The Nexus 5 has been around for a while now and has been surpassed by many rivals, including the LG G3. So when will Google launch the new Nexus 6 smartphone? We take a look at possible Nexus 6 (Motorola Shamu) release date, as well as its specs and features. See also: The 28 best smartphones of 2014.
Although we're calling it the Nexus 6, there's a possibility that Google will call it the Nexus 5 2014. It didn't change the name of the Nexus 7 with its follow-up model and the replicants in Blade Runner go by the name Nexus 6. For the sake of this article, though, that's what we're going to call it. (It's also known as the Motorola Shamu, just to confuse matters.)
Nexus 6: Release date in UK
We've all heard the phrase 'history repeats itself' and, when it comes to smartphone launches, it really is true - most of the time. Many of the big tech firms have just the one flagship smartphone launch per year, and Google is no different with its Nexus range. See iPhone 6 release date, news and rumours.
Previous Nexus release dates:
| Nexus model | Release date |
| Nexus One | May-10 |
| Nexus S | Dec-10 |
| Galaxy Nexus | Nov-11 |
| Nexus 4 | Nov-12 |
| Nexus 5 | Oct-13 |
As you can see, for four out of its five Nexus smartphones Google has opted for a Q4 launch. Take a look at the best Android smartphones in the UK.
As yet, the only word from Google about the Nexus 6's possible release dates is from the senior vice president, Sundar Pichai, who said that it would not launch in the first half of 2014, adding more weight to the possibility of a Q4 2014 launch.
There was a remote possibility that Google would unveil the Nexus 6 at Google I/O, but the Nexus 6 was a no-show. Realistically we expect to see the device in October or November as the vehicle on which Google launches Android L (aka Lollipop).
However, earlier this year, reports suggested that the Nexus line will be discontinued, with a new Android Silver line, according to Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin and The Information.
Anonymous sources have said that Google's Android Silver program will aim to encourage manufacturers to use higher quality build materials and more stylish designs that "closely adhere to Google specifications".
Evleaks said on Twitter in May that "there is no Nexus 6", coming this year, backing up the previous reports, and adding that Android Silver is coming in February 2015 in the form of an LG device.
Following that report, however, Ausdroid claims to have learned from "a source within Google who is close to the project", that the Nexus 6 will be launching this year after all, with a 5.5in display reminiscent of the LG G3. A possible Motorola-made Nexus 6 is touted for November (See below)
See: Google I/O 2014 - What to expect including Android, Nexus, Glass and more.
Nexus 6: Specs
According to the International Business Times the Nexus 6 is expected to be built by LG. The website also suggests that the Nexus 6 will be largely built on the designs of the 2014 LG flagship smartphone the LG G3.
However, despite being sold to Lenovo, Motorola is thought to be a possible partner for the Nexus 6 - codenamed 'Shamu' - according to Android Police. The site says it will have a phablet sized 5.9in screen and will arrive in November.
IBT reports that the Nexus 6 will be based on the following specs:
• 5.5in QHD display
• 1440x2560 resolution (534ppi)
• Octa-core MediaTek processor
• 64-bit processor
• Fingerprint scanner
• IP67-certified dust-proof and water-resistant device
These specs are all rumoured, but it's a specification we'd expect Google to look to achieve. A Nexus device with a 534 pixels per inch display, 64-bit processor and fingerprint scanner would be impressive, especially if it retains the traditionally low, Google-subsidised price.
Nexus 6: Performance
GFXBench has leaked some benchmarks for the Motorola Shamu, aka Nexus 6 (via Fonetime), from its Manhattan graphics test. According to GFXBench the Motorola Shamu or Nexus 6 scored 11.5fps, just slightly below the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8, but in line with the OnePlus One and faster than the Sony Xperia Z2 and LG G3.
Nexus 6 features: OS
As mentioned above, Google is expected to include a 64-bit processor and fingerprint sensor on the Nexus 6 to bring it into line with the iPhone 5S and Samsung Galaxy S5.
We expect other new features in the Nexus 6 to be software-based. Google revealed more information about software and OS advances in its forthcoming Android L (aka Lollipop) OS at it annual I/O developer conference.
Read: Android 4.5 release date and features: When will the next version of Android (Lollipop) come out?
Whatever the OS ends up being called, the Nexus 6 will likely be the vehicle on which it arrives.
Nexus 6 features: Smartwatch
There have been some seriously convincing rumours circulating about a Google Gem Smartwatch launching this year so it could launch as a companion device to the Nexus 6. After all, Google has announced Android Wear (the mobile OS tweaked for wearable devices). Whether this will surface or it will simply sell Android Wear-based devices such as the Motorola Moto 360, LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live remains to be seen.
See also: Google Gem smartwatch specs leaked: Set to team up with LG.
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