Google has managed to keep everyone guessing on when actually the Nexus 10 2 release date is happening as hoax and false alarms continue to shroud this much anticipated Android world event in mystery.

The past tech gatherings, the latest of which is the 2014 CES in Las Vegas, failed to produce the tablet that is touted as the worthiest foe of Apple's iPad Air and there are indications that even the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this year will not prod Google to finally out its full-sized slate.

But even as the Nexus 10 2 launch date is subject to debate until now, keen Android watchers are holding on to something that the device will soon become real. These are the main specs and features that the tablet will more likely deliver to the table.

Five of them are provided below:

Quad-core powerhouse in Snapdragon 800

This maybe is the most certain among the Nexus 10 2 rumours swirling around. Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip fits the device standard in effect today - multiple core that allows for multi-tasking and speedy performance.

If the object for Google is to make the second Nexus 10 fully capable and accessible at the same time then this dependable is the right choice. The CPU, in fact, already powers top-notch Android devices including Google's 2013 flagship smartphone - the Nexus 5.

While there are talks that Nexus engineers are also checking out NVIDIA's Tegra 4 monster chip, Snapdragon enjoys the edge of being tried and tested in the Android environment.

Adreno 330 graphic engine

If Snapdragon will fire up the second Nexus 10 into life, then Adreno 330 will most likely be responsible for its graphic prowess. The GPU is automatically paired with the Snapdragon 800 and has so far delivered satisfactory display rendition for the devices it inhabits.

Google would be wise to set aside experiments for now when it comes to its CPU-GPU combo for the next Nexus 10.

Retina-melting display panel

Google is gunning to beat the iPad Air with the upcoming Nexus large-screen tablet, there is no question about that and to do that the Nexus 10's 10-inch screen will flash a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600 with minimum pixel density of 300ppi.

The same panel is likely to employ the PLS-LCD technology, pretty much reflecting today's upscale tablet screen standard.

Corning Gorilla Glass

For equal amounts of toughness and durability, Google will again call upon on Corning Gorilla Glass superiority to coat and protect the Nexus 10 2 screen. True, there are whispers of sapphire and diamond glass coatings for upcoming gizmos but there is no denying that the best available for now is Corning's.

Android OS KitKat 4.4.2

Leaked press shots that circulated last week suggested that next Nexus 10 model will run on a higher Android build - said to be Android 4.5. But even the first publisher of the leaked report doubted the veracity of the claim.

If the Nexus 10 2 is geared for a Q1 2014 rollout then it is safe to bet that KitKat will be the star of the show, toting a 4.4.2 firmware build. Build 4.5 is, of course, welcome but its realistic arrival should be mid-part of 2014 and the likelihood is Google will use a different sweet to refer to the next Android upgrade. Key Lime Pie perhaps but that should be some months from now.

One bonus that likely Google will pack with the Nexus 10 2 release date is solid pricing, which should not breach the $400 price mark for the basic model.