Report: Google to Launch Nexus Phablet Later This Month

 By 
Karissa Bell
 on 
Report: Google to Launch Nexus Phablet Later This Month
Google's 5-inch Nexus 5 handset. Credit: Mashable, Christina Ascani

Google will soon be joining Samsung, Apple and LG at the phablet party, according to a new report.

The company is preparing to launch the next phone in its Nexus lineup, a 5.9-inch handset codenamed "Shamu," the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

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Citing "three people familiar with the situation," the report says the phone will launch sometime in October. The handset will supposedly be manufactured by Motorola.

If true, that would make the Nexus phablet one of the largest handsets on the market, alongside Nokia's flagship Lumia 1520, which has a 6-inch display. Apple's iPhone 6 Plus and LG's G3 both have 5.5-inch displays, while Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 comes in at 5.7-inches.

The report didn't say what the phone would be called when it launches -- but given the 5.9-inch display, it's likely the Nexus 5's successor will be given the Nexus 6 moniker. This falls in line with earlier rumors that have also suggested the next Nexus will ship with a much larger display than its 5-inch predecessor.

Though the Journal offered no details beyond the display size, specs purporting to be from the upcoming "Shamu" device leaked on Twitter Wednesday. That leak showed screenshots that indicated the phone will have a 2.65 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a 1440 x 2392 pixel display.

#shamu #android #google #Nexus2014 #nexus6 @joshuatopolsky @reckless pic.twitter.com/djCoNMUgBb— r0fl (@r0fl) October 8, 2014

Google is also expected to update its Nexus tablet in the coming weeks with an HTC-made 9-inch slate, but it's not clear if the two Nexus devices would launch at the same time.

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