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Best thing about Google’s 2016 Nexus phones: They’ll finally copy the iPhone properly

Published Jul 1st, 2016 12:41PM EDT
Google Nexus 2016: HTC Sailfish Marlin

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For the first time in its history, Google launched two new Nexus handsets last year including the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P, copying Apple’s new iPhone launch strategy. But Google didn’t get it right on the first try. Thankfully, it looks like things are about to change thanks to a big new update – assuming the latest Nexus leaks are accurate, that is.

DON’T MISS: A roundup of original iPhone reviews that got everything completely wrong

When Google launched the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P last year, it quickly became apparent that Google thought the Nexus 6P should be the flagship device when it comes to hardware. It got a better processor, more RAM, more generous storage, a better cameras setup and a higher screen resolution.

This year, however, Google isn’t going to make the same mistake again. The HTC Sailfish (Nexus 5X successor) and HTC Marlin (Nexus 6P successor) will apparently have the same specs. That’s what Apple does with its iPhones, which are virtually similar – though the bigger iPhone model does have better resolution, a larger screen and battery, and optical image stabilization.

After finding the specs for Sailfish a few days ago, Android Police dug up hardware details for Marlin, with the site having offered consistent leaks about previous Nexus devices. And from the looks of it, the phone will be a copy of the Sailfish. The device would still offer better resolution, but that’s just because this is the larger of the two new Nexus phones.

According to the Android blog, the phone features a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 AMOLED display, quad-core Qualcomm processor, 4GB of RAM, 32/128GB storage, 12-megapixel rear camera, 8-megapixel front camera, rear fingerprint sensor, bottom speakers, Bluetooth 4.2 and a 3,450 mAh battery.

Pricing details and launch dates are still a mystery and we have no pictures for either phone. Even so, HTC might be on the verge of launching two of the hottest Android phones of all time this year, so start saving your money now.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.