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This is one Google Nexus rumor you won’t like

Published Jul 29th, 2016 7:45AM EDT
Google Nexus 2016 Rumors
Image: YouTube

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Recent rumors suggested that Google will not repeat last year’s mistake with the 2016 Nexus smartphones and that both devices would offer users the same set of features. But that might not be the case when it comes to one critical aspect.

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A new report says that the Nexus Marlin and Nexus Sailfish will not have the same design. The bigger 5.5-inch Marlin will be made of metal, while the smaller 5.2-inch Sailfish will be made of plastic. In other words, smartphone buyers looking to get a high-end Nexus handset in a more compact body will still have to wait.

Speaking about the recent wave of Nexus leaks, Nexusblog noted that the sources of the recent rumors “are solid for the most part.” But the site said it learned from sources from the manufacturing division of HTC that the Nexus Marlin and the Sailfish will be built from different materials.

The Marlin will get the same metal quality as the HTC 10, but the Sailfish will get a design that features a combination of plastic and metal. Specifically, the frame will be made of metal, and the body will be manufactured using the kind of plastic seen on the Desire line of devices.

Why is Google going for different finishes for the two handsets? The company is probably still looking to hit certain price points. A plastic Sailfish would be cheaper to make than a metal one, and more affordable for buyers. Pricing details aren’t available for either the Sailfish or the Marlin, but Nexusblog says the Sailfish should still cost more than $350.

Google should unveil its 2016 Nexus smartphones soon after Android 7.0 Nougat is released this summer.

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.