CNET Editors' Take
October 2, 2013 2:16 PM PDT
The Nexus 5 is expected to debut with Android 4.4 KitKat by the end of October.
(Credit: MacRumors)Rumors and conjecture have been floating around for much of the summer, and now details seem to be falling into place quickly for the updated flagship Android smartphone.Don't look now, but the LG Nexus 4 successor is expected to make its formal debut by the end of this month.
Even though Google hasn't made anything official quite yet (not even the launch event date), there's certainly quite a bit we already think we know about the next Nexus. Here's what's expected and what still remains uncertain.
What we expect
October reveal date
We're still waiting for Google to send out invitations, but multiple sources point to an October unveiling for the Nexus 5. According to a TechRadar report, Google will announce and ship the phone in the last week of the month. Other sources, while not quite as specific, have alsomentioned an October introduction.
We're still waiting for Google to send out invitations, but multiple sources point to an October unveiling for the Nexus 5. According to a TechRadar report, Google will announce and ship the phone in the last week of the month. Other sources, while not quite as specific, have alsomentioned an October introduction.
This fits into Google's pattern as well. Last year's Nexus upgrade was also scheduled for the early autumn time frame, before Hurricane Sandy's interference pushed back the date.
Android 4.4 KitKat
The Nexus 5 should be the first smartphone to run Android 4.4 KitKat, Google's next OS iteration, out of the box. Google has already formalized the platform, but the details are a complete mystery. The fall time frame falls in line with previous platform releases; Android 4.0 came in October 2011, and Android 4.2 showed up in November 2012.
The Nexus 5 should be the first smartphone to run Android 4.4 KitKat, Google's next OS iteration, out of the box. Google has already formalized the platform, but the details are a complete mystery. The fall time frame falls in line with previous platform releases; Android 4.0 came in October 2011, and Android 4.2 showed up in November 2012.
LG will make it
All signs point to Google again calling upon LG as the hardware maker of choice for the Nexus smartphone line. Documents found in the FCC tell of a model called LG D820 with specifications not entirely unlike the G2's, which is the source we expect the Nexus 5 to stem from.
All signs point to Google again calling upon LG as the hardware maker of choice for the Nexus smartphone line. Documents found in the FCC tell of a model called LG D820 with specifications not entirely unlike the G2's, which is the source we expect the Nexus 5 to stem from.
Biggest Nexus yet
The Nexus 5 should have a 4.96-inch screen, which would make it the largest Nexus smartphone to date. We should look for the same 1,920x1,080-pixel HD display as the G2's, which equals a 444 pixel density.
The Nexus 5 should have a 4.96-inch screen, which would make it the largest Nexus smartphone to date. We should look for the same 1,920x1,080-pixel HD display as the G2's, which equals a 444 pixel density.
The Nexus 5 form factor does not stray far from the LG Nexus 4's.
(Credit: FCC)
Body shape
Thus far, leaked images suggest that the Nexus 5 will maintain a form factor that doesn't stray far from the LG Nexus 4's. Early photos of the device, however, do not show the same design flourish or patterns on the rear.
Thus far, leaked images suggest that the Nexus 5 will maintain a form factor that doesn't stray far from the LG Nexus 4's. Early photos of the device, however, do not show the same design flourish or patterns on the rear.
Hardware
The Nexus 5 should be able to hold its own against the competition thanks to the quad-core 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU. Bolstered by 2GB RAM, LTE support, and NFC capability, the handset is expected to employ wireless charging capability and a 2,300mAh battery. Leaked benchmarks results have the Nexus 5 outperforming all other Android devices and rivalingApple's iPhone 5S.
The Nexus 5 should be able to hold its own against the competition thanks to the quad-core 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU. Bolstered by 2GB RAM, LTE support, and NFC capability, the handset is expected to employ wireless charging capability and a 2,300mAh battery. Leaked benchmarks results have the Nexus 5 outperforming all other Android devices and rivalingApple's iPhone 5S.
Carrier support
FCC documents indicate that the Nexus 5 is equipped for penta-band HSPA+ and multiple LTE bands and should support all four major carriers in the US: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. This could mark the first time that Google is able to offer one device across all top-tier carriers.
FCC documents indicate that the Nexus 5 is equipped for penta-band HSPA+ and multiple LTE bands and should support all four major carriers in the US: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. This could mark the first time that Google is able to offer one device across all top-tier carriers.
Lingering questions
Storage capacityThe name
Given that Google pulled the old switcheroo on us with Android 4.4 KitKat (which had previously been confirmed as Key Lime Pie), we shouldn't rule out a name change for the upcoming smartphone. It does mark the fifth-generation Nexus handset, and it should have a 5-inch display. With that said, we should still keep our guard up for a last-minute audible. Nexus G, anyone?
The Nexus 4 was offered in 8GB and 16GB versions, so we should hope for the same out of its successor. We may not yet be at a point where customers can choose between 16GB and 32GB, but we can certainly hope. We also should not look for external storage via microSD as that's atypical of a Nexus smartphone.
Camera technology
If the Nexus 5 is based off of LG's G2 smartphone, then we may see the optical image stabilization (OIS) technology found in the camera. Google likes to introduce new camera features with Android releases, and OIS could make for a compelling user experience.
If the Nexus 5 is based off of LG's G2 smartphone, then we may see the optical image stabilization (OIS) technology found in the camera. Google likes to introduce new camera features with Android releases, and OIS could make for a compelling user experience.
Price
As one of the most important questions for any device, the cost of the Nexus 5 still remains unclear. Historically, Google has offered its Nexus models unlocked with an attractive price point that falls below much of the competition. There is no indication yet that Google would go in a different direction for the new flagship, though pricing is an important question for contract carriers.
As one of the most important questions for any device, the cost of the Nexus 5 still remains unclear. Historically, Google has offered its Nexus models unlocked with an attractive price point that falls below much of the competition. There is no indication yet that Google would go in a different direction for the new flagship, though pricing is an important question for contract carriers.
Sales model
If history is an indicator, Google will sell the Nexus 5 two ways. One is via the Google Play store, where customers can buy the phone unlocked or choose a wireless provider. The other will likely be through the carriers themselves, as with the Nexus 4 on T-Mobile. This time around, it's more likely that we'll see the top-tier carriers sell the device at the outset, rather than as a limited exclusive.
If history is an indicator, Google will sell the Nexus 5 two ways. One is via the Google Play store, where customers can buy the phone unlocked or choose a wireless provider. The other will likely be through the carriers themselves, as with the Nexus 4 on T-Mobile. This time around, it's more likely that we'll see the top-tier carriers sell the device at the outset, rather than as a limited exclusive.
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