I finally decided my old Google Galaxy Nexus was done. I couldn’t use the phone in the house, it was having random meltdowns where apps would kill the battery in 4 hours, and was getting text messages duplicated inbound and outbound. Surfing was a slow nightmare. I just could not trust it as I could when it was new, and could not use it reliably for texting. I don’t text a lot, but I do need it to work.
So after reading a gob of reviews, I decided to go Google Nexus 6P, the new Huawei Nexus version in the phone form factor. I ordered the 64Gb version, and the Speck case in black and white. It quickly arrived.
Phone? More like a surfboard. Large, about halfway between the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 Tablet. Fits into my hand, barely. Gorgeous display. I downloaded a selection of apps, redid the 2-factor setups on several accounts, restored a backup using Helium (was Carbon). Called Consumer Cellular (AT&T MVNO) to transfer the number – had to go to local Sears first to get the Nano-SIM, my existing Micro-SIM did not fit. After a bit I had to order cables – it uses the new Type-C USB format, and I needed USB to USB Type-C for connection to a laptop and car charger. Love the format, hate having to buy new cables, but now I won’t ever again.
It calls and texts in the basement in my pocket. Old phone did not. I spilled coffee on it today. The Speck case seals around the edge, and a ArmorSuit Military Grade screen protector prevented anything from touching the screen. I have dropped it several times, no problem. I did get the insurance.
Pros
- Fast charge, good battery life. Phone used for 10 mins/day, some surfing, mostly WiFi.
- Great display.
- Fingerprint unlock is the best. Grab, unlock, go. I would never go back.
- Android 6 Marshmallow works and looks great for fans of stock Android. No crapware.
- Unlocked and compatible with Verizon AND AT&T. Can’t wait to try in Canada or Europe.
Cons
- Big, sometimes gets away from you. If have small hands, it won’t be an easy one-hander. Hard to stow in pockets.
- New cables required for USB Type-C
- Expensive
- That’s it. Great phone.
Addendum: Bluetooth stinks. Drops in and out in my Honda CR-V. Lots of discussion in the Interwebs about the problem and Googles ignoring the problem. If you don’t use Bluetooth, great phone.