Google Nexus 2016 release date, specs update: Google's flagship smartphone to arrive in August with interesting design?

There have been several contradicting reports with regard to the upcoming release of Google Nexus 2016. Previously, it was stated by many online tech publications that the new Google's flagship smartphone will come in two variants – Nexus Marlin and Nexus Sailfish. According to the latest reports, the two handsets will not have compact body design. There are also speculations suggesting that HTC, which Google tapped to manufacture the upcoming Nexus smartphone, will design the Marlin and Sailfish similar to its Desire line.

According to a report by BGR, the new Nexus Marlin will come out with a metallic body structure similar to that of HTC 10, while the Nexus Sailfish will carry both metal and plastic on its exterior material. There are reports suggesting that the Taiwanese tech manufacturer is trying to produce a new Google Nexus device that is cheaper than the previous models. If rumors prove to be true, this will be rather disappointing to some fans who are expecting a Nexus smartphone packed with high-end features and advanced specifications.

It has already been reported that both Nexus Marlin and Nexus Sailfish will arrive at the same time with different screen sizes. The Nexus Marlin is said to come out with a 5.5-inch display with 2560 x 1440 pixels AMOLED display. On the other hand the Nexus Sailfish will arrive with 5.2-inch screen with HD AMOLED display technology.

Meanwhile, both devices will also be released with different specs under the hood. There are speculations saying that the Nexus Marlin will run on a Snapdragon 820 processor from Qualcomm, which will be paired with 4 GB of RAM. The Nexus Sailfish will still carry the same RAM size; however, it will run on a different processor, a quad-core with a speed of 2.0 GHz.

Other features of the highly anticipated device include a 3450 mAh battery for the Marlin, a 2770 mAh battery for the Sailfish and USB Type-C port. Both variants are expected to run on the new Android 7.0 Nougat operating system.

Rumor has it that Google and HTC will launch the two smartphones in August.