Google is preparing to launch its new flagship smartphones for 2016, and everyone is curious what the company would have in store for us after the highly appreciated Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P flagships of last year.
Rumors are strong about Google's upcoming Nexus devices, which have one edge over their rivals as they come packing the pure version of the Android OS. Sources familiar with the matter report that Google has probably re-branded the gadgets, taking away the traditional "Nexus" branding, but we might be looking at a new design change as well.
By looking at surfaced codenames for the handsets, we can guess that two more Google smartphones will be landing in 2016. The codenames, T50 and T55, can be hints to the screen sizes of the two devices. The first should therefore sport a 5-inch display, while the larger model is expected to bring a 5.5-inch screen framed by extremely thin bezels.
Multiple media outlets reported that Google pulled the plug on the "Nexus" moniker and instead chose to call its upcoming handsets "Pixel". Just as a reminder, the OEM previously used Pixel to name its proprietary tablet and Chromebooks. The 5-inch smartphone will be called Pixel, while the phablet will be dubbed Pixel XL.
Manufacturers
Google is not building the Pixel variants itself but has probably outsourced the manufacturing process to other companies, with Huawei claimed to be the main candidate considering the hit of last year.However, MyDrivers claimed that HTC has signed a contract with Alphabet for these devices, an idea that is supported by Evan Blass, who claims HTC will indeed be making Google's next Nexus devices and that they are called M1 and S1. Android Police backs up the codenames in a separate report, claiming M1 refers to Marlin and S1 is Sailfish., but it is yet unclear if the devices will be manufactured by HTC or by Huawei or maybe by both.
Design
Design leaks started for the Nexus/Pixel handsets in the middle of 2016, but one of the earliest indicators was a concept render from Android Police(above), which was inspired by details from a reliable source.
This sees the Sailfish as a mostly metal device, but with a third of the rear offering a glass panel at the top. There's a deep chamfer at the edges, as you'll find on the HTC 10, suggesting that family link between the Nexus device and the manufacturer. The Pixel has now been fully rendered in 3D video, for your closer examination, by Android Authority.
This sees the Sailfish as a mostly metal device, but with a third of the rear offering a glass panel at the top. There's a deep chamfer at the edges, as you'll find on the HTC 10, suggesting that family link between the Nexus device and the manufacturer. The Pixel has now been fully rendered in 3D video, for your closer examination, by Android Authority.
Specs
Both the Pixel and Pixel XL are reportedly packing the Snapdragon 820 processor, which is already deployed in a number of top-shelf smartphones. Other sources hint that Qualcomm's recently announced Snapdragon 821 processors will equip the upcoming Google smartphones.
LlabTooFeR tweeted that the new Pixel smartphones will holster 12-megapixel primary camera and 8-megapixel secondary cameras. Sources note that the Pixel XL could have a 2K screen, while the smaller Pixel will make use of a standard 1080p screen. While both models will pack 4GB of RAM and 32GB of default storage space, the Pixel XL is said to carry a mighty 3,450 mAh power source.
Those who are worried that Google will take away the headphone jack can rest assured. The Pixel phones will come with the 3.5 mm traditional headphone plug-in slot, so users can use their favorite headsets for years to come.
Speaking of connectivity, Google does make some steps toward the future by ditching the microUSB and relying on the USB type-C on its future Pixel handsets.
It is to be expected that Google will embed its latest operating system, Android 7.0 Nougat, in its future Pixel smartphones.
People close to the matter say that Google will make the official announcement of the Pixel handsets on Oct. 4, with the devices hitting the stores as early as Oct. 20.
LlabTooFeR tweeted that the new Pixel smartphones will holster 12-megapixel primary camera and 8-megapixel secondary cameras. Sources note that the Pixel XL could have a 2K screen, while the smaller Pixel will make use of a standard 1080p screen. While both models will pack 4GB of RAM and 32GB of default storage space, the Pixel XL is said to carry a mighty 3,450 mAh power source.
Those who are worried that Google will take away the headphone jack can rest assured. The Pixel phones will come with the 3.5 mm traditional headphone plug-in slot, so users can use their favorite headsets for years to come.
Speaking of connectivity, Google does make some steps toward the future by ditching the microUSB and relying on the USB type-C on its future Pixel handsets.
It is to be expected that Google will embed its latest operating system, Android 7.0 Nougat, in its future Pixel smartphones.
People close to the matter say that Google will make the official announcement of the Pixel handsets on Oct. 4, with the devices hitting the stores as early as Oct. 20.
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