LG is out as builder of the Google Nexus 2016 flagship phone and rumors say the choice is down to Huawei and HTC. But in truth, no one has a solid grip on who will make the next Nexus and one wildcard but very capable entry would be Xiaomi as the company's Xiaomi Mi5 seems to have been designed and built to become a Pure Android flagship device.
The Mi5 recently unboxed with generous feature upgrades and five of which (listed below) could convince Google to pick Xiaomi as its next Nexus partner:
Uncompromising hardware specs
The 5.1inch Xiaomi Mi5 debuted with specs and features that easily make the device as a flagship killer. It has a 1080p Full HD display that beams out in pixel density of 428 pixels per inch. The power beneath its premium metal and glass case, rendered in gorgeous finish, is the mighty Snapdragon 820 that Xiaomi paired with up to 4GB of RAM (for the Mi5 Pro model). The integrated GPU is an Adreno 530 that efficiently fires up the Mi5 screen.
Essentially, the Xiaomi Mi5 is one package that Google hopes the Nexus handset would be.
Fingerprint + NFC = Full Android Pay support
The Mi5 contraption includes NFC and biometric features that not only elevate the handset's security protocols but also make it optimal for wireless payment transactions. As Google further highlights the role of Android Pay on its mobile ecosystem the tech giant should find the latest Xiaomi flagship to be readily configured for the plan.
Mi5 memory configurations scream of Nexus
Xiaomi seems to agree with Google that memory expansion is unnecessary for modern mobile devices since Google Drive can be readily accessed. But for good measure, the Mi5 unpacks in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB storage configuration with the latter in most cases muting the need for a microSD slot.
Solid pricing
Xiaomi quickly gained traction in the smartphone market for its high quality flagships (of past and present) that do not break the bank. It remains the case with the Xiaomi Mi5, which sells for no more than $400 for the top-tier 128GB model.
For Google, this means no major pricing adjustments if the company decides to repurpose the Xiaomi Mi5 as it hero vanilla Android phone or one of the rumored Nexus 2016 flagship devices.