A Google employee poses with Nexus 7
A Google employee poses with Nexus 7 tablets at a promotional event in Seoul September 27, 2012. Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji

The tech market's high-end smartphone niche is dominated by Apple and Samsung. Meanwhile, a multitude of Chinese handset makers have taken over its low-end.

Multiple tech companies have jumped at the opportunity to launch devices that showcase Google's latest OS. Google's Nexus 6P sits among this year's acclaimed smartphones. Sadly, the same can’t be said about the company's LG-made Nexus 5X.

This phone also runs on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow, just like its Huawei-made sibling, according to CNET. It would appear the Korean tech company has taken a back seat this year and could really use a huge sales boost.

Nexus 5X is a collaboration between Google and LG. It’s a solid smartphone and a great alternative to its higher end sibling. Considering the device is neither flashy nor slick, potential buyers might opt to get their hands on the premium Nexus model, the Nexus 6P.

It’s become clear the Nexus 5X isn’t cut from the same metal and glass most flagship smartphones sport today. Although the device is considered to be more on the market's "utilitarian" niche, it’s not such a bad looking device either, as Tech Times pointed out.

The 5.2-inch Nexus 5X from LG is a great alternative to the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P in the sense that it appeals to tech users looking for a smaller screened smartphone. This doesn’t automatically make the latter device unwieldy, but it does give the former a huge advantage, especially among consumers that want a phone easily operated with a single hand.

The Nexus 5X's screen doesn’t feature any buttons. What it has is a pair of speaker grilles; one at the bottom and a similar looking ear piece at the top.

Its front facing 5 megapixel camera isn’t that remarkable, as well. There are two physical buttons on the device's left side for its Volume and Power. These can also be used to launch the camera app with just two clicks. A slot on its right side is for a SIM.

The device is encased in a plastic material notably thicker than most of its competitors. Still, it’s worth noting that its 7.9 mm thick case doesn’t make the device overly chunky.

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