Nexus 5 Android 6.0 Marshmallow Review

We’ve been using the Nexus 5 Marshmallow update for about a week now and that means it’s time to take another look at its performance. This Nexus 5 Android 6.0 Marshmallow review focuses on key areas like battery life and helps you decide if the update is worth it. It will also help you solve Marshmallow problems.

In May, Google confirmed another update for its aging former flagship, the Nexus 5. The Nexus 5 has received a ton of Android updates over the years, but perhaps none as exciting as the Marshmallow update and its feature collection.

Earlier this month, Google started rolling out the Nexus 5 Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, among others. The company’s Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, and Nexus 7 2013 are also getting upgrades to the new operating system.

It’s a huge update for the Nexus 5 and could be the last major update the device has received (at least officially) from Google. Nexus devices typically receive two years of software support (excluding security updates) before they’re kicked to the curb. Believe it or not, the Nexus 5 is now two years old.

I have been a Nexus 5 user for two years and it continues to increase. I have kept my device stock and installed every update Google throws at the device. For me, these updates produced a number of results. Some were great, others were terrible.

Last week, my Nexus 5 finally asked me to install Marshmallow (I usually avoid manually installing updates to be able to detail the OTA process and length), and I immediately installed it on my device.

The Nexus 5 Marshmallow update is still live but I believe it should be finished soon. If you haven’t seen it yet, expect an OTA in the near future.

Google’s Nexus 5 Marshmallow update is a big one, and major updates can have a huge impact on performance. Nexus 5 Marshmallow issues are already bothering some users and that’s why I’m looking closely at the update.

This Nexus 5 Marshmallow review will provide you with additional feedback on the update and help you decide if it’s worth quitting Lollipop or whatever you’re using.

Nexus 5 Marshmallow Update Review

This review is for those using an older version of Android, but it will also help those who take this step like me.

Before I present my thoughts on the Nexus 5’s Marshmallow update, it’s important to note a few things. First, I’m running stock Android. I have never changed the software on this Nexus 5.

Second and most importantly, mileage changes all the time when it comes to Android updates. I probably don’t use my device the way you do.

I’ll do my best to be helpful and point you in the right direction, but I suggest you seek additional feedback if you’re feeling cautious or worried about Android 6.0 Marshmallow or are dealing with Marshmallow issues.

And finally, this review focused on the update’s performance. I’ll talk a little bit about the features I use most, but this will focus on key areas like battery life, connectivity, and speed of the UI.

If you want more information about the features of the Nexus 5 Marshmallow update, check out the full breakdown of the update.

Apps

Before Marshmallow was released, I shortened my app list. My Nexus 5 now has about 75 apps out of the 100 I had when running Lollipop.

Even though I have tons of apps installed on my Nexus 5, I only regularly use one set of cores. I’ve been using tons of Asana, Slack, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Gmail, Hangouts, Facebook, Amazon, SoundCloud, Spotify and Xbox One Smartglass since I installed Marshmallow and haven’t had any issues so far. Especially Chrome’s performance brought a new breath.

I’ve seen a few crashes over the week with the official release of Marshmallow (Twitter, Facebook) but nothing out of the ordinary.

The apps I use more sparingly are Yelp and AccuWeather and Yahoo! Fantasy Sports hasn’t given me any major problems either.

Frankly, I can’t speak for every app in the Play Store. But what I can tell you is that my apps, Google and third party have been going on since last week’s install.

Now keep in mind, I’m installing tons of updates. The developers are working hard to release support updates for Marshmallow. If you’re having trouble with an app, check for an update. There’s a good chance an update will fix your issues.

If the update has terrible reviews, you should take a look at our list of fixes for Android app issues. There are some simple fixes that can help you eliminate your problems for sure.

Nexus 5 Battery Life

Doze was one of the Marshmallow features that Google put front and center, and for good reason. Doze is an absolute godsend for me and other Nexus 5 users.

If you’re not familiar with Doze, it’s a feature that automatically puts your device and apps to sleep so they don’t consume valuable battery life. And yes, Doze works.

I’ve noticed a dramatic increase in battery life over the course of my week with the official Nexus 5 Marshmallow update. Even when using a combination of LTE and Wi-Fi with Lollipop, there were some days when I couldn’t use it all day on a single charge.

With Marshmallow installed, I was able to get a full day out of the Nexus 5. Easily. I took my Nexus 5 with me on a recent trip to Chicago and after a full day of travel and usage I have about 15% charge left. 08:00 – 20:30

I’m not the only one experiencing a revelation. Others reporting similar results and my guess is that some Nexus 5 users will delay upgrading to the Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P or something else entirely.

As with all Android updates, there are rotten apples. Some people see a decrease in battery life. If you’re not getting the kind of results you want, check out our list of fixes for Marshmallow battery issues. They should help.

Wi-Fi, LTE and Bluetooth

Connection issues have become extremely common after Android updates, and it’s not surprising to see complaints about cellular data, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi after the Nexus 5 Marshmallow release.

There are many threads on Google’s Nexus Help Forums, and I’ve heard from Nexus 5 users about various issues. There are undoubtedly issues, but I’m not facing any issues on my Nexus 5 version.

I tested the Nexus 5 and the Marshmallow update with a handful of Bluetooth devices and routers/modems. I was able to successfully pair my device with various Bluetooth speakers and headphones.

I tested the software and hardware with a few different routers, including TP-Link’s Archer C9, the Belkin AC750, and the stock Verizon FiOS router. I didn’t experience any drop in speed and my connections held up.

I’m using the Nexus 5 on AT&T’s network with my SIM card inserted. After installing Marshmallow I didn’t have any issues with LTE or 4G.

Bugs and Issues

I’ve been using the Nexus 5 Marshmallow update for a week now and haven’t noticed any major issues with the update.

i never noticed charging problems. I’ve never had problems with my device sound. thank god i never saw it random reboots (memory problems). and mine Contacts and phone numbers looks in place.

If my version of Marshmallow has issues, which they might be, I haven’t encountered them yet. Smaller bugs and issues sometimes show up days, weeks, and sometimes even months after an update, so there’s a good chance I’m running into something.

If you’re having issues with Marshmallow, check out our list of common Android 6.0 issues and fixes. It’s the first game I’ll translate if I run into a problem.

Speed

Lollipop had its fair share of issues but speed wasn’t one of them. It was extremely fast and fluid on my Nexus 5. Likewise with marshmallows.

I didn’t experience any weird lags or slowdowns after a week on board. Animations and transitions as they should be.

Not bad for a two year old device.

Is Nexus 5 Marshmallow Update Worth Installing?

The Nexus 5 Marshmallow update has been excellent so far. And the new features and enhancements are just some of the things I love about it.

The software delivered outstanding performance in several key areas, including battery life. The snoozing and battery saving features are the highlights for me. To me, the Nexus 5’s battery life and camera were its two biggest flaws, and Marshmallow fixed one of them.

You always take a risk when you install new Android updates, but I think Marshmallow is worth the risk. Assuming I don’t run into any major problems in the coming days, I think Marshmallow will keep the Nexus 5 with me for another year. It’s that good.

If you decide to install Marshmallow, make sure you are prepared.