If you need to keep a secret, don't share it with anyone at Google. Thanks to a large number of leaks, (including several from Google itself) we already know most of the basic details about the as-yet-unannounced Nexus 5 smartphone: specs, colors, operating system, and even pricing. The only question mark still lingering is when the thing will be actually be available.
Predictions for its rollout date have so far been off the mark, with people predicting a Nexus 5 rollout on October 15, October 18, and even today, Monday, October 28. But just in time to keep the Nexus 5 rumor mill churning, prolific leaker Evleaks recently came out with yet another prediction.
"In white. 11/1," the typically cryptic Evleaks said on Twitter, accompanying the update with a purported press rendering of a white Nexus 5 (see above). Evleaks has a great record for leaks and the handset in the image looks pretty much like a white version of the phone that appeared briefly on Google Play earlier in October. But is that a pre-order or a shipping date? Will the black version be released the same day? It's anybody's guess.
Whenever the Nexus 5 finally does hit Google Play--officially this time--here's what you can expect.
Hefty hardware
The Nexus 5 is expected to be another LG-built phone, just as the Nexus 4 before it. Based on a purported Nexus 5 service manual leaked to Android Police in early October as well as Google's accidental Nexus 5 posting, the Nexus 5 will likely have a 4.95-inch 1080p display. You'll also get either 16GB or 32GB onboard storage, 2GB of RAM, a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 1.3MP front-facing snapper. The battery is also getting a bump from the Nexus 4's 2100mAh power pack to 2300mAh, along with LTE connectivity.
In early September, the Federal Communications Commission approved an LG smartphone that appeared to be the Nexus 5. The only major mystery from that document, as well as the infamous Nexus 5 KitKat shot (below), was what the heck that gigantic circle was on the back of the phone.
It appears that may be the camera or some kind of hardware enhancement for the phone's photo-capture capabilities. Other guesses wonder if it isn't some kind of audio speaker; however, a camera enhancement appears to be the best bet. During the Google Play leak, marketing copy on the company's site said you could use the Nexus 5 to "capture the everyday and the epic in fresh new ways."
Android 4.4 "KitKat"
The Nexus 5 is also expected to be the first phone running Android 4.4, KitKat. The chocolicious Android update is expected to offer new UI elements, including new home and lock screens and a refreshed app drawer. The new OS may also take some inspiration from iOS 7, using a far flatter look to its app icons than we've seen previously.
How low can the price go?
As for pricing, the 16GB Nexus 5 briefly appeared on Google Play listed at $349 without a contract--the same as the 16GB Nexus 4. That's still an insanely good deal for a full-priced "hero" phone.
No one outside of Google knows for sure when the Nexus 5 will actually launch. But if you're in the market for a new Android phone, you might want to wait until at least November 2 before going with that Moto X.
