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Android fans are eagerly anticipating the launch of the Nexus 6, Google’s latest Nexus smartphone, which is expected to be officially announced tomorrow, October 15th. As the excitement reaches a fever pitch for this highly-anticipated handset, let’s step back and take a look at what we know about the device so far and what we expect to come as part of Google’s official announcement.
As the name suggests (following a pattern set by previous devices), the Nexus 6 will feature a display with a footprint bordering on 6 inches, making this the first “phablet” in the lineup. While its predecessors included devices from HTC, Samsung, and LG, the Nexus 6 will be the first Google flagship manufactured by Motorola.
Nexus 6 Specs
The Nexus 6 might end up as the most powerful Nexus device to date — should the rumored specs pan out. There’s reason to believe they will, as leaks over the past several months have been fairly consistent in this regard. As an impending launch draws near, we’re getting an even better picture of what to expect. The Nexus 6’s impressive hardware is said to include:
- 5.9-inch, 2560×1440 (QHD) display
- Snapdragon 805 processing
- 13MP rear camera, 2MP front-facing
- 3GB RAM
- 3200mAh battery
The Motorola-made device is also expected to feature a bit of technology that debuted with the new Moto X: Turbo Charge. Turbo Charge on the Nexus 6 could deliver an 8-hour charge in only 15 minutes.
The common speculation is that Motorola originally developed the phone that would become the Nexus 6 as a phablet offering to compliment the Moto G and Moto X. We might expect a device that borrows heavily in terms of design and hardware from these options, and leaked renders suggest it will bear more than a passing resemblance. This includes a set of front-facing stereo speakers (as seen on the Moto G) but likely won’t extend to the customization options present in those Motorola-branded handsets.
Android L
The most recent buzz suggests the Nexus 9 will launch alongside the Nexus 6 and feature more prominently as the flagship device of Google’s next Android update. Android L will still be a major element of the Nexus 6, however, and come installed out of the box.
The launch of the Nexus 6 should coincide with the unveiling of an “official” name for the next iteration of the Android OS — signs point to Lollipop — and the handset will be privy to all that the new version will offer. We learned at this year’s Google I/O that features of Android L include the new Material Design interface, improved multitasking and notifications, and under-the-hood improvements with Project Volta (for better battery life) and ART (an improved runtime that replaces Dalvik and should offer increased application performance).
Google has been slowly refining Android L as developers have had ample time to beta test the latest software. What will come installed on the Nexus 6 will be the first official public release of the operating system, but users can expect future updates to further enhance software capabilities. The Nexus 6’s position as a member of the namesake Nexus line means the phone will receive these updates as soon as they are ready to ship from Google, often months before they reach other third-party Android handsets.
Low-key launch?
Ever since a hurricane quashed Google’s plans to launch the Nexus 4 in style we have seen the tech giant resort to the considerably more low-key launch strategy of sticking to a blog post to announce their latest Nexus advancements. All signs point to the same being the case this year, with Google expected to unveil the Nexus 6 (and Nexus 9) with Android L on their company blog this week. October 15th is the target, a date that may or may not have been influenced by Apple’s decision to host an iPad-themed event on October 16th.
The announcement may not include immediate retail availability. At least for the Nexus 9, the plan appears to be a pre-order starting October 17th followed by a November 3rd release. There is a good chance the Nexus 6 could follow the a similar or identical timeline, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Google has other plans. Given rumored hardware, we might also expect the Nexus 6 to come with a higher price tag than previous Nexus devices. We might again look to the Moto X for guidance, which suggests the N6 will cost no less than $499 unlocked.
One thing is certain: if the Nexus 6 sees similar demand to what previous entries in the Nexus line have experienced, the handset could land on backorder almost immediately. Those interested in buying will want to jump early if they hope to receive their device as part of the first round of shipments.
What are you hoping for?
The Nexus 6 is no secret by any means, but Google has been known to slip in a few features undetected for a launch day surprise. What are you hoping for in the Nexus 6? Do the rumors add up to a device you are eager to get your hands on? With only mere hours to wait until our curiosities are satisfied, our attention is turned to more pressing issues: will you be buying the Nexus 6?
[polldaddy poll=8374153]
If it has the Moto X active listening, I’ll most likely get it when my contract is up, if not, then probably not.
If not the apks should easily be ported over to work with it. Seeing that the Droid Turbo which has the exact same relevant internals as the Nexus will have them.
when your contract is up?? son you need to meet t mobile jump program.
I just want it to be on Verizon. That’s the only reason why I never have bought a Nexus before.
Verizon had the Gnex
Very true. Forgot about that one.
So did most VZW Gnex owners. Like a child molestation it was blocked from our memories as a traumatic experience.
Ha truth. Maybe I don’t want a Verizon Nexus 6.
Just FYI. The VZW GNex wasn’t actually released through Google. It was a direct partnership between Samsung and them, which is why it was such a mess. Particularly with updates.
“most powerful… to date…” Of course. Its the newest.
My thoughts exactly. If not then Google just f’d themselves. Lol
I hope it won’t be too big and I hope it will be cheap.
I don’t understand the point of posting what the N6 might be, the day before it’s expected to be announced…? Should we not just wait until tomorrow and talk about what it actually has?
Wait? Talk tomorrow? We are all school girls when it comes to such matters.
tee hee
They do it so people will comment on the article..
I know Google’s stance on larger internal storage and external micro sd, but I can still hope for a 64Gb version.
May sell our trade up my Note 3 for this
If Google releases a 64GB version, that’s the one I’ll be getting!
Same. Considering side-grading from my Note3, but it’s dependent on a $400-ish price point, and at least 64GB of storage not having an SD slot. Failing that, I’ll just wait a bit longer for 2015’s 64bit 4GB phablets.
Good Bye LG G3
meh, hate the design of the 6.
If the Nexus 5 gets Android L (Licorice) I may be jumping on that to replace a G S III. That Nexus 6 screen size is just too much. Plus I need a new tablet so I’m hoping the price of the 5 goes down so I can grab the Nexus 9 at the same time. I think this will be the cheapest option in order to get pure Android.
The 5 WILL be getting Android L. Google already stated it and have released developer previews on the device. Its also well within the minimum update window Google stated.
The only one in question is the N4, but some site owners have said that devices running L with the N4 product code have hit their websites from Mountain View. So at the very least Google is testing it. Its an older device, so Google isnt as obligated to update it. But given their projects of making Android run on lesser hardware and the chipset still being current there isn’t any real technical reason they would not.
My Xperia Z has the same chipset. And that’s exactly why am keeping my hopes up too..
That is a different animal since the updates are not published by Google. No technical reason you shouldn’t get it, if you don’t you should let Sony know with your $$$.
I’ll sell you my refurbished 5 for 240usd, i wanna get the 6.
My thoughts exactly.
a lot of the flagship 2013 devices have been announcing support. i have a OG Moto X
N5 is easily getting L, it’s still a top of the line device.
If you notice the other article the N9 will be fairly steep in price if the rumors hold true. If I were you I’d step up to the new phone and go for the old 7. If you were to go for the 6 you can probably forgo having multiple devices.
exactly. Nexus 6 removes the need to have tablet and cell.
I’m really just looking forward to getting L on my N5
Same here, but depending on the price I might get the Nexus 6.
I’m really excited about this, but I’ll be bummed out if it doesn’t have wireless charging.
I’m pretty scared about this as well. I’ve converted all of my chargers over to Qi pads, even my car dock is a wireless charging pad.
Me too! If it doesn’t have wireless charging then I’m probably going to just stick with my Nexus 5 :(
I’ve been using this guy: http://amzn.com/B00HI8JYFE
Used it for my LG G2, used it for my Moto X. Works great.
that charger only feeds 500mah. You would be lucky if it charged half of Nexus 6 assuming it would even recognize it.
Charges my G2 overnight from 0% to 100%. Not sure why you would ever need anything more
Impossible, it will DEFINITELY have wireless charging
Wireless charging, tap-to-pay are great ideas that have been poorly implemented, we may never see them as being ubiquitous due to this.
Hoping for wireless charging here too. It hasn’t really be talked about very much ever since the leaks started. Little worried as well.
it will have wireless charging. the problem with that is nexus wireless chargers technology really isnt ready yet. Finding the sweet spot to charge, slow charging times, etc.
Never had any of those problems.
I hate asking “Does anyone know” questions. But does anyone know if this device will only be sold on the Play Store or will it be available from Motorola. I got a credit I am tryna use on Motorola
Play store it is
if you’re fortunate, maybe you can use the credit towards N6 accessories if only sold in the play store
that is a great question
I cant wait! I love my Nexus 5 but I’ve always been jealous of the screen on my friends Galaxy Note.
Your friend has a pocket big enough for galaxy note? He should probably be on diet.
or maybe his jeans don’t fit like a girl.
I’m 5’10” and weigh in at 160 pounds after Thanksgiving holiday meals. My Note 3 easily fits in my back pockets.
O^O sure it wasn’t a man purse? or perhaps magically shrunken galaxy note 3?
I’m 5’11” 165 lbs, and I can’t even bend half way with nexus 5 in my front pocket.
Front pocket?!? I can’t keep any phone in my front pocket. Only the back pocket.
Does anyone know whether it’s gonna have global network support or be a big mistake and go to verizon or sprint like the gnex?
what are you talking about?
You Know I mean like the moto devices that aren’t available for global gsm networks
this is a nexus
Hopefully no CDMA support…
What is Cdma again?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_division_multiple_access
Very likely it’ll have CDMA + GSM + LTE support. No reason for it not to support CDMA.
why would you hope for no CDMA support?
What? Are you trolling? There are international versions of the G and E. The X I believe covers both US and international bands due to being their flagship.
I’m hoping for an amoled display.
3 out of 5 were OLEDs it would be nice to see another one.
The Nexus 5 is still fantastic, but I’m curious about 4 things about the Nexus 6 (which will make all the difference). 1) With a bigger battery, how many more hours can I get despite the larger screen & power consumption? 2) With a bump of 5mp for the camera, how much better will the pictures look? A lot has to do with the camera sensor. 3) How does it feel to use a 6″ phone as a daily driver? 4) HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? With beastly specs like these, if it’s pushing $500, fogetaboutit!
I also have nexus 5 and it takes amazing pictures. Not sure what else you want from camera. It blows away my gf iphone5. The iphone 6 plus with 64gb will run you little over $900. Your going to make issue with same size phone with better schematics for $500?
I can hold on to my G2 and wait for next year iteration with more advancements!
Would love to own a nexus device. The lack of an SD card slot is a deal breaker though. It’s not reasonable to me that I should have to download/stream my own music that I already have in small mp3/mp4 files. Why isn’t anyone else annoyed by the lack of SD slots on the Nexus lineup?
plenty are so they dont buy em
SD slot isn’t much of a deal breaker to me but I really want a stylus like the Note series. My N5 has a decent size screen and I bought a generic stylus to take notes on it with in class and it works well but not as well as I’ve seen the stylus used with the Note series
if stylus is your thing then no need to look past note series. Your who that phone was build for.
never had the need for sd card slot thought it always made me feel good……
I stop looking for it when I got the nexus 5. Now I wish I didn’t pay the extra 50 bucks for 32 GBs.
I am annoyed as s*** by phones with no SD slots. Such a basic, basic thing to add. I should be able to expand my $600 phone if i want to with storage and not have to babysit it by taking stuff off and keeping it cleaned out. I have nearly drained 32gb phones. #phonesshouldnotbemadewithoutSDcardexpansion
AMEN.
Took the words right out of my mouth Ben!
Are you new to the Nexus line? There are people who would like Nexus phones to have an micro sd card, but it isn’t going to happen. Everyone pretty much knows it, so no use complaining about it.
If there’s no SD slot AND no 64GB version, THEN I’d start complaining.
I have 16GB Nexus 5 and memory was never an issue. I would say start filtering out what your not using. I don’t see this as issue at all unless your in charge of a recording studio.
Yea I’ve never had a problem with 16GB phones it’s all I’ve ever had (although I did put an additional 16GB SDcard in one of them but rarely used it). Nexus phones have never had an SDcard I wouldn’t expect the new one to either.
From the front it looks good, but the side view looks meh,…and the 5.9-inch, makes it even more meh to meeeeehh. the successor of the 6 will have 6,9inch a.s.o ?!
they already have a nexus 7 though…
yeah but that was a tablet, wasn’t it? and i haven’t mentioned a number but successor, and i don’t think n6 is the end…
// the number is just idiotic, though…
Why the hell must you jinx us with a $499 starting price point? Not only does Google subsidize, but Moto has affordable prices to start with.
I paid $400 for my larger capacity N5. If anything it’ll start at $400 and go to $450 max.
At $400 I’d strongly consider side-grading from my Note3 (at a profit on Ebay), but at $500 I’ll probably just wait for the 2015’s 64bit/4GB phablets (WITH SD slots)
I hope the 5.9″ only isn’t true. Please be closer to 5″ or at least have 2 different versions!
if you want 5″ then get Nexus 5
Then hopefully they’ll refresh the Nexus 5.
yes! please! Nexus 5 (2014 edition) or 2015?
Nexus 5 will get andoid L soon which will improve battery life by 30%.
Then all it needs is an updated SoC and camera and it’ll be the best phone of all time.
I have a feeling the nexus 6 is going to be a huge fail.
The Force is weak in this one…
maybe if your jeans weren’t so tight
Bring on the phablet! Software on my Note 3 makes it easy and seamless to navigate with one hand. I can easily watch Netflix, NFL and YouTube on my phone. Thanks in advance Google for not listening to the tiny phone people! If it has OIS & big storage, my Note 3 is gone baby gone!
i must be half brain dead because I have netflix and didn’t even download the app yet. Maybe I was waiting for nexus 6 and 6″ inch screen.
dao tao seo vietmoz
To be honest, I’m more excited for the Nexus 9. If it’s made by HTC, with their build quality, speakers, and comes at a decent price point, I’m going to strongly consider it.
Has there been any mention of whether the Nexus 6 has wireless charging? After having this on my Nexus 5, I would hate to lose this great feature. I’m a little skeptical of this turbo charge thing…
Bring on the Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition!
I’m hoping the Verizon version will be $500 or less off contact. But Verizon always finds a way to screw over loyal customers so it’ll probably be significantly more.
I’m looking forward to the Tablet, not the phablet.
“ALL KINDS OF PHONES, FOR ALL KIND OF FOLKS”….can one deduce the emphasis on phones and folks to mean we may see more than one phone this time around.
I have my hopes on two…i can’t see why they will just make a Phablet without a regular sized Nexus (5.2″-5.5” screen) for all the other folks. If we get just a Phablet (blown up Moto X as some call it), then the rumored Moto X Play the GSM version of the Droid Turbo will be high on the target list.
because it would be pointless because there would be little difference between 5″ nexus 5 & 5″ nexus 6. Both would be 32-bit running Android L. You will get improvement in battery life on nexus 5 with Android L. You upgrade to nexus 6 because of screen size.
If the Nexus 6 is 5.9″ then the Nexus phone program is dead.
No, it’s not. Stick to what you know.
what it means is there is convergence between cell phones and tablets so you only need to make one purchase instead of two. A thank you would be more appropriate. But if you have girl size hands and you wear your jeans like a girl…just stick with Nexus 5 and upgrade to Android L.
So the Nexus 5 is suddenly a “girl sized phone”? It’s a 5″ f-ing screen no I don’t need or want a phone bigger than that nor will I buy one. I’ll buy an iPhone 6 out of principle if Google does something this stupid and doesn’t sell a normal sized device.
60% of new iphone sales are for the iphone 6 plus. It would’t surprise me to see them phaze out smaller cells soon.
I don’t know a single person with one. Most people are happy with their 4″ iPhones and some think the 4.7″ is overkill. Personally I tend to agree except I find 4.7″ to be the perfect sweet spot for a phone since I use it one handed 90% of the time.