexus 5 retailed at £199 for the 16GB version, and £220 for the 32GB model.

However, Google ditched its budget Nexus pricing last year with the £499 Nexus 6 – many fans of the series saw that as a betrayal.

As such, it’s tough to pin down an exact price for the Nexus 5.

If the phone uses a high-end chip like the 810, it’s probably going to bear a similar price to the Nexus 6 – we’d say £350 would be the bare minimum, but it could rise to £500.

However, if LG opts for a Snapdragon 620 chip, then a mid-range price tag would be more appropriate – somewhere in the region of £200 to £300.

It’s also worth noting that Google is expected to flog a Huawei-built Nexus 6 this year too, which will likely cost more than the Nexus 5 due to the boosted screen size.

Share your thoughts on what you’d like to see from the LG Nexus 5 (2015) in the comments below.