The Google Nexus 5 (2015) is one of the most hotly anticipated Android devices, with Google expected to release the second generation in the Nexus 5 series sometime this year. While a lot remains speculative, we take a look at the release date, specs and rumors surrounding the Google Nexus 5 (2015).
The Nexus 5 2nd Generation is anticipated to hit shelves in October or November of this year. The follow-up to the Nexus 6 (codenamed Huawei Angler) will be manufactured by a Chinese company, called Huawei, while LG is involved in the production of the Nexus 5’s successor (codenamed LG Bullhead).
Reportedly, LG is tasked with making a 5.2-inch Nexus device, featuring a Snapdragon 808 processor and 2,700mAh capacity battery. Meanwhile, the Huawei Angler will sport a 5.7-inch display, a Snapdragon 810 processor and a 3,500mAh capacity battery.
Evidence for the existence of Bullhead and Angler were discovered by Android Police, after delving through an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) commit. The information on Bullhead is surrounded by references to a number of other popular Nexus devices, including Hammerhead and Shamu, lending credence to it being the next iteration in the Nexus series.
Observers expect the specification of the Nexus 5 (2015) to fall in line with existing high-end smartphones. However, the Nexus 6’s commercial reception wasn’t up to par; this slower uptake, at the time, led to a drop in quarterly earnings. In light of this, it’s entirely possible that Google will adopt a slightly different approach when designing the Nexus 5 (2015). Industry observers believe Google will keep the cost of the second generation Nexus 5 as low as possible, relative to that of the pricey Nexus 6.
Concept images of the phone have been posted on Google+ by designer Miqdad Halim, showing the LG Nexus 5 (2015) and Samsung Nexus 5 (2015). Halim also listed the specs below each of the images. However, until the veracity of these claims are substantiated, these specifications should be considered rumor.
According to Halim, the handsets will both feature 5.2-inch full HD screens, octa-core processors and 13Mp rear cameras - specs that conflict with those afore-mentioned.
However, in pointing to the device showcased in Google’s promotional video for Project Fi, some outside observers have suggested that this could be the new Nexus 5 (2015). Check out the video, below:
The remaining specs are also speculative, with some suggesting the Nexus 5 (2015) will be replete with 4G, a Kirin (not Qualcomm) processor, 3GB of RAM, and, possibly, a dual-SIM configuration.
Others have suggested the handset will boast an iris scanner, shifting away from fingerprint scanning technologies and bolstering device security.
It is expected that the Nexus 5 (2015) will come with Android’s new operating system, Android M. The OS was first revealed during the Google I/O 2015 keynote, at which time, Google failed to announce any new handset devices. Android M will facilitate mobile payments for U.S. customers, changes to app permissions, and support for USB Type-C connections.
It remains difficult to predict the new Nexus 5 device’s price, at least until further specs are divulged. We cannot envisage the Nexus 5 (2015) exceeding the price of the Nexus 6, which was the least successful of Google’s recent mobile offerings, likely owing to its $649 starting price tag. With Google hoping to compete with Apple’s wildly successful iPhone 6, it’s likely the company is balancing feature and spec improvements with cost. We hope to find out more in the coming weeks and months.