For high-end phones available at low-cost prices, Google and OnePlus have done their best to offer that. With both phones on the market for a US$200 to US$400 price range and providing a solid smartphone experience, what are the differences other than the US$130 price difference?

Hardware and Display: OnePlus X vs Nexus 5X

As always the first impression you get from any device will depend on the hardware and the design quality. OnePlus X features glass edges on both sides of the phone integrated with the metal frame. Its design is simple yet perfectly executed. For the Nexus 5X however, the build is all round plastic that leaves much to be desired especially with its US$249 price.Though the both have a weak speaker, the Nexus 5X has the distinct upper-hand of having an innovative fingerprint sensor. The Nexus 5X features radio band support in the US and beyond whereas the One Plus X’s AT&T support comes short.In the display screen department, the One Plus X’s 5-inch screen is a bit smaller compared to the 5.2-inch screen on Nexus 5X, both with a resolution of 1080p, incredible viewing angles and color brightness. Though the One Plus X AMOLED screen can be slightly on the cool side, the LCD screen on Nexus 5X gives it a bit of a calmer effect. This is however unnoticeable during daily usage.

Processor and Storage

The OnePlus X is equipped with a 3GB RAM combined with a Snapdragon 801 processor, and a 16 GB built-in storage with microSD support.  On the other hand, Nexus 5X uses the latest Snapdragon 808, has a 2GB RAM with 16GB and a 32GB internal storage versions minus microSD support.One Plus X wins with the more RAM and the microSD support which can also serve as a second SIM slot while the Nexus 5X has the advantages of coming with the latest Wi-Fi specifications, NFC support, larger battery capacity, faster charging and the popular USB-C port.

Camera Features

When it comes to camera features, the 12.3 MP Nexus 5X sensor has huge pixels to capture a lot of light and though it lacks the OIS feature it still manages to take excellent photos. The Nexus 5X takes better pictures than all preceding Nexus variants. The only disadvantage is that its camera can be slow to launch and even operate, with HDR+ photos taking time to process.Though One Plus X has a generally efficient 13 MP ISOCEL sensor in good lighting, it offers poor images in dim lit areas. Its Clear Image and HDR mode functionalities, also do not do much to alleviate the situation. Even with a basic camera set-up, the One Plus X‘s camera is speedy when it comes to opening, capturing, processing and sharing photos.

Software, Battery Life and Performance

One Plus currently provides its users with the stock-like Android called Oxygen OS. The One Plus X is built with an OxygenOS incorporated with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to add a handful useful features to enhance users experience. This includes a lock screen gestures, quick settings with customizable options, entire system dark mode and a few OnePlus apps included with the rest of the features being the same as those found on a Nexus.However, Nexus 5X being one of the latest Nexus devices to be released by Google, is powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This brings features such as Material Design, Doze mode battery saving feature, Google Now on Tap, added app permissions and Google’s latest security updates.In terms of performance, the Nexus 5X was outdone by OnePlus X when it came to launching and navigating between applications with in-app performance being similar.In the battery department, Nexus has a battery capacity of 2700 mAh which is more than that of OnePlus X by 175 mAh. Combined with a larger battery, a Doze mode feature, an efficient processor, and faster charging capability, Nexus 5X takes the lead.

Final Verdict

Even though the Nexus 5X doesn’t have the stunning physical hardware or the performing capability of One Plus X, it has features such as a better camera, more radio bands, a fingerprint sensor, USB-C and NFC that make it overall better than the OnePlus X. It is not surprising that The Nexus 5X has better features considering its price stands at US$379 while the OnePlus X is worth US$249.Which of the two would you consider buying and Why? Share your thoughts in the comments.

View Comments

What's my model number?

There are several ways to locate your model number:

Option 1
On your device, go to Settings, then "About device" and scroll down to "Model number"
Option 2
Often times you can view the model number inside the device, by removing the battery
Option 3
Using Samsung's model/serial number location tool

Looks like you're using an ad blocker.

We get it: ads aren't what you're here for...

But ad revenue is our only way to manage this site. Without ad revenue we won't be able to continue to provide quality content and free firmware downloads.

Please disable your ad blocker or whitelist Updato.com in order to continue into Updato's ad-light experience.

Thanks for your support!