Android by Google (Photo : REUTERS/MARK BLINCH)
Many Android fans are convinced that the Google Nexus 2015 release date is near following the revelation that Android M is Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The new operating system is said to rollout in late September alongside the unboxing of the next vanilla Android flagship.
So the decision time is near as well. Wait a little more for the next Nexus that according to reports will unpack in two - the LG Nexus 5 2015 and the Huawei Nexus 6 2015? Or simply forget about them and look beyond pure Android or even outside of Google's universe?
Here are the three compelling alternatives to make the picking a lot easier:
Galaxy Note 5
Inside the Android realm, two names seem to matter to users - Nexus from Google and Galaxy from Samsung. The former is beloved for showcasing native Android while the latter is the more popular option despite its skinned render of Google's mobile OS.
Not to mention that Samsung makes one of the most gorgeous Android phones in the market and this was solidified when the Galaxy S6 came out. The build is both solid and stunning while the performance outstrips both its Android and iPhone rivals.
And the same was seen when the Galaxy Note 5 was unboxed earlier this August. The beauty that the fifth-gen original phablet radiates is overwhelming while the power it unleashes is superb. Reviewers said that Samsung has reached the perfection of the phablet genre by fusing aesthetics and power in one exciting package. Needless to say, this kit has the chops to defeat any of the Nexus 2015 models.
iPhone 6S
The main design of Google's Nexus brand is to challenge the smartphone dominance of Apple's iPhone brand. That has yet to be achieved following six tries and if all indications are correct the Nexus this 2015 will again find a difficult foe to beat in the iPhone 6S.
While the 6S is perceived as a mere jump from the iPhone 6 of 2014, analysts are saying that the device is loaded with powerful specs and killer features. Force Touch is one of the key additions and is touted to redefine the smartphone touchscreen experience. Then the combo of A9 chip and iOS 9 will bring the device into life, ready to prove anew that tight integration between hardware and software is what makes a worthy mobile device experience.
Since its inception, Apple's flagship device has proven that Google needs more work for its Nexus flagship to really matter and it looks like that showdown between the iPhone 6S and the Nexus 2015 will take on the same path.
Surface and Lumia phones
2015 is interesting for the smartphone market as one system is seen on the rejuvenated course - Windows phones due to the impending release of Windows 10 Mobile. Microsoft has indicated that the power packed with its new mobile OS is best experienced via its in-house Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. Leaked specs of the twin phones have so far suggested that Windows fans getting toys they can be really proud of even when pitted against the best of Android and iOS.
But Microsoft is not relying on Lumia alone. Rumors are widespread that a Surface Phone is in the works and will be revealed soon. Among its banner features is Continuum for Phones that will allow users to perform desktop-class computing by hooking up their mobile device on a compatible large-screen monitor.
Details remain elusive on the Surface Phone but Microsoft is anticipated spill the beans via its October 2015 event or a month after the rumored Google Nexus 2015 release date in late September.
