Is The Nexus 6 Google's Next Smart Move?

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Aug 18, 2014

Google (GOOG, Financial) is ready to make its next best move in the smartphone market with the launch of its next-gen smartphone, though exact details on the release date has not yet been revealed. Google has already launched a couple of cheap Android mobiles for competing with Samsung (SSNLF, Financial) and Apple (AAPL, Financial) which remain its core rivals. This time, Google is developing its upcoming flagship phone dubbed as Nexus 6.

With the major contenders bringing smartphones to the market almost every year, it would be interesting to watch out if Google’s new smartphone is able to totally capture the market’s attention. Let’s get into the details and find out what superior features the smartphone is coming up with and how Google presumes to handle the growing competition with its release.

The upgraded Nexus 5

The Google Nexus 5 was released in October last year and already boasts high-end specs and stunning features. The Nexus 6 that earmarks the next generation of Nexus 5 would feature a whopping LG G3 – like 5.5-inch display with a phenomenal screen resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. Instead, the Nexus 5 comes with a much smaller display of 4.95 inches with a standard screen resolution of 1,800 x 1,920 pixels. The pixel strength of Nexus 6 would hence be light years ahead of Nexus 5 something that could appeal to several eyes.

The Nexus 5 had a plastic exterior and a simplistic look. The Nexus 6 would possibly feature aluminum edges with thin bezel, as per Nexus6Me.

Also the speed of the processor of Nexus 6 would be a step ahead of its predecessor. Moreover, the Nexus 6 is expected to run on Andriod L or Android 4.5 Os which are believed to be the next-gen operating systems from Google’s shop floor yet to be released, whereas the Nexus 5 selling in the market runs on the existing Andriod 4.4 KitKat.

The Nexus 5 houses a 2 GB RAM and supports 16 GB or 32 GB internal storage capacity; however, this version does not feature a microSDcard support. Comparatively, Nexus 6 would have close to 3GB RAM along with 16 GB or 32 GB internal storage capacity and might also support microSDcard for memory expansion by some news leaks.

While Nexus 5 features an 8 MP and 1.3 MP rear and front-facing camera units, the Nexus 6 has a stronger camera of 13 MP and 5MP at its rear and front. The battery life of Nexus 6 is also expected to be more than that in Nexus 5. With the updated Andriod operating system, the Nexus 6 could flaunt nearly 35% extra battery backup which is a good feature that can make a huge difference to most smartphone users.

Competing with closest rivals

Similar to its chief rivals Samsung Galaxy 5 and the upcoming iPhone 6, this smartphone would feature fingerprint scanner mechanism. Also, Google’s new entrant’s exterior would be water and dust resistant having IP67 certification on par with Samsung Galaxy 5, according to tech website PC advisor. It would also have a 64-bit processor as its rivals and would possibly come with a lower price tag of $349 for the 16 GB and $399 for the 32 GB model. On the contrary, the Samsung Galaxy 5 holds a sticker price of $599 and the premium priced iPhone6 would be priced close to $917 for the 16 GB and$1,050 for the 32 GB versions.

Though the price of Nexus 6 could be kept reasonable for attracting a better customer base, Google will no way to compromise with the quality of the upcoming product – while the Galaxy 5 has a metallic finish with dotted back panel design the Nexus 6 would boast of aluminium edges that is an upgraded feature from Nexus 5. This, however, might stand in no comparison to iPhone 6 which would feature make from sapphire glass that would be scratch resistant and more durable.

However, the Nexus 6 could still compete with iPhone 6 in terms of memory space as the iPhone 6 would not have microSDcard support, a bright feature of the former.

Final word

Nexus 6 will change Google’s upcoming future and will hopefully place it at par with its close contenders in the smartphone market. News leaks are speaking of its release in October which could be close to the Apple’s iPhone 6 launch. Google’s Nexus 6 might ignite a battle with Apples’ iPhone 6 and it would be worth watching which company ultimately gains over the other. Till then, let’s stay tuned.