If rumors are to be believed, HTC is actively developing two new Google Nexus devices, reportedly codenamed as Sailfish and Marlin. These new devices are expected to be launched in August, which is much earlier than the scheduled timeline.
Even though the specifications of both variants are expected to be the same, there will be a difference in the display size, which is dubbed to compete with Apple iPhone 7 expected to be unveiled in September.
Since Google has already announced the name of the next Android platform Nougat, the upcoming Nexus devices will be the first to be equipped with the new OS, which provides the ability to display multiple apps in a split-screen, in-line notification replies, Vulkan graphics support including an OpenJDK-based Java environment. It is expected that Nougat will be released either by the end of July or the first week of August.
While the Nexus Sailfish will be equipped with a 5-inch FHD display, the Nexus Marlin will feature a 5.5-inch FHD display, which is comparatively bigger than Samsung Galaxy S7, which has a 5.1-inch display. Even though we don’t have any specifications about the type of display, it could be AMOLED or OLED, although there is no reliable confirmation.
On the specifications front, both Sailfish and Marlin will feature a Snapdragon 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, 4GB RAM coupled with 32GB of internal storage. We can also expect higher storage versions of Nexus like 64GB and 128GB. Since Apple will be ditching its 16GB iPhone variant, it is unlikely that the upcoming Nexus device will offer 16GB storage considering the recent trend in the mobile app segment.
Talking about battery, the upcoming Nexus devices will offer a 2770mAh battery with fast charging support via USB Type-C port, which is disappointing since the majority of premium smartphones ships with a 3000mAh battery. However, a popular portal covering tech news reports that the devices will consist of a 3450mAh battery.
Interestingly, AndroidPolice reports that the Android Nougat will have a unique feature which will prevent ransomware from resetting lock screen passwords. Hence, you can expect few new features which will not only protect your privacy but also security.
In the meantime, Google is also planning to launch its own smartphone in September, which is set to compete with Apple iPhone 7. It is also coming up with its own Android Watch. This means you can expect quick updates since Google need not have to depend on upon third-party manufacturers for approval.
