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Nexus 5 Launch Date: What Not to Expect

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Google isn’t ready to talk about a new Nexus smartphone just yet but that doesn’t mean that a new one isn’t on the way. In fact, there is good reason to believe that a new Nexus, a new Nexus 5, could be touching down in just a few short weeks to replace the discontinued Nexus 4 and usher in the Android 4.4 KitKat era.

In October of 2011, Google and Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy Nexus alongside the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update, a device that brought the first LTE Nexus smartphone to users and a piece of software that changed the look and feel of Google’s Android operating system for good.

Many consumers, some average, bought into the Galaxy Nexus, only to find that their experience on Verizon was less than ideal. The device truly wasn’t a Nexus smartphone as it didn’t get updates straight from Google and because of that, serious bugs hampered the experience for many of those that bought into it.

Read: Nexus 5 Launch Date: What to Expect.

The Nexus 4 glass back is fragile, a design Apple left behind with the iPhone 5.

The Nexus 5 could arrive in October with Android 4.4.

In 2012, Google admitted that the Galaxy Nexus experience was sub par and it likely was a big reason why the company changed its ways with its 2012 Nexus smartphone.

In October of 2012, Google and LG announced the Nexus 4, the fourth-generation Nexus smartphone that brought the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update along with it. Unlike the Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus 4 did not utilize LTE. Instead of Sprint and Verizon, Google offered the phone unlocked for AT&T and T-Mobile at an extremely attractive price tag that consumers ate up, so much so, that the Nexus 4 was out of stock from late November to February.

While it was the Galaxy Nexus that really started to lure average consumers into the Nexus smartphone fold, it was the Nexus 4 that blew it wide open for Google. And now, the plate is set for Google to deliver a 2013 Nexus smartphone that appeals to the masses.

Rumors suggest that the company will offer at least one new Nexus smartphone this year, an LG-made device that is currently dubbed, Nexus 5. Like the Nexus 4, it’s expected to have high-end hardware including a 1080p display, fast processor and solid camera, and it’s also supposed to bring a new Android update along with it, Android 4.4 KitKat. Rumors also suggest that the device will retain a relatively cheap price tag.

Unlike the Nexus 4, the Nexus 5 is expected to have 4G LTE on board, something that, along with its other features, will help it appeal not just to Android enthusiasts and developers, but the masses.

With the iPhone 5s launch now out of the way, the Nexus 5 is one of the big remaining announcements and fortunately, it looks like the Nexus 5 launch date is close.

Here, ahead of the launch, we take a look at what not to expect from the upcoming Nexus 5 launch date.

Nexus 5 Launch Date Outside October

This could show the back of the Nexus 5.

This could show the back of the Nexus 5.

Google still hasn’t confirmed a Nexus 5 launch date, something that it will likely do with media invites sometime later this year. And until it does that, we won’t know exactly when it will be announcing a new Nexus smartphone. And while it remains uncertain, we don’t expect the launch date to fall outside of the month of September for a few reasons.

First, rumors all point to October. We’ve even heard October 14th mentioned as a possible launch date. Nexus product launches are typically pinpointed ahead of time so we won’t be surprised if Google announces an event in the middle of October.

Second, the past two Nexus smartphones were announced in October. Google typically works on a year cycle with these things, we saw the Nexus 7 arrived in July once again, so we should see a new Nexus touch down next month.

Third, the Nexus 4 has been discontinued. Google wouldn’t do that if something wasn’t close. And finally fourth, Google will want to get this phone out as soon as possible so that it can not only be an option during the holiday, but also so it can compete with Apple’s cheaper iPhone 5c.

At this point, don’t expect anything to land outside of October.

A Different Script

Google, like Apple, doesn’t change the script of its launch events and because of that trend, we don’t expect the company to flip the script with the Nexus 5 launch date.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Hsdrk10bVGM

What that means is that we think Google will stick to what it has done in the past. Here is how the event should play out on the day that it does arrive.

  • Event held in relatively small venue.
  • Sundar Pichai, Android head, discussing adoption, activations, Nexus program.
  • Nexus smartphone announcement.
  • Android 4.4 KitKat announcement.
  • Asus Nexus 10 announcement.
  • Entire event should last around an hour.

Unlike Samsung, Google doesn’t mess around. It announces its products in a straight-forward, easy-to-understand way and it uses demos to show off the important features of its hardware and software. It also typically tries to fit all of this into a fairly succinct time frame.

We don’t expect the company to do anything other than this.

Lack of Details

Google, like Apple, does a fantastic job of communicating the important details to its buyers. Things like release date, pricing, hardware, software, all of that. We don’t expect that to change with the Nexus 5 launch event. Instead, the company will likely divuldge just about every detail imaginable on stage as it attempts to sell consumers on its new products.

That means a Nexus 5 release date and pricing, Android 4.4 KitKat release date for Nexus devices, Nexus 10 release date and pricing and details for anything else it announces.

The Nexus 5 release date should be getting closer.

The Nexus 5 release date should be getting closer.

The only thing that Google could hold back on is a release date for a Nexus 10 LTE. With the Nexus 7, we saw the LTE model delayed until September, and it’s possible that we could be given the “Coming Soon” for a new Nexus 10 LTE. However, because the iPad 5 launch is so close, and the holiday shopping seasons is almost here, we would think that Google would have everything ironed out.

Let’s hope so.

LG Nexus 5 Surprises

The rumored Nexus 5 seen here next to the Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus.

The rumored Nexus 5 seen here next to the Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus.

Don’t expect there to be any surprises when it comes to the LG Nexus 5. Already, we’ve seen the device leak out more than a handful of times, exposing just about everything there is to know about the smartphone. This isn’t anything new either.

Last year, we saw the Nexus 4 leak out many, many times, all of which led up to a full on review ahead of its arrival. We don’t know if this will happen to the LG Nexus 5, but we can say that we should know everything there is to know before Google can announce it.

Remember, Google is competing against not one, but two iPhone models this year, including a cheap iPhone 5c that is garnering good reviews and is of course cheaper than the iPhone 5s. Leaks help take attention away from other device so we wouldn’t be shocked to see a number of Nexus 5 leaks in the build up to the launch.

Zero Surprises

In the build up to Google announcements, we typically see every single stone turned over. However, this launch feels a little bit different. Rumors suggest that the company could be coming up with a Motorola Nexus, not like the Moto X, a rumor that hasn’t been backed up by FCC filings or leaks, but one that comes from credible places.

There has also been talk about a new Nexus Q, a gaming device, and a Nexus smartwatch, the latter of which seems likely given Google’s acquisition of WIMM Labs. Like the Motorola Nexus, we haven’t seen any these devices emerge from the shadows. That of course doesn’t mean that they won’t get announced.

Nexus-q-price-300x255

We could see the Nexus Q appear again.

Google did a fantastic job of keeping the Nexus Q hidden and the ChromeCast came out of thin air at the last Nexus launch event. So we expect there to be some surprises at the Nexus 5 launch, be it another Nexus smartphone, a Nexus handheld, a Nexus smartwatch, new ChromeBook plans, or something else.

Expect the unexpected.

Android 4.4 KitKat Release Date Beyond Nexus Devices

With Android 4.4 KitKat on the way, and the software already confirmed for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, we should see Google announce a release date for those devices, something that typically happens when the company reveals a new Android update. However, don’t expect the company to reveal updates for other devices.

We don’t expect Google to confirm Android 4.4 KitKat for any devices other than these devices:

  • Nexus 4
  • Nexus 7
  • Nexus 7 2013
  • Nexus 10
  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition
  • HTC One Google Play Edition

Other devices will likely see their updates confirmed by their respective manufacturers, a process that could take months given that Android 4.3 is still planned for many of 2013’s high-end smartphones.

Already, we’ve heard that HTC may not be updating its HTC One X and HTC One X+ with Android 4.4 but that still hasn’t been confirmed.

10 Comments

10 Comments

  1. [email protected]

    09/26/2013 at 3:49 pm

    interesting the LG G2 launched 25 September.. now if the Nexus 5 is lunched on 14th October.. then a 20 day lag.. is this to let LG flog some of their phones first.?

    • He said lunched

      09/27/2013 at 2:03 am

      So are we eating the Nexus 5 on the 14th?

  2. jenni2

    09/26/2013 at 4:19 pm

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    • Marcus Waldron

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  3. salfihsdfoish

    09/27/2013 at 5:34 am

    Rubbish article. Click bait to the max

  4. chazzmatt

    09/27/2013 at 7:47 am

    “Rumors suggest that the company could be coming up with a Motorola Nexus, not like the Moto X, a rumor that hasn’t been backed up by FCC filings or leaks, but one that comes from credible places.”

    WRONG. No one credible has mentioned the Moto X. Every time you mention is you lose credibility.

    Taylor Wimberly started that rumor, but he is an idiot who was suckered into buying the 4.7″ 720p Moto X at over $600 when he should have waited for the 5″ 1080p Snapdragon 800 Nexus 5 (with better camera) for MUCH LESS money.

  5. chazzmatt

    09/27/2013 at 7:55 am

    The last two nexus phones were ANNOUNCED in October (with the new Android OS), but both actually RELEASED in November.

    This year, yes Google could announce and release both in October, but historically no Nexus phone (1,2,3,4) has been actually released before November. I would bet first week of November. If you mentioned that at least in passing, you would cover your bases and look like you knew what you were talking about. :)

  6. Andy Corley (@corleyman)

    09/28/2013 at 5:06 pm

    This is crazy torture … having to wait 3 wks til Oct 14th for the N5 and KitKat, but I’m waiting … cuz I want the fastest Android phone for my unlimited everything plan – only $29/mo & soon to be free! Check it: https://www.GetServiceFree.com

  7. Sahil Choudhry

    09/29/2013 at 7:37 pm

    You really think GSM Galaxy Nexus won’t be confirmed for KitKat? I

  8. Davis

    10/21/2013 at 4:56 pm

    such a terrible article
    do you even own a smartphone?

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