Google's impressive Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P smartphones are starting to show their age, which is why we're already starting to see rumors of multiple new Nexus smartphones for 2016. In January one early report claimed HTC was working on two Nexus smartphones, which was rumored again in April and May. However, we now have even more details regarding the 2016 Nexus smartphones.
In 2015 Google released two smartphones for the first time in history, and no Nexus tablet. Those being the LG-made Nexus 5X and the Huawei Nexus 6P. Both are rather good, and the Nexus 6P could be the best smartphone of 2015. That said, the company could be mixing things up again in 2016.
Read: Huawei Nexus 6P Review: Google's Best Yet
In the early days of Android Google and HTC had a good relationship. The first Android device ever released, the T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream), and even the Nexus One, were both made by HTC. Not to mention Google's last Nexus tablet was the HTC Nexus 9. We've seen Google and LG team up for three different Nexus devices lately, but 2016 could be the year things change.
Each year Google releases its own smartphone, but rather than make it themselves like they did with the new Pixel C tablet, they partner with a manufacturer to help push the cutting edge of Android, and shape smartphones of the future. Like the first Android with multi-touch, fingerprint scanners, USB Type C and other noteworthy new additions.
We saw this with the HTC Nexus One. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and even the LG Nexus 4 and LG Nexus 5 from 2012 and 2013. Google has worked with HTC, Samsung, LG, Motorola, Huawei, ASUS (for the Nexus 7) and now it looks like they could be shifting back to HTC.
Earlier this year Google released the Pixel C tablet, rather than a Nexus tablet in 2015. It was 100% made by Google. This was an exciting release, which has lead many to believe in 2016 Google could make their own smartphones. And while that could still be the case, an often accurate leakster on Weibo claims otherwise. Suggesting that HTC won over Google, and stole the steering wheel from LG and Huawei and will be making two smartphones for the Nexus 2016 line.
The report suggests that while HTC is still struggling, the company will be working with Google in 2016 to create two brand new Nexus smartphones. This rumor goes as far as suggesting screen sizes too. Claiming there will be a 5-inch Nexus smartphone, and a 5.5-inch model. Maybe the Nexus 5 (2016) and the Nexus 5 Plus, but that's just a guess. If these launch as the first devices to run Android N, a release date will most likely arrive this summer, when Android N will officially debut.
Google's Nexus 6 was released in 2014, made by Motorola, and had a huge 5.96-inch display. Then in 2015 Google released two Nexus smartphones and no Nexus tablet, and the biggest one was the 5.7-inch Huawei Nexus 6P. For the company to go back to a 5.5-inch HTC Nexus smartphone, seems odd. Then again, this is Google, who does anything and everything.
Update: In even bigger news, famed and even more accurate leakster Evan Blass, known as @evleaks had this to say on April 27th.
Essentially confirming earlier reports that Google is working with HTC to build two new smartphones, which will almost certainly be this years Nexus devices. Internally they're being called M1 and S1. Or Marlin and Sailfish. Google uses fish names for all Nexus names. Like Shamu for the Nexus 6, Angler for Nexus 6P, bullhead for the Nexus 5X, and so on. Here's more details and further rumors to corroborate this report.
Update #2: Now that summer is here and the July Android N release date is quickly approaching, more Nexus rumors have surfaced. The often accurate sources at AndroidPolice have some extra details regarding the smaller 5-inch HTC Nexus for 2016. According to them it will have a 5-inch 1080p HD display (slightly smaller than the Nexus 5x) but have a powerful Quad-core processor with 4GB of RAM (not 2GB) and the base model may come with 32GB of storage instead of only 16GB.
The leak continues to state it will have a similar but likely improved 12 megapixel camera on the back and 8MP front, USB Type-C, rear fingerprint scanner, a 2,770 mAh battery, and bottom facing speaker(s). From the sounds of it this new HTC Nexus 5 (2016) will closely resemble the Nexus 5x from last year but be slightly better in most areas, and likely made out of aluminum. We'll have to wait for more details.
There is one more twist in the current rumor mill. All previous reports have suggested that HTC will be making both Nexus smartphones for 2016, but that may not be 100% accurate. While we could see two Nexus phones from them, it could be just one, or Google could shock everyone and release three Nexus devices. Reason being is a recent interview with one of Huawei's general managers lead to a report claiming they're building another Nexus with Google this year. Apparently Charlene Munilall, general manager for Huawei's Consumer Business Group said, "We're doing the Nexus again this year, by the way." That's all we know, and will have to wait to learn more.
All said and done HTC makes some amazing smartphones, but the software is always covered in Sense UI, similar to Samsung's TouchWiz, which many don't like. However, the new HTC 10 runs nearly stock Android, and is one of the better phones available this year. If this report is accurate we could see two Nexus smartphones, or even a Nexus phone and tablet from HTC in late 2016, with the third device being made by Huawei. It's still way too early to remotely speculate and we're taking this with a grain of salt, but we'll keep our ears open for more details.
Source: HTC Nexus 2016 Smartphone Release Rumored
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