Google Nexus 6P review: Not worth tracking down in 2018

Google Nexus 6P review: Software

Nexus phones are typically the first to get the latest and greatest Android version, and the Nexus 6P is no exception, running Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. This delivers plenty of new features that we touch upon elsewhere on the site, including a mildly redesigned app drawer, and the new Now on Tap feature, which scans what’s on the screen and offers relevant contextual information about people, places and apps it recognises.

I haven’t been all that impressed with Now on Tap so far, principally because I can’t think when or where it would be all that useful to me, but it’s early days yet, and Google has plenty of time to refine the feature.

Elsewhere, Google has gone big on security and privacy, with enforced encryption and fingerprint unlock, plus a streamlined app permission model. It’s the fingerprint implementation, however, together with the Nexus 6P’s rear-mounted reader that’s the most likely thing to impact your day-to-day use of this phone, and I’m happy to report that it works extremely well, whether you’re using it to unlock the handset or purchase items on Google Play.

Once you’ve registered your fingerprints, one touch unlocks the phone, and it’s accurate from the word go. Google says its software learns the more you use your fingerprint to unlock the phone, but it’s so spot on that this hardly seems to matter.

Google Nexus 6P review: Price and Verdict

Starting at £449 for the 32GB model (up to £579 for the 128GB version), it’s hard to argue with the package that Google and Huawei have put together here.

The Nexus 6P is a stylish, speedy phone with a pair of superb cameras, great software, impressive battery life and a big, sharp, colourful display. Its closest rival is the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+, and although it isn’t as good looking as that handset, in every other respect, it matches it blow-for-blow. Plus it costs around £100 less.

In short, the Nexus 6P delivers more bang per buck than any other smartphone currently on the market. If you’re looking for a handset with a big screen, at a price that won’t make a huge hole in your bank balance, this is what you want to buy.