Google Nexus 6P review: Time to let go

Google Nexus 6P review: Camera

On the back, the 6P’s rear camera actually uses the same 12.3-megapixel sensor as the Nexus 5X. Using large 1.55um pixels, its overall picture quality and low light capability should be nigh on identical, but the 6P’s camera does come with a few extras.

These include 240fps slow-mo video over the Nexus 5X’s 120fps slow-mo video, and Smart Burst mode. This lets you capture burst images at 30fps, and you can select the best image from the series or use it to create makeshift GIFs. On the front is an 8-megapixel camera, which has a wide f/2.4 aperture for those all-important selfies.

Outdoors, the Nexus 6P produced excellent photos. The resolution may not be as high as other flagship phones, but every images was packed with detail. Individual bricks and roof tiles were captured with expert precision, and I could hardly see any signs of noise or overprocessing. Colours were also pleasingly neutral, and it kept contrast levels high without making images appear too dark and dingy.

^ It might only have a 12.3-megapixel sensor, but the quality of the 6P’s photos easily rival those on other smartphones with larger resolutions

Indoors, the colour temperature was once again spot on, as it was able to distinguish between lots of different textures without smoothing over fine details like the wood grain or fur in our still life. Shadows areas were a little rough in patches under low lighting conditions, but it’s by far one of the better smartphone cameras I’ve seen this year.

^ In bright light, the Nexus 6P performs admirably indoors, capturing plenty of contrast, bright, vivid colours and tonnes of detail

As for Smart Burst mode, all you need to do is hold down the onscreen shutter button and the 6P will capture multiple images in just a few seconds. I managed around 23 shots in five seconds, but you can also set it to capture the best eight in the main settings menu to save you having to find the ones you want to keep manually. You can also set it to create makeshift GIF-like videos from your Smart Bursts, giving Android its very own version of Apple’s Live Photos, albeit without any sound. Admittedly, they’re not great in motion, as it struggles to focus when you’re moving the camera about, but it will no doubt be useful when taking family shots if you’re trying to avoid closed eyes or grumpy smiles.

Google Nexus 6P review: Verdict

Its looks may be a bit divisive, but it all adds up to make the Nexus 6P a top-class smartphone. By virtue of having stock Android, it’s easily Huawei’s best phone yet, and the high-end specs make it a much better buy than the similarly priced HTC One A9.

Still, the Nexus 6P faces stiff competition from the equally large Motorola Moto X Style and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+. However, the Nexus 6P still comes out on top in my book, as the Moto X Style’s terrible battery life and slightly underpowered specs make the 6P a much better buy. The Galaxy S6 Edge+ is faster and has better battery life than the 6P, but it’s also much more expensive. This makes the 6P a bit of a bargain by comparison, and the simplicity of stock Android is another big draw.

The Nexus 6P is by far the best value phablet you can buy today, even when compared to Huawei’s more recent Mate 8. While the Mate 8 had impressive performance, it was ultimately let down by an abysmal camera. You also have to contend with Huawei’s Emotion UI. In the end, it means the Nexus 6P is still our Best Buy.