Google’s Nexus 6 Might Be Too Big For Right Now, But Right-Sized For The Future

As Greg Kumparak noted in the TechCrunch review of the Nexus 6, the phone is very large. Too large, in fact, for most humans. Back when it was just a rumor that Google would be picking Motorola to provide the Nexus 6 hardware, and that it would indeed be a monster with a 6-inch display, I lamented the phabletization of the Nexus line before it was even a real thing. Now, I’ve had some time with the device, and while part of me still feels the same, another part has to acknowledge that Google may have gotten it right with a “go big or go home” strategy for this generation of hardware.

For me, and for just about any other everyday user of the Nexus 6, there’s no question that something more akin to the Nexus 5, albeit with just better battery life, a better camera, improved specs and an updated display would’ve been the preferable option. Not least because such an unexciting iteration would probably have been able to keep the cost down, meaning you’d have another great pure Android option at a fraction of the cost of most locked, contract-only devices.

Which is great, insofar as you consider the purpose of the Nexus program to build affordable, easy-to-access devices with ergonomics aimed at suiting the needs of the greatest number of people. Nexus is not a populist program, however – it’s a reference hardware initiative that Google undertook because it wanted to help show OEMs how to get the most out of Android, and because it wanted developers to be able to build for a specific set of criteria that would mostly serve them well when their apps appeared on other Android devices, too.

Some speculate that the Nexus 6 was actually just one of many devices that were supposed to take part in the Android Silver program, which would’ve replaced Nexus devices with hardware from various OEMs that contained a pure version of Android with guaranteed timely updates. That theory suggests that the Nexus 6 is but one of a variety of different kinds of smartphones, some of which would’ve resembled the Nexus 5 more closely, and theoretically been more broadly-aimed devices.

Even leaving that aside, however, the Nexus 6 seems like it fits the Nexus mould – it’s a device that lets Google show off Android 5.0 on hardware that exemplifies some of its best aspects. It also potentially anticipates a future where, rather than a mobile market divided among tablets and smartphones, most consumers prefer a single device with a large display but with all the functions they’ve come to expect in a phone.

In my time testing the Nexus 6, it went from something that I found awkward to use and that would mostly stay home, to a device I’d carry in lieu of a tablet, stowed in a pocket or bag, and that I automatically used two-handed, without thinking about how inconvenient it was to use single-handed. And while it still isn’t for everyone, it might be the Nexus Android needs, in terms of lighting the path forward for what’s coming next in the mobile device market.

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Updated: Best camera 2014: we help you choose the right camera

Page 1 of 3Compact cameras vs D-SLRs vs CSCs Which digital camera is best for you? We can help

Why is choosing a camera so difficult? If you already know what kind of camera you want, of course, you can go straight to our Camera Channel home page for all the latest camera reviews. But for most users it's not so easy. The range of cameras on sale is massive, stretching from cheap and cheerful compact models competing with your smartphone, right through to professional-spec SLRs that cost as much as a decent used car.

It doesn't help that makers of low-cost cameras also want to boast about 'professional' features, while the makers of more advanced SLR and mirrorless compact system camera want us to know that they're still easy enough for beginners.

It sounds like every camera is brilliant at everything, which of course it's not. So here's our guide to the whole digital camera market, the different camera types available and what to look for, because once you break them down into just three main types, it all starts to get a lot simpler. They are:

Compact cameras: perfect for portability and general snapping, but can be more advanced tooDigital SLRs: bigger sensors, interchangeable lenses and the pros' favouriteMirrorless compact system cameras: SLR-sized sensors and interchangeable lenses, but in a smaller, lighter and more novice friendly design

We'll look at the pros and cons of each type so that you've got a better idea which one would suit you best, and we'll explain some of the jargon and key technologies along the way.

This is the biggest group and the one with the widest variety of cameras. Traditionally, these are called 'compact' because they are smaller than the digital SLRs the pros use and mostly you can slide them into a coat or trouser pocket. The sensors are much smaller, though, so while the quality is fine for point-and-shoot snapshots it falls some way short of the quality you get with more advanced cameras.

Simple point-and shot compacts like the Nikon CoolPix L28 are cheap, small and perfect for snaps.

At the same time, there's been a big growth in 'bridge' cameras with SLR styling and very long zoom ranges. They are indeed a kind of 'bridge' between pocket-sized compacts and powerful SLRs. You can shoot a much wider range of subjects and with more photographic controls.

These bridge cameras won't fit in your pocket, though, and they mostly use sensors the same size as those in regular compact cameras (though there are exceptions). This means you do get more scope and options, but not necessarily more picture quality.

The Canon SX60 HS is a typical 'bridge' camera – bulky, but highly versatile with a huge zoom range.

There's also been an increase in the number of high-end compact cameras, sometimes with large sensors or fixed focal length lenses. Designed for experts, these can get close to the quality and control you get from an SLR.

The Sony RX1R is one of a new breed of 'big sensor compacts' offering SLR quality.

So-called 'compact' cameras aren't always compact and don't always have small sensors, then! But they do have one thing in common – the lens is permanently attached to the camera. When you choose a compact camera you need to pay extra attention to the lens to make sure it covers the zoom range you need.

There's more about this in our Best compact camera guide. And because compact cameras now come in so many shapes and sizes, we split them up into broad groups to make them easier to categorise.

Regular compacts: pocketable snapshot camerasHigh-end/advanced compact cameras: SLR features and/or quality in a pocket-sized bodyBridge cameras: huge zoom ranges, SLR styling – 'do-it-all' camerasTravel/superzoom cameras: the size of a compact but the zoom range (almost) of a bridge cameraWaterproof/adventure cameras: compact and waterproof, shockproof, even freeze-proof!

Basic compact cameras are perfect for beginners, and there are more advanced models with bigger sensors aimed at enthusiasts and experts too.

If you are a keen photographer, though, a compact camera will only take you so far, however advanced it is. It might be worth considering as a 'second' camera to carry around, but it probably won't be enough as a main camera. This is where you need to start looking at interchangeable lens cameras, or 'ILC's. Until recently, these came in just one type – the SLR.

Page 1 of 3Compact cameras vs D-SLRs vs CSCs

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