Self-debate: Nexus 6

Google recently announced the Nexus 6, the ginormous sequel to the Nexus 5. I’m a huge fan of Android, but haven’t been able to participate in the Nexus program since the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, so this news, the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop, and that Google are willing to give Verizon another shot, have me strongly considering an upgrade from my beloved 2013 Moto X.

So to try and work this out, I’m going to sit here and debate myself.

At $650, it’s a pretty expensive upgrade after only a year with the Moto X. How can you justify this?

Look, I am a technical person, and hardware that brings new capabilities that I’ll actually use is incredibly alluring to me.

While the Moto X does offer some of the newly announced Android features (OK Google Now, quiet times, trusted device mode), there are some fairly strong ones provided by the Nexus hardware:

• An amazing, estimated 24 hour battery.
• Wireless charging. Never having to plug my phone in is another daily task exonerated.
• What appears to be a very good phone camera with “professional” options and Optical Image Stablization. I’m kinda hoping this can take the place of my DSLR for social situations.
• A nerd point, but still valid to me: There is only one model for the US that works with the four major carriers. This, hopefully, simplifies Google’s update cycle and discourages Verizon from screwing over it’s customers like they did with the Galaxy Nexus.

But you forgot to mention that it’s 6 inches, how is that not one of your “gotta-have” hardware features?

Actually I mentioned it in the first paragraph you dolt. But I didn’t mention it as a feature because I’m not sure it is one to me.

I don’t like to touch my phone if I don’t have to because I can do almost anything faster on a computer. My phone usage is usually quick reading and communication while out and about.  I also don’t like to touch it because then the screen is dirty, duh.

The other concern I have is being able to use it with one hand while on the go. The Moto X is just about the perfect size for one-handed use and I have no idea if the Nexus 6 could come close to accommodating that.

And rounding out the pile of quirks / questions about the size:

• Because it’s bigger, heavier, and possibly more difficult to handle with one… hand, doesn’t that make it more prone to droppage? And with all that surface area wouldn’t any droppage’s odds of permanent damage be greater?
• Will this fit in my chinos?
• Am I going to look ridiculous any time I have to hold it up to my face?

So while you love the Nexus program, your biggest gripe isn’t the price, but the size?

Don’t get me wrong, $650 is almost too much, but I factor in my discounted unlimited data plan and being able to resell my Moto X. I’m also hoping that with all of the avenues for purchasing it, someone will be out there selling it for a reduced price.

The size issue… I’ll really just have to wait and see and probably feel.

There are a couple other capabilities I would have loved to see included as well, but they just didn’t make it to this hardware:

• Fingerprint scanning. I hate inputting credentials on a small keyboard. Having a fingerprint scanner that allows applications like Lastpass to autofill in credentials would alleviate that kink.
• Flick your wrist twice to open the camera. This Moto X feature is really handy, but it’s unknown if the Nexus 6 will allow for it.

Alright, I’m losing interest (and possibly $650), is there anything I can do to stop you from doing this?

Become a professional phone reviewer, travel forward in time to receive a review unit, travel back in time and post a bad review of it specifically stating how it’s too big for people who don’t like to touch their phones, but when they do use only one hand.