Moto X+1 vs. HTC Desire 820: Which Will Make the Better Nexus 6 or Nexus X Base-Model?

Google will reportedly rebrand the Nexus 6 on release date as the handset will take the name Nexus X, that is if the device will mostly take after the upcoming Motorola flagship - the Moto X+1.

But what if the next Nexus smartphone will turn out not a Moto device after all and Google decides to tap HTC for the project. No doubt the best candidate for this is the HTC Desire 820 that according to G4Games is the first 64-bit Android smartphone to come out.

As Google is not confirming or providing any details about the Nexus 6 except that it will surely hit the market soon, anything remains possible. Thus the quick comparison below should offer initial perspective of what to expect or what will be the better base-model for the Nexus 6/X.

Specs

That the Desire 820 is 64-bit is advantage enough because it means that this Nexus pattern is a match with any of the iPhone 6S or iPhone 6. Theoretically, anything that Apple will throw on Google's way the 820 can deal with as it has the muscle and speed.

It is safe to say that an HTC-assembled Nexus 6 will easily make the high-end cut while the same cannot be said with the Moto X+1 that new rumours said will eventually morph into the Nexus X soon after its debut.

Going by the combined reports and leaks so far, the X+1 is a mid-range phone that likely the Desire 820 will easily overwhelm in paper and in the real world. It follows too that the Moto Nexus X will considerably lag behind the HTC Nexus 6.

Build

The Moto devices primarily made money with its customisable casing that allows for personalization with one clear downside - the absence of solid handset build.

On contrary, HTC has made a reputation as the builder of the best Android smartphone in the world. Tech experts were smitten by the HTC One M7 and M8 for its beauty inside and out and it is very likely that the same quality will extend to the Nexus 6 that is modelled after the Desire 820.

Mobile OS

To be sure, Android L or Lemon Meringue Pie will power both the Moto Nexus X and the HTC Nexus 6 but if the latest Android build is really more optimal for the 64-bit mobile computing platform then the latter enjoys a clear pro that could far-extend a number of years.

As Apple puts it - 32-bit is good enough but 64-bit is forward looking.

Price

According to BGR, the unlocked Moto Nexus X will retail at around $500. As nothing really is definite on the HTC Nexus 6, its tag price remains a mystery. But judging on its specs and putting the Nexus brand on the mix, the asking price should stay on the affordable zone - likely between $300 and $400, also in contract-free state.

Motorola has earlier indicated that the Moto X+1 will hit store shelve by late September so its Nexus X cousin should get a release date around October or November 2014, which got to be within the same range that is designed for the HTC Nexus 6 rollout.