Google looks set to release its next Nexus smartphone this autumn, and what a device it looks to be. Most likely coming packed with brand new Android 4.5 features, an upgraded camera and perhaps even biometric sensors, here are our thoughts on what the Nexus 6 has in store for us.
Biometrics
Keeping up with other releases this year, (HTC One M8, Galaxy S5), Google’s Nexus 6 should definitely feature a front fingerprint sensor or perhaps even a rear one. Retina scanner? Compatibility with Google Glass? They could also be in the works.
Based on the LG G3
An insider hinted to Android Geeks that Google will work with LG on the Nexus 5 successor, and that the Nexus 6 will be based on the LG G3.
3GB of RAM
Hopefully a 64-bit Snapdragon 810 processor and at least 3GB of RAM is expected on the Nexus 6. Of course, we’d love to see 4GB of RAM, but that’s completely unnecessary without said 64-bit processor. Apple is the only company to roll out a 64-bit CPU so far.
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5.2-inch display
Slightly increasing the screen size of the Nexus 5, the Nexus 6 should get a 5.2-inch display, a smidgen bigger than the HTC One M8 and Samsung Galaxy S5.
Release date
Like the last four Nexus smartphone releases, the Nexus should be released in Autumn this year. The release of the Nexus 6 in October could coincide with the release of Google’s next Android operating system, Android 4.5, which may be dubbed Lollipop, following the trend Android’s sweet-toothed namesakes.
Android 4.5?
Likely to be released at the June I/O Developers Conference, Google’s next step up in terms on operating system will be Android 4.5 While exact features are still not clear, Android 4.5 will be compatible with Android Wear, so it’ll be exciting to see what features the Nexus 6 will have with Google’s new wearables.
Camera quality
Some sites are suggesting an 18MP to 20MP camera, while others put a more reserved bid at 13MP. A higher-end camera would be fantastic news, but as Nexus devices are usually priced modestly, at the mid-market, Google traditionally offers a lower quality camera than its contemporaries.
Waterproofing
Aligning with Samsung’s and HTC’s releases this year, and prospectively LG’s G3, if Google didn’t make the Nexus 6 IP67 water and dustproof, it’d be making a grave mistake.
Price?
The Nexus should be priced competitively, probably around the £300 mark. This follows suit with previous Nexus releases. Google could also be planning to release a budget Nexus smartphone that would reportedly go on sale for less than $100, according to an report mentioned by BGR.
It should come with an as of yet unknown MediaTek CPU, but it is not yet sure who would manufacture the device. Whether or not this entry-level device could be the Nexus 6 is still unclear, but with all the other Nexus 6 rumours going around, it looks like it could be an emerging market version of a Nexus 6.
Android Wear compatible?
With the LG G Watch and the Moto 360 announced, both using Android Wear, the next Nexus device will definitely feature compatibility with the wearable devices. Fitness and health trackers, maps and Google Now synchronisation should all be expected elements.
