Google today announced the Nexus 5X, a less-costly alternative to the Nexus 6P. Where the 6P is made by Huawei, the 5X is made by LG. Notable features include the Nexus Imprint fingerprint sensor positioned on the back of the phone, which can be used to secure the phone and authenticate Android Pay purchases. The 5X also includes a USB Type-C port, the new connector for phones, tablets, and laptops. The Nexus 5X has a 5.2-inch full HD screen and is powered by a 1.8GHz Snapdragon 808 processor with 2GB of RAM and either 16GB or 32GB of storage. The phone's main Sony camera sensor captures 12.3-megpaixel images and relies on laser-assisted focus. It has an aperture of f/2.0 and a dual-tone flash for more accurate color. The user-facing camera rates 5 megapixels and has an aperture of f/2.2. The Nexus 5X includes a 2,700mAh battery, a wide range of sensors, and comes in white, blue, or black. The Nexus 5X runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and will be sold directly from Google unlocked. The 16GB model costs $379 and the 32GB model costs $429. It is available for pre-order beginning today and will ship in mid-October.

In very related news, Google also has announced the Nexus 6P, one of two new Nexus-branded smartphones and the first ever to be made by Huawei. The Nexus 6P is a slim, upscale handset skinned in aluminum. The 6P has a fingerprint sensor on the back for security and Android Pay authentication called Nexus Imprint. The phone has a 5.7-inch quad HD screen and is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 processor with 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of storage. The phone boasts a Sony 12.3-megapixel main camera with f/2.0 aperture and an 8-megapixel user-facing camera. Google says it improved the camera with burst mode and slow-motion video capture. Further, double-tapping the home button will launch the camera even when the phone is locked. The Nexus 6P has what Google calls the Android Sensor Hub, which includes activity and gesture recognition along with power management techniques to keep battery drain at a minimum. The 6P packs a large 3,450mAh battery, includes a USB Type-C port and charger, and offers stereo speakers on the front. The Nexus 6P runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and will be sold unlocked directly by Google. The phone costs $499 for 32GB, $549 for 64GB, and $649 for 128GB. Pre-orders start today and the Nexus 6P will ship in mid-October.

FYI, Google today rolled out a new program called Nexus Protect. Nexus Protect offers two years of coverage against breakage (accidental or otherwise) for new Nexus handsets. Users can submit claims any time of day. The program costs $69 for the Nexus 5X and $89 for the Nexus 6P. Nexus Protect is being launched in the U.S. first. Google did not say if it will be available to other Nexus handsets or in other regions. It is similar to Appe's AppleCare and HTC's Uh-Oh Protection.