People are silhouetted as they pose with laptops in front of a screen projected with a Google logo, in this picture illustration taken in Zenica October 29, 2014.
People are silhouetted as they pose with laptops in front of a screen projected with a Google logo, in this picture illustration taken in Zenica October 29, 2014. Reuters/Dado Ruvic

Development of the next Nexus smartphone from Google, replacing the Nexus 6, is reportedly underway with former Nexus partner LG likely to make a comeback in time for the handset’s 2015 release date. The South Korean firm was responsible for the popular Nexus 4 and 5.

According to BGR, pointing to Chinese micro-blogging Weibo site as source, the chatter for the Nexus 6 sequel has already started and LG appears to be included in the discussion. The former Nexus maker is being lumped with Chinese device makers as a serious contender to manufacture the next Nexus handset but specific details on the matter are scarce at the moment.

Speculations

The new suggestion came as earlier reports indicated that major brands from China are being considered by Google to put together its 2015 flagship phone – its official name remains unknown. Two strong names were mentioned. Lenovo seems to be leading the race this early due to its muscle in the industry and being the mother company of Motorola, which assembled the Nexus 6.

Xiaomi, which propelled to smartphone consciousness with its iPhone-like devices but with cheaper price tag, is also in the play. The company is reportedly earning its ticket thanks to the incredible traction that it has gained in the past few years. Also, one of Xiaomi’s senior executive is a former Google employee, possibly giving the Chinese company a significant head-start.

Huawei And LG

But the BGR report also pointed to Huawei, which actually is one of the biggies in China, as a viable candidate. If Huawei gets the gig it is largely due to its foothold and expertise in the mobile device business, the report added.

For sentimental reason, LG is a clear favourite among hardcore Android fans as the Korean firm’s previous works that resulted with the Nexus 4 and 5 releases endeared it to millions who bought and still use the devices. Yet what new things that LG can do for the next Nexus phone are up in the air.

It could be that LG will bump off Motorola and take charge of producing Google’s signature phone this 2015. Or the two will collaborate with Google – Motorola will reprise its role and upgrade the Nexus 6 phablet it rolled out last year.

LG, for its part, would make a second variant that likely will be smaller than Motorola’s version. Essentially, Google working with LG and Motorola will produce two Nexus models that would engage in a fierce slugfest against Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus – a battle that will extend when the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus arrive later this 2015. Release date of the Nexus 6 sequel, going by Google’s product cycle template, is likely in the last quarter of 2015 with October and November as the months to watch for.

For comments or feedback on the article, please contact the writer at: r.pineda@ibtimes.com.au.