With all of the Nexus 5 rumors floating around, it can be hard to separate the possible features from the unlikely. Although few, if any, reliable sources exist at this time, it isn’t too hard to semi-accurately speculate on what the next Nexus will feature. But first, let’s take a look at some of the most popular rumored features and then move on to which are actually likely to be in the phone.
Rumors:
Tegra 4 Processor
Snapdragon 600 or 800 Processor
3 or 4GB of RAM
128GB/256GB Storage options
4.5-5.5″ Display
2800-5000mAh Battery
12-16MP Camera
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie
Reality:
Tegra 4 or Snapdragon 600
2GB of RAM
16GB-32GB Storage options
4.8″-5″ Display
2800mAh Battery
8-10MP Camera
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie
At this point, you’re probably thinking I just arbitrarily picked these specs. Let me explain why my choices make sense. Based on the previous four Nexus phones, it isn’t too hard to predict the fifth. Google has followed a general pattern since the Nexus One.
Processor:
The Nexus devices are usually on par with other high-end device on the market. That means the Nexus 5 will have a current generation processor like the Tegra 4 or Snapdragon 600. I don’t think we’ll see a Snapdragon 800 in the Nexus 5, because that’s the highest end and most expensive option. Google uses the current technology, just not necessarily the fastest and most expensive.
RAM:
On to RAM. Most of the recently manufactured phones include 2GB of RAM, and Google will most definitely follow suit. There really isn’t a need for more than 2GB of memory at this point. Remember, Apple only just updated their iPhone 5 to 1GB of RAM.
Storage:
Google really like to promote its cloud storage, so the likelihood of a 64GB or larger option is very slim. Also remember that 64GB memory chips make a phone more expensive, and Google is shooting for the mid-range market.
Display:
Expect a screen no larger than 5″ and no smaller than 4.7″. The Nexus phones are intended to introduce pure Android to regular consumers. The market for devices with pocketable screen sizes is much larger than the one for phablets.
Battery:
On the battery front, Google is starting to realize it needs to improve the longevity of their devices. I suspect Google will use a battery similar to the Galaxy S4′s in size. Hopefully, it’ll be closer to the RAZR MAXX HD’s 3300mAh cell.
Camera
Google has stated publicly that they’re going to improve camera quality, so there’s not much to speculate on here. Just don’t expect it to be 16MP. They’ll go with a good sensor, just not the absolute best(and most expensive) available.
Android OS:
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie is a given. Nexus phones are released with the latest version of Android, and 5.0 is set to be released very soon.
Keep this in mind while reading Nexus rumors: Google isn’t trying to reinvent smartphone hardware. Each year, Google simply tweaks another manufacturer’s phone into being their Nexus. Most recently, it was the Optimus G that was tweaked into the Nexus 4. Above all, Google creates devices that are cost effect, which means they can’t always include the highest-end specs.
About Nick Morbidelli
Nicholas is a business major student who loves everything Android. Aside from smartphones, his hobbies consist of debate, ultimate frisbee, and sleeping.