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Poll results: is Nexus or Pixel the best Google phone?

Nexus 5x pixel comparison
© nextpit

Last week, we asked you which of Google's two smartphone lines you prefer: Nexus or Pixel. The Pixel is in high demand at the moment, and quantities are limited in some markets. But even though the Pixel seems to be the next big thing, Nexus phones remain popular anyway. So, which is the favorite? Check out the results.

The big winner is Nexus...for now

About 5,400 of you voted, and the overwhelming majority were in favor of the Nexus line. The 77 percent majority thinks the Nexus devices are better than the Pixel, and this isn't too surprising for a few reasons.

androidpit Nexus 6P 4
The best representation of the Nexus line: the Nexus 6P. / © NextPit

While the Pixel may be the new shiny thing catching everyone's eye, true enthusiasts may be wary for good reason. The Pixel and Pixel XL are just the first generation phones in the Pixel line, and have many kinks that need to be worked out.

The Pixel's design could certainly be refined (look at the huge bezel!). There's no waterproofing certification. These devices have had numerous hardware and software issues. These things are to be expected from a first try.

AndroidPIt google pixel 9861
The Pixel's design could certainly be refined (look at the huge bezel!). / © NextPit

Maybe the next Pixel phones will make fewer compromises. Until then, the Nexus devices are likely to remain the more refined favorite. The Pixel just needs more time, and someday it could be just as beloved as the Nexus devices.

Did your choice win in the poll? Which particular Google smartphone is your favorite?

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Brittany McGhee

Brittany McGhee
Editor androidpit.com

Brittany loves to keep up with the latest technology and innovation, so she is excited to have the opportunity to write about the wonderful world of Android. She thinks spreadsheets and numbers are fun, in addition to reading books and volunteering.

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48 comments
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  • 27
    Sorin Jan 5, 2018 Link to comment

    Nexus - Oldies But Goldies !


  • Rick McFadden 3
    Rick McFadden Mar 19, 2017 Link to comment

    these articles crack me up. Google released a new phone designed in house, made it more expensive, and it outsold the Nexus line.

    if you owned Google, would you say that was a mistake just because a few people are upset about it? Google just made a very smart business decision. the numbers don't lie.

    Joel Orosco


    • 2
      Theo Sulf Mar 19, 2017 Link to comment

      They make more money because they're three times as expensive as the Nexus phones were the last couple of years. They're looking at how much they made rather than how many units sold. And they haven't sold shit.


  • 1
    Shiro Kuro Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    The name "Pixel" keeps me from buying one anyway. To mention "I've got a Pixel" sounds truly stupid.


    • 3
      Joel Orosco Mar 19, 2017 Link to comment

      I don't disagree with you but don't know how much better iPhone, Galaxy or whatever theses phones are called now days. I wouldn't get hung up on not buying a phone because of the name it was given. It's truly about the experience and making sure that the phone suits your needs.


  • Geolemon 2
    Geolemon Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    You forgot "it's made of [truly pointless] metal", "it costs too much for it's specs", and "it's 100% a wannabe iPhone" - NONE of these are things the Google-loyal have supported in the past, and in fact are the opposite of what those of us actively disgusted by Apple have actively avoided.
    Pixel is tremendously disappointing, except to those who would be totally fine with an iPhone, Luddites and those ignorant to Apple's offenses.

    I'm actually still surprised that the survey didn't have a Pixel cost-justification biased anecdotal "Mike works for me!" result... I have to say I'm proud of those who voted!
    Too bad I have no faith Google will listen.

    Jay C


  • 1
    Matthew Clarke Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    As a user of both the pixel and the nexus 5x, i must say the pixel is the better phone, does all the things the nexus did but so much better, the nexus was a good phone, in fact it was the best phone I had until i got the pixel, don't regret it at all, pixel is the best phone I have had, not had any of the software or hardware issues that have been reported. No matter what i ask it to do, it just does it


  • 2
    Mason maseda Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    As a owner of both devices. The Pixel XL is much better. When I take out my Nexus 6P and show it to the average consumer. And explain it to them as a "concept pixel" like a concept car that say "oh the old one" and then I have to them it's less than a year old. The glass square on the pixel is much better looking than the glass bar. Say what you will about the pixels design. But if you say the Nexus 6P looks better. 90% of the average consumers are going to disagree. We techies aren't the market Google is trying to hit anymore.
    What the average consumer wants is way different from what we want. We only make up a small percentage of the smart phone market. They actually wanna make money and compete with apple. To do that they have to bear apple at thier own game


    • Trent Hall 2
      Trent Hall Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      My understanding is that the pixel phones are really good. My original comment was to say that I still very much like my Nexus 6. When I'm ready to change, the pixel, or its successor, will definitely be in the running for my cash.


  • 3
    Joel Orosco Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    The Pixel and Pixel XL are hands down the best Android phones ever! I swap phones all the time and recently started using the Pixel and put my S7 EDGE DUOS to the side and I don't regret it. The Pixel just works and consistently. Nexus phones were good but always lacked something. The Pixel phones are just complete phones .

    Mason maseda


  • Faran Khan 2
    Faran Khan Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    N6p is ugly and N6 was the best.. Are you high mate? 6p is and has been one of the best android iteration Google has brought. Pixel comes close, but the kind of the experience you get especially while consuming media on nexus 6p is close to none..

    Michael M


  • Angel Vick 2
    Angel Vick Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    I liked the size of the Nexus and some aspects of it were not only better, MHO, but easier to use. The smaller size of the Pixel XL and how light it is has caused me issues, personally. You may find that different.

    I continually drop it and lose it because it so small it can "hide" user/between anything. A case might help this, but I miss my Nexus. I only upgraded because my internal charging cable would longer attach and charge the phone.

    I think I would have rather seen some upgrade/update to it.

    Again, my opinion.


  • Head Roaster 2
    Head Roaster Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    Nexus 6 was the best, IMHO. not 6p, but 6. It's a real shame no one will make this screen size anymore. Tried to "upgrade" to S7 (cause 6p is UGLY and Pixel is insulting iphone clone crap), but aside from the camera, it isn't any better than the 6 and just highlights why I wanted Shamu to begin with.

    Trent Hall


    • Trent Hall 2
      Trent Hall Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      I really like my Nexus 6, and have not yet been tempted by any other phone. It's great. Love the large screen and the stereo speakers.


    • Faran Khan 2
      Faran Khan Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      N6p is ugly and N6 was the best.. Are you high mate? 6p is and has been one of the best android iteration Google has brought. Pixel comes close, but the kind of the experience you get especially while consuming media on nexus 6p is close to none..


      • Trent Hall 2
        Trent Hall Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

        Liking one phone doesn't require bashing a person who likes another. Doing so is not helpful.


  • 2
    Biffstar1234 Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    Nexus phones were and always will be basic and junk. Cameras which were simply not good enough for even basic snaps, and underperforming compared to other phones.
    HTC phones are just as customisable as Nexus but still have top spec cameras and audio.
    Pixel for me. Best camera on any phone in real life use.
    Money is not a factor as people usually get phones on contract.


    • 2
      Mason maseda Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      No one does contracts anymore. It's all installment billing now.


      • 4
        Kattz Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

        That depends on where you live. In Canada most people still get their phone on contract and the providers want to keep it that way. They start offering early renewal deals a few months before your contract is up. They want you locked in and paying off an expensive phone for the rest of your life. The Nexus was even available on contract up here, but it was always the model with the lowest storage.


  • Praful Gaikwad 1
    Praful Gaikwad Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    I think Nexus 5 is the best phone ever from Google. Great price & the best configuration... Because still I am using it.
    I love it. Now after 3 years having a small issue with call volume....And I don't believe in repairing.
    But I love N5.


  • Terie Mumby 7
    Terie Mumby Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    It really bothers me when someone spends a whack of cash on a device, doesn't like it, sells it then calls it "complete garbage". No phone is complete garbage if it still works.

    So childish!

    I dislike the iPhone. All of them. But none of them are even partially garbage. They are great, well built marvelous pieces of technology. Just like any phone. I just find them boring and WAY over priced. I still have one and use it because I'm forced to because what I'm doing with it. The vendor of the other product decided to snub their nose at the other 78% of phone users. Pretty dumb if you ask me.

    A phone may be slow. It may take crappie pictures,etc,etc. But garbage? To hold something that size and do all the things a smartphone can do, even if it's only some of them is a frigging beautiful thing. Amazing. But never garbage, Jonas. I totally understand you spent a lot of money and were disappointed. That really sucks. And I suppose calling you childish was just as bad so I apologize for that.

    Mason masedaTrent Hall


  • CJ Brown 29
    CJ Brown Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    Nexus wins for me until Pixel is available unlocked AND at a price comparable to the Huawei Mate 9 (or ZTE Axon 7 with smaller specs) ....

    I want a Flagship Killer not an iGroan Clone 🖕


  • Craig 3
    Craig Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    My old timey Nexus 6 is still chugging right along. These new Google phones will really need to do something special for me to justify paying big bucks to change.

    cybertec69Michael MTrent Hall


  • PairedPrototype 2
    PairedPrototype Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    My Pixel XL is much better in terms of speed and battery life than my Nexus 5X which got the boot loop of death like many others. Amazon was kind enough to give me a full refund so here I am with my sexy Pixel :)

    Personally I think the beezel thickness​ is fine, i mean it's not like I'm going for a triple phone screen setup like desktop monitors.

    Couldn't​ really care about water proofing either, electronics we're never made to be submersible.

    Biffstar1234


  • 4
    cjpp78 Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    The 6p on the latest Android 7.1.2 makes me feel the upgrade to pixel really isn't worth it. It's running 98% the same software as the pixel , including Goole assistant now. It has a bigger screen and front facing stereo speakers. I don't have these camera launch issues people speak of and the phone is zippy.
    I think I'll wait for the pixel 2 to upgrade to something

    Anthony MerrymanMichael MFaran KhanCJ Brown


    • Michael M 1
      Michael M Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      My 6P has been solid since launch, I see no need to upgrade at this time. Not to mention the ridiculous price point of the Pixel XL at nearly $400 more than my 6P and is made by HTC.


  • Jonas 2
    Jonas Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    The pixel line is complete garbage ... The way they priced it compared to its flaws and hardware/software issues is beyond acceptable for a phone produced by Google ... Especially compared to any Nexus device .. Google screwed up big with this line up ... Bought and sold my pixel within a month .. no thanks

    cybertec69Michael M


    • 2
      Biffstar1234 Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      Pixel is the best phone on the market without a doubt and I've owned most of them.
      No flaws on my Pixel 128gb


  • 3
    Darin Ridgeway Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    I used to have the OG Nexus 6 and loved how fluid and zippy the phone was. Wife has the 128 GB XL, and IMO it's the fastest thing out there after playing around with it a while. Work demands I have a phone w water resistance so I have a S7 that's tricked out w Nova and the usual Google add ons but it's no comparison to the Nexus/Pixel experience.

    Biffstar1234PairedPrototype


  • Josef Scharfen 2
    Josef Scharfen Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    I used Nexus 5 and I am currently using both Nexus 6P and Pixel. I have to say, as far as consistency, the 6P is the worst of the bunch. Pixel is so far the best Google phone I have used. Faster and smoother than the 5. 6P's biggest problem is the camera launch and especially the consistency of LTE reception - on the same carrier 5 and Pixel do consistently better. Just my take...

    Biffstar1234


    • Devesh Sharma 3
      Devesh Sharma Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      Not just your take. Anyone who has ACTUALLY bought one has same opinions. It's a marvel. But some will bash it just because they can't spend the extra and then try justifying themselves.

      Biffstar1234PairedPrototype


      • Anthony Merryman 3
        Anthony Merryman Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

        I've had no problem ever with camera launch on being my 6P, and my LTE with Verizon is just fine too.


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    think that was a vote for value..
    something i get a lot of with my own N6..
    Pixel is no doubt the best hardware Google has released so far, but it's also underwhelming and offers no reason for me to upgrade..
    maybe next year when my Nexus is no longer officially supported by Google i may have a reason to buy a Pixel.

    Biffstar1234


  • Jason Bendickson 2
    Jason Bendickson Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    The 6p has front facing dual speakers, beat that.

    Faran Khan


  • Nerdy Bk 2
    Nerdy Bk Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    I'm a proud owner of the Nexus 5x

    cybertec69


    • PairedPrototype 2
      PairedPrototype Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      You'll soon be a disappointed owner of a Nexus 5X. Backup up daily, it's literally a ticking time bomb till you too, get the boot loop of death. :(

      I thought I was safe, but my 5X deteriorated very quickly till it just froze and never managed to boot again even after trying to flash it.


  • Patrick Crumpler 2
    Patrick Crumpler Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    Pixel user here from the 6p, N6, N4, GNex. The Pixel has been the best Android experience I have ever had, flaws and all. The 6p was nice, but as others have said it was inconsistent and the camera was a chore to launch sometimes. This is the best smartphone I have ever had. That includes a few recent model of iPhones and other non listed Android phones. Google is gonna have to pull off a major upgrade for me to buy. Lol, who am I kidding, I'll get the next one too.

    Devesh Sharma


  • Barry Moore 2
    Barry Moore Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    The Pixel is way overpriced. No amount of "it's a great phone" can justify it costing twice as much as the Nexus 5. It's hilarious how much suckers will pay because of an "amazing camera", when 99.999% of users have no idea how to use them properly.

    cybertec69jose kerginaldo de paula


  • Devesh Sharma 3
    Devesh Sharma Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    No one complains of bezels in iPhone! No one complained of lack of waterproofing in iPhone 6s. And how many software and hardware issues? Are they more than other flagships? I'm using a pixel. Swapped s7 for that. Also having 6s and iPhone 7 plus. People who have actually used know pixel's worth. Everyone else believes what they want to.
    Buy a pixel and then compare. 6p never managed to launch camera consistently which was a total turn off. Not to mention the avg consistency overall. Pixel is way well built and smoother to use compared to iPhone 7 plus which is one of the benchmarks. Majority android users aren't using flagships so they come up bashing pixel even before buying or trying. First they complained that Samsung being the only apple competitor didn't have genuine software and when Google gave one they are again complaining.
    For them there is One plus 3T. A perfect reverse engineered mockup of all flagships. Go get it and stop bashing a great product that you can't value just because you can't buy it.

    Thomas Jensen


    • Anthony Merryman 3
      Anthony Merryman Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      Okay, I'm sorry if this comes off rude but the Pixel is literally an overpriced Google first attempt and their own version of the Nexus. The 6p and the Pixel are literally almost dead on spec wise besides the camera. No huge advancements, no sleek looking design, it's nearly the same phone for 2x the price.

      Nexus, allows creativity to come from differing brands of phones, and they managed to keep the costs low and quality high. Not only that you were still getting all the latest builds first, and even got a nearly no questions asked warranty if you purchased though the Google store.

      I'm excited to see what Google does with the Pixel line, but this one was not for me at least. Hopefully they take some of their success with Nexus and do the same thing with Pixel.

      cybertec69Deactivated AccountCJ Brownjose kerginaldo de paulaNerdy Bk


      • Devesh Sharma 3
        Devesh Sharma Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

        Are you using one? If yes then maybe you didn't find pixel that good. But I'm enjoying my device unlike any other android I ever used. And if you are opining without being a regular user then your comment is just a defensive remark for not owning one. And about being overpriced it stands as consistent as an iPhone that costs the same. So for me it's perfect.

        Thomas Jensen


      • Anthony Merryman 3
        Anthony Merryman Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

        Yes I own one, yes I've used the Pixel, yes I am a first time commenter and no it's not to be defensive. I think your missing the point that the Nexus line was priced far below Apple and most Samsung for the purpose of being competitive.

        I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it, I simply cannot justify the expense for so little gained when my 6P does everything I want no questions asked.


    • Terie Mumby 7
      Terie Mumby Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      Well said, Devesh!
      I've always been a Google Nexus person because I usually root my devices. I still have not been able to root my Nexus 9 and couldn't get the 6P through my carrier.
      I got talked into a G5 which I am thoroughly amazed by. (still can't figure out why they didn't sell well. I have no "Friends" and would never have chosen this phone on my own.)

      I never cared about swappable batteries or SD cards until the G5. I would have trouble going back to a phone with no SD support. The G5 doesn't need a spare battery.

      But, again like you said, people say stuff to justify their own decisions without any personal knowledge or experience to do so. Like all the G5 bashing. Totally unnecessary and unwarranted.

      I would certainly purchase a Pixel phone but the price is too high for me. I also think people buy Samsung devices like sheep just like the iPhones. There are so many other better choices out there. And, yes, I've purchased several of both in the past for people in my household. So I do have "hands-on" experience. I'm the gadget setter-upper in my home.

      Thanks for sharing.

      Anthony Merryman


      • Anthony Merryman 3
        Anthony Merryman Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

        I love LG phones because of their explicit and sole support of having SD cards and removable batteries.


    • Head Roaster 2
      Head Roaster Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      Great product which STILL lacks an appropriate screen size. Sticking with Nexus 6 til they make a 5.96 inch pixel.


  • 2
    jamari kalamari Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

    nexus. hands down.

    cybertec69


  • Manoj Reddy 3
    Manoj Reddy Mar 17, 2017 Link to comment

    Pixel is the winner.

    I have used Nexus 5, Nexus 6p and now the pixel. At first I thought pixel was overpriced but after releasing that it sports the latest chipset and the best camera I think it's worth the price. It is one phone that grows on you. After using the phone for a month, I have noticed few Bluetooth issues with the phone and returned the device for a replacement and I have gone back to my good old Nexus 6p. That is when I started to feel that Nexus 6p is slow.

    The Nexus phones are the best and smooth Android phones, but the pixel is the even better and faster than the Nexus.

    Thomas JensenDevesh SharmaHunter Rice


    • 2
      Hunter Rice Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      I totally agree, When not under heavy use the pixel is the fastest flagship android phone, and the camera is amazing.

      Devesh SharmaNerdy Bk

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