GTrusted

LG Nexus 5X- Trusted Wingman of the Google Nexus 6P

The LG Google Nexus 5X was released together with the Huawei Google Nexus 6P to showcase the new features that come with Android Marshmallow and the new USB Type-C connector.  While the Nexus 6P is built like a heavyweight boxer with its large screen, solid heft, and metal exterior, the Nexus 5X is more in the featherweight class.  Keeping with a plastic rather than metal case, the 5X is light and small enough to hold and navigate the screen with one hand and fits into any pocket.

The LG Google Nexus 5X and the Huawei Google Nexus 6P were the first USB Type-C phones released by Google.  While they don't incorporate USB Power Delivery protocol or support Display Port over USB Type-C like some of the newer USB Type-C phones (see LG G5), they do support the new base power levels of 1.5 Amps and 3 Amps enabled by USB Type-C to provide rapid charging to these phones.

I purchased the Nexus 5X together with the 6P at the Google Store.  In the US, it's harder to find retail stores that carry the Nexus but in places like India, they are being advertised and sold everywhere.

I opened the Nexus 5X at Urban Plates in San Ramon, California.  Similar to the 6P, the 5X box also comes in a white recycle friendly design with the 5X box printing on a thick cardstock band hugging the outside of the box.

Once you open the box, you'll see the quick start guide.  One nice thing about this box design is there are light blue tabs you can lift to reveal items underneath.  Behind the quick start guide, you'll see that the 5X comes with a white USB Type-C power adapter and a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable.  In comparison, the 6P has adapters and cables which are black and also includes a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable which is missing from the 5X.  This means that you'll need to purchase another USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable if you want to connect your 5X to a more common USB Type-A power charger or PC.

Like the 6P, the 5X comes with a metal pin to change your SIM card and free access to Google Music for 90 days. 

When you start up the 5X, you'll be asked to insert your SIM card and set up your WI-FI network.  

Once connected to the Internet, you'll be asked if you want transfer your data from another Android phone.

If you select No thanks, you'll be then asked to either sign in with your existing account or create a new Google account.   If you create a new account, you'll need to input your name and Gmail account.  

If you create your own account, you can associate a phone number to that account.  You can also select which Google services to use and input your payment information.

Once your Google account has been set up, you can add another e-mail address and set up the fingerprint sensor.

When setting up the fingerprint sensor you can select whether or not you want to unlock your phone with a PIN in addition to using your fingerprint.

After setting up the PIN, you'll be able to select what notification settings to use, and then start the procedure to get the 5X to recognize your fingerprint.  You'll need to repeatedly touch the fingerprint sensor to finish the recognition process.  

After your fingerprint has been added, you have the option to use Google Now before finally going to the Welcome screen and start using the 5X.  

Most likely, you'll also need to perform a system update with a new phone.  Swipe your finger from the top of the screen to show notifications and in the System update available notification, select Download.

The Nexus 5X has the same advanced power charging capabilities as the 6P where it can share power with another USB Type-C device and charge rapidly when plugged into the 5 Volts 3 Amps USB Type-C charger.

When placed next to the Nexus 6P, like a good wingman, the 5X makes the 6P's already appealing styling look even better.  However, the 5X has many of the same advanced features of the 6P so if you are looking for the best features for your dollar plus a lighter more portable phone, don't ignore the wingman.