Google Nexus 7 2016 release date, news & update: Pixel and Pixel XL leaked images confirm specs

Google Nexus 7 2016, Pixel and Pixel XL, will be launched on Oct. 4 in US and Oct. 5 elsewhere. This has been made official by the search giant. Sources revealed that the company will re-brand the smartphones totally, dropping the Nexus name along with additions to stock Android. Certain images of the devices have been leaked and they don’t appear to be fake.

Google has already started releasing advertising paraphernalia across the globe. Melbourne and Sydney received materials similar to the original YouTube add released by the company, writes The Bitbag. Google is known for its aggressive advertising campaigns and this time the focus seems to be on the Google Nexus 7 2016, Pixel and Pixel XL hardware.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are thought to be competing directly with Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. In fact, with the release of the handsets, tech enthusiasts will get a new direction as they may have grown tired of the usual Samsung-Apple comparisons. The Google Pixel will have a 5-inch screen whereas the Pixel XL will come with a large 2K resolution 5.5-inch display.

Although Google has not yet confirmed the specs, various sources suggest that both will come equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB/128GB internal storage options and 12MP rear/8MP front cameras. Pixel is expected to sport a 1920x1080p AMOLED screen resolution while the Google Pixel XL a 2560x1440p AMOLED resolution, writes WCCFtech.

In terms of battery capacity, the Google Nexus 7 2016, Pixel variant will have a battery capacity of 2.770 mAh whereas the Pixel XL will have a battery capacity of 3,450 mAh. Both will run on Android 7.1 with Google UI. The Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones will be manufactured by HTC and consumers can expect a price tag of US$650 (AU$854) for the Pixel and US$700 (AU$920) for the Pixel XL.