Connect with us

Android

Nexus 6 Rumors: What We Know So Far

Published

on

Over the past few weeks more rumors have continued to emerge suggesting Google has two new devices in the works that will debut running the all new Android L release. These are rumored to be the Nexus 6 smartphone made by Motorola, and a new HTC Nexus 9 tablet.

While rumors have been swirling for months, the past few weeks have been extremely telling regarding what we can expect. From leaks of the Nexus 6, to confirmations of the Nexus 9 and more. Here though, we’ll be going over everything we think we know so far about the new Nexus 6 smartphone.

Read: Nexus 8 and Android L Release Date Rumored

Reports and rumors have been back and forth regarding what to expect from Google’s new Nexus smartphone. Initial rumors claimed it would be a massive 5.9-inch “phablet” but then all the rumors started to suggest a 5.2-inch smartphone similar to the new Moto X. However, this week multiple leaks have all but confirmed the former is what’s coming soon, and here’s what you need to know.

Android-L-Nexus5

The last two Nexus smartphones released in 2012 and 2013 have been made by LG, and were very similar to the company’s flagship smartphones that year. In 2014 though, it looks like Google will be changing their approach completely.

Back in August news arrived that instead of LG, Motorola would make the new Nexus 6 smartphone. A device that would be the biggest Nexus phone yet. Rather than a 5 or 5.2-inch display with small increases year over year, Google would go big and release a 5.9-inch smartphone similar to the Galaxy Note 4.

Everything below is based on leaks, rumors, and speculation, but here’s what we think we know about the incoming Nexus 6 smartphone.

Nexus 6 Details

This week two major leaks revealed some key details about the Nexus 6, if it indeed is a real device that is coming soon. Last Friday our first image of the new Nexus 6 leaked online. Some suggest this is just a big Moto S coming later this year, but others have confirmed the Moto S is the Nexus, and the S stands for “shamu” which is Google’s codename for the new smartphone.

And while that’s a pretty big leak itself, another surfaced on Monday evening that’s quite possibly the biggest Nexus 6 leak to date. According to AndroidPolice, who’s been accurate in the past, the image below is what the Nexus 6 will look like.

Render based on leaked information

Render based on leaked information

Their sources confirm (with a 9/10 in confidence) that Google’s new Nexus 6 smartphone is coming soon, and will be the best Nexus smartphone to date. Here’s what they had to say regarding the overall specs.

Nexus 6 Specs (Rumored)

  • 5.92-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD Display
  • 2.7 GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 805 processor with 3GB of RAM
  • 32GB internal storage
  • Android 5.0 “L Release” (64-bit support)
  • 13 Megapixel camera with OIS, 2.1 front camera
  • Ring Flash similar to Moto X
  • Front Facing Speaker (bottom, look close)
  • Aluminum frame around device like the new Moto X 2014
  • 3,200 mAh battery
  • more

That’s all the details we’ve heard thus far, but it’s pretty telling information. All previous Nexus phones haven’t had the best camera or battery, which are two areas that make for a pretty expensive smartphone. Google’s Nexus devices are usually fairly priced, so we’ll have to wait and see what all comes true, and what the company has in store.

Android 5.0 “L Release”

Back in June Google unveiled the next version of Android months ahead of the release date for the first time in over three years. The last time we got an early preview was Android 4.0 Honeycomb for tablets. Not only that, but the Android L developer preview is available now for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7.

So far there’s no actual reports that Android L will be on the Nexus 6, but it makes perfect sense. Each new Nexus devices has arrived with a new version of Android. We’ve seen a lot of Android L bugs fixed lately by Google developers. Adding fuel to the fire that a launch is near.

Read: Android L Release Date Rumored

In 2014 the Nexus 5 launched in November with the brand new Android 4.4 KitKat, revealed on October 31st. Before that it was the Nexus 7 with Android Jelly Bean. This means that the new Nexus 6 will almost surely come with a brand new never before seen version of Android, which should be Android 4.5 or 5.0 “L”. Some are calling it Lollipop, but we may see Licorice or Layer Cake. Whatever fancy name Google decides.

Nexus 6 Release Date

At this point multiple leaks, images, reports, and even benchmarks have all confirmed a new Nexus 6 smartphone is coming, but we don’t know when. That being said, an array of reports earlier this month suggest it will be sooner rather than later.

Popular Android developer and user who’s been accurate in the past, Paul O’Brien, claims the new Nexus 9 and Android L will be announced on October 15th.

His anonymous source (he’s been both right, and wrong in the past) suggests new Nexus hardware will be announced on October 15th, and naturally will be revealed running the all-new Android L release. His leakster didn’t mention the smartphone, and instead only stated a new tablet.

However, another report from AndroidAuthority claims October 15th or 16th, as the date isn’t final. Their tipster says the new Nexus smartphone and tablet will both debut with Android L on the 15/16th, as a general announcement, and the release will be on or slightly after November 1st.

If this information is correct the new Nexus 6 smartphone running the just released Android 5.0 L software will be released around November 1st. It’s worth nothing the Nexus 5 with KitKat was announced October 31st, and was available within two weeks.

Final Thoughts

At this point nothing is official until Google confirms it themselves. In the past they’ve released a few quick emails to select press for a small media briefing, and we’ve also just seen devices randomly launch and appear available on the Google Play Store.

If Android L is going to be announced along with two new Nexus devices, they’ll likely take the stage to make a few formal announcements. If this is indeed the case expect more details around the beginning of October, with an event taking place sometime around the rumored October 15th date.

Then again, these are only rumors, and we could be waiting until November for anything to officially surface. It’s worth noting we’d seen multiple leaks of the Nexus 5 weeks and weeks ahead of the reveal, something that hasn’t happened for the Nexus 6 or Nexus 9 tablet. Google surely has something new up its sleeve, and we’ll all find out soon enough.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.