Google Nexus 2016 release date, specs news: Sailfish and Marlin to be released in September with upgraded Android Nougat version

Many tech analysts and enthusiasts expected that the highly anticipated 2016 Google Nexus smartphones, codenamed as Sailfish and Marlin, will be the first devices to sport the latest Android 7.0 Nougat version. However, the said Nexus smartphones have yet to be released, and the new Android OS version was already rolled out recently in selected Nexus smartphones. With this, it is now expected that Marlin and Sailfish will be sporting the upgraded version of the Android Nougat, as the new smartphones will be released sometime this September.

Google has yet to release the official confirmation regarding the launching of Sailfish and Marlin, including the possible unveiling of the Android 7.1 Nougat. According to Yibada, it is likely that the new Nexus variants will be released this month, or if not, possibly in October. Upon their release, the smartphones will be pre-installed with the next version of the Android Nougat.

The rumor about the Android 7.1 Nougat included in the upcoming Google Nexus smartphones is the reported testing of the new OS. BGR reported that Google is already in the process of testing the first ever update for Android 7.0 Nougat. The said Nougat update is given the codename "Nougat MR1." It is not yet clear which features will be added to the main Nougat operating system with the development of Android 7.1. Nevertheless, it is highly speculated that these features will be first introduced to the public via the release of Sailfish and Marlin in the coming weeks. A reputable tech analyst from Android Police, David Ruddock, also supports the idea of the Android 7.1 being sported by the new Nexus 2016 smartphones. Prior to the official release of Sailfish and Marlin with the Nougat update, Ruddock is expecting a Google developer preview happening in the coming weeks.

Yibada reported that the HTC-produced Nexus Sailfish will be having a 5-inch display with a full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. On the other hand, Nexus Marlin will feature a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a 1440 x 2560 resolution. The two Nexus 2016 variants are expected to boast the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, accompanied by 32GB internal storage and 4GB RAM. Its camera features are also impressive with 13MP main camera with LED flash and 8MP front cam.