2016 Nexus Touchscreen Smartphone to Feature Metal Design

The upcoming 2016 Nexus smartphone may feature a metal design, according to a report published by Android Police.

Ever since the first generation hit the market more than six years ago, Google’s flagship smartphone has featured a hard plastic shell. Plastic shells are cheap, durable, lightweight and resistant to dust and moisture. But many users have complained about the Nexus smartphones feeling “cheap” and “low quality,” prompting the Mountain View company to take a different direction with the 2016 Nexus smartphone.

Sailfish and Marlin

According to the report, Google is planning to release two different Nexus smartphones later this year. One of the upcoming Nexus handsets will feature a 5″ display, with the code name “Sailfish,” while the second handset will feature a slightly larger 5.5″ display, with the code name “Marlin.” Both Sailfish and Marlin are expected to be manufactured by HTC.

But the most interesting rumor surrounding the upcoming Nexus is its metal design. Android Police have posted a leaked photo of what appears to be the new handset, revealing a metallic body. The photo shows a meal, all-black handset with a glossy finish. Some users say it looks like a cross between the iPhone 4 and Nexus 4. Google has yet to confirm or deny this rumor, however, so take it with a grain of salt.

Both the Sailfish and Marlin versions of the 2016 Nexus smartphone are expected to feature capacitive touch technology. Capacitive touchscreen devices such as these identify touch based on the electrical charge produced by the operator. The human body produces a small but noticeable amount of electricity. Upon touching a capacitive device like the 2016 Nexus smartphone, the electrical charge is transferred to the device, at which point the device uses this information to calculate when and where the touch occurred. This is in stark contrast to resistive touchscreen devices, which calculate touch based by pressure — pressing together two layer. Capacitive touchscreen devices offer a higher level of clarity and accuracy when compared to their resistive counterpart, making this the preferred technology for use in smartphones.

Other Rumored Specs

In addition to a metal body, the upcoming Sailfish and Marlin Nexus smartphones will run Google’s latest mobile operating system, Android 7.0 Nougat.

The upcoming Nexus smartphones will also feature 32GB and 12GB variants. It’s unknown how much the handset will cost when launched. Sources say Google will unveil the 2016 Nexus Sailfish and Marlin later this year.