Moto X 2015 (Pure Edition) vs Google Nexus 6 specs: How do they fare against each other?

Motorola Moto X Pure EditionMotorola

WIth Motorola launching the Moto X Pure Edition (X Style outside the U.S.) on Sept. 15., the phone is widely compared to the Google Nexus 6, which was released last year. This is because both devices were designed by Motorola, although the newer handset has enough elements to make it stand out and be different.

As pointed out by GottaBeMobile, both smartphones are relatively the same in terms of build and design. The Moto X Pure Edition measures 154 mm x 76 mm x 11.1 mm while the Nexus 6 measures 160 mm x 83 mm x 10.1 mm, making the latter four percent taller and nine percent wider. The Moto X Pure Edition is 10 percent thicker.

Both devices weigh similarly and utilize aluminum frames, but the advantage of the Moto X Pure Edition is its back cover can be customized. The official Moto Maker service allows consumers to design their own back cover while the Nexus 6 is delegated only to either cloud white or midnight blue back covers, both made from matte plastic.

Both come packaged with Android Lollipop and 3 GB RAM, but the differences internally end there. The Moto X Pure Edition has a microSD card slot while the Nexus 6 does not. The Moto X Pure Edition also uses a newer Snapdragon 808 64-bit hexa-core processor while the Nexus 6 uses a Snapdragon 805 32-bit quad-core processor.

Both devices support quick charging but only the Nexus 6 features wireless charging options. Neither has a removable battery, and in this regard the Nexus 6 has the advantage of having a slightly larger battery. Flipping the phones to their front, the Nexus 6 also has the advantage of using an AMOLED display while the other uses a TFT display.

The main advantage of the Moto X Pure Edition is its camera. Where the Nexus 6 has a 13-MP rear camera and a 2-MP front camera, the Moto X Pure Edition has a 21-MP rear camera and a 5-MP front camera. Its smaller screen size also gives it a higher pixel count per square inch, guaranteeing clearer, sharper images.