If the rumoured October 15 unveiling of the new Nexus devices is real, we are just days away from the Google Nexus 6 announcement. As we wait for Wednesday, here is quick refresher about what we have heard about the next Nexus smartphone so far.
Like all Nexus devices, Nexus 6 has seen a fair shares of leaks and rumours. Although for quite some time, there wasn’t any clarity about the specifics of the phone, but looks like we finally have a decent idea of what to expect from Nexus 6.
Who is manufacturing Google Nexus 6?
As you would know, even though Google’s name is associated with Nexus devices, it doesn’t manufacture them or work directly with ODM to build these devices. It picks up an Android manufacturer each year to work on new Nexus devices, which are then built with significant input from the company.
Coming to the nexus 6 manufacturer, it is pretty much confirmed at this point that Motorola Mobility is making the next Nexus smartphone. Although Motorola worked with Google on Xoom tablet, this will be the first time, Motorola is teaming up with the search giant to build a Nexus device. Thanks to the company’s history of making great Android products, we have high hopes for Motorola-made Nexus 6. As per online reports as well as sightings in the Chromium code-review, we know that Nexus 6 is codenamed as Shamu and carries XT1112 model number.
Google Nexus 6 specifications
According to rumours, the smartphone will be based on the Moto X (2nd-Gen) but it will come with a larger display – 5.9-inch to be precise. The display will include QHD (2560x1440p) resolution. Among other specifications, the Nexus 6 is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor. The phone will also come with 3GB of RAM, 3200 mAh battery, and 16/ 32GB of internal storage.
On the imaging front, Google and Motorola seem to have decided to go with 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilisation and 2MP front shooter. The Nexus 6 will run on Android L, which is no surprise and come with pure Google version of the OS, like other Nexus devices.
Rest of the specifications are unclear at this point but we can expect the phone to feature Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 or 4.1, GPS and 4G LTE support.
As you can see, these are some impressive specifications but the phablet-sized display of the phone remains a concern and will alienate a significant chunk of the consumers. It would be interesting to see the reasoning Google offers at the time of the official announcement about going so large with Nexus 6. I am hoping that Google will surprise us with a smaller Nexus smartphone along with Nexus 6 but it seems unlikely at this point.
Design
As I wrote earlier in the post, Nexus 6 is based on Motorola’s 2nd-gen Moto X and whatever leaked images have appeared online, show that phone will carry a similar design to the new Moto X. It will include a metal frame like the Motorola flagship and also the soft-touch back cover.
There is no confirmation if Google is including front stereo speakers in the phone as the Moto X (2nd-Gen) doesn’t have them.
Availability and pricing
These two details still remain a big mystery but a recent report had suggested that the upcoming Nexus 9 tablet, which will be announced alongside Nexus 6, is going on sale starting November 3. So, it is possible that Nexus 6 will be available beginning the same day.
We are hoping for an aggressive price-tag but no specific number is known at ths point, it would be great if Google can retail it under $500.
I have a couple of “wonders”
I wonder how old the Nexus 6 actually is?
Motorola is Lenovo now, how much did they influence it?
Motorola Mobility is still a Google company. The deal between Google and Lenovo is not complete and will take some time.