Google’s next Nexus Android reference smartphone is likely just around the corner, and today the Bluetooth SIG published a certification of a device that matches its model identification code. The “LG-D821” is already essentially confirmed as the new Nexus 5, and its approval today by the Bluetooth SIG means that it’s probably on track for a rumored launch early next week.
Reports from CNET UK suggest we’ll see the Nexus 5 make its official debut on October 15, and that the next version of Android, version 4.4 or ‘KitKat,’ will arrive on the same day. KitKat is so-named thanks to a cross-promotional effort between Google and Nestlé, but it’s been rumored to be a relatively minor update, and TechCrunch has heard separately from a well-placed source that indeed, KitKat will be mostly business as usual compared to version 4.3, with the next update down the line offering up much more substantial changes.
Google’s Nexus 5 is said to have a 4.95-inch 1080p display, along with a Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front shooter, LTE support and Bluetooth 4.0. It’s all powered by a 2300mAH battery, which is just slightly more capacious than the 2100mAH battery on the current Nexus 4. It’s also powering a much more powerful device, so it’ll be interesting to see how that affects what kind of mileage you get on a single charge.
If it’s priced right, a new LTE-capable Nexus in time for the holidays could be a very good option for buyers looking to get a strong smartphone for relatively little money upfront. Last year, supply was very constrained early on, however, so if you’re interested in one, it’s probably a good idea to be ready to order when they do get made official.