Nexus 5X maker LG not taking part on the Google's Nexus 2016 project is heartbreaking for long-time Pure Android flagship fans but they can take comfort on the thought that the device will still unpack this year. And with the LG G5 out of the running, three upcoming Android kits equally excite.
Flagship and iPhone killer
First on the list is the Chinese flagship smartphone Xiaomi Mi5, which was developed and finalized involving former Google executive Huge Barra. In an early review, AnandTech pointed to the Mi5's screen specifications and design as its biggest selling points. The display measures at 5.15-inch diagonally that makes use of IPS LCD panel which beams out in 1080p Full HD.
The Xiaomi Mi5 look and build quickly reminds one of the Samsung Galaxy smartphone profile prior to the Galaxy S6 era, which is kind of ironic as Xiaomi has made a name for itself as the Apple of China - apparently for taking a direct page on the iPhone design playbook.
The Mi5 deploys with the mightiest mobile chip around, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 with an integrated Adreno 530 GPU. The RAM provision is up to 3GB for highest model, which also boasts of 128GB internal memory that should overwhelm even the most hardcore Android users.
Another killer feature is the 16MP rear and 4MP front camera combo, which Xiaomi claims will slay both the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus in a shootfest, thanks mostly to the main camera's 4-axis optical image stabilization feature.
But the most tempting element of the Xiaomi Mi5 is the pricing model that renders the 128GB flavor at no more than $360. The AnandTech review verdict: "It looks like Xiaomi was able to pull off a quite outstanding device that seems to be hard to beat in terms of price/performance ratio." So perhaps, Google will take note.
Another flagship killer
The OnePlus versions One and Two earned the well-deserved name as flagship killers as both devices were impressively packed with upscale hardware specifications but with dirt-cheap asking price - no more than $300. It is only expected that the OnePlus Three will continue on or even improve with the established path.
Not much is known at the moment on OnePlus Three though CNET reported that its maker is gunning for a launch date no later July 2016. And when unpacked, the device will reflect what were seen with the predecessors.
CNET also noted that the OnePlus Three will debut with "a better buying process," which likely will see significant improvement with help of Google, that is if the device would be considered a Nexus 2016 base-model.
Sleek Nexus with Xperia branding
But if Google would go the Sony way then the next Nexus is assured of channeling a sleek build and design with the Xperia brand. Replacing the Xperia Z series, the Xperia X remains premium and luxurious with its metal and glass finish that us further accentuated by the curved Corning Gorilla glass. "The design is certainly sleek, with the the rounded edges looking not dissimilar to an iPhone," Gizmodo reported.
The Xperia X is also an eye-candy with its nearly invisible bezels and an upgraded camera system of 23MP on the main and 13MP for the secondary shooter. The most notable shooting feature is the predictive hybrid autofocus technology that makes use of the EXMOR sensor to accurately zero in on a moving subject.
If one of Google's objectives with its Nexus 2016 release date plans is to produce a Pure Android device with insane camera features, as the company had harped about in the past years, then it can never go wrong with the Xperia X Performance, also mainly fired up by the pair of SD 820 and 3GB of RAM.