The rumored Motorola "Shamu" smartphone, believed to launch as the next Google Nexus handset, stars in a new leak with specs, features, and design details.
Google is widely rumored to launch its next-generation Nexus smartphone in collaboration with Motorola, and the device has popped up on several occasions so far under the codename "Shamu." Some reports also indicated that the smartphone will launch as the Nexus X, as the Nexus 6 name would pose some copyright issues, but no branding is confirmed at this point.
A new report from 9to5Google now offers more information regarding this purported Motorola Shamu smartphone, confirming some previously rumored specifications and adding some new details about the device's features and design language.
According to the publication, the Motorola Shamu will come with a 5.92-inch display, not 5.2-inch as previously rumored, boasting a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels at a pixel density of 498 ppi. Other specs reportedly include a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage capacity, a 13-megapixel rear camera with 4K UHD video recording capabilities, and a 3,200 mAh battery. On the software side, a 64-bit Android L will apparently run the show.
When it comes to design, the Motorola Shamu will reportedly look like a "scaled up 2nd generation Moto X with some minor tweaks to make the larger size easier to use," according to 9to5Google. If this leaked image turns out to be the real deal, the Motorola Shamu does indeed bear an uncanny resemblance to the new Moto X, albeit for the power button and volume rocker that seem to be located toward the middle of the handset.
The leaked image (see above) also shows an intriguing round hole on the rear of the smartphone, right beneath the camera. It remains unclear at this point, however, just what purpose it will serve. It could be a fingerprint reader or it could house Motorola's "M" logo, but it's all just speculation for now.
Google has made no official announcement regarding its Nexus plans for this year, but the company is expected to reveal more in mid-October. Aside from this purported Motorola Shamu smartphone, Google is also expected to launch a Nexus 9 tablet in collaboration with HTC. With nothing confirmed, however, make sure to take all leaks and reports with a grain of salt.
