Upcoming Google Smartphones Will Be Priced Higher Than Nexus Devices at Launch: Report

According to latest leaks, the upcoming smartphones from Google might be priced higher in comparison to previous generations of Nexus devices at launch. The leaked information sits well in line with our previous coverage, where we reported Google is this year planning on launching premium smartphones without Nexus branding as its platform lead devices for Android 7.0 Nougat, aimed to take the iPhone head on.

As per the information provided by unnamed people familiar with the matter at HTC, which is reportedly making the devices, the upcoming 5-inch smartphone by Google codenamed 'Sailfish' will be launched at $449 (roughly Rs. 30,000), while the 5.5-inch model codenamed 'Marlin' will be launched at $599 (roughly Rs. 40,100), reports website Nexus Blog. These prices are being pegged for the 32GB models of both smartphones.

The upcoming smartphones by Google are expected to be launched by the company under its own brand instead of its usual 'Nexus' branding, and several reports are now also pointing to the same information. We also reported earlier that as per our sources, the launch of the new Google-branded smartphones is expected to be scheduled for early next month. Moreover, the smartphones are also expected to be launched in India late next month.

The anticipated Google-branded smartphones will also come with features over and above vanilla Android, which fits well with Sundar Pichai's statement that Google is looking to be more opinionated with its own lineup. Leaks have pointed to the a new Nexus Launcher for these devices, a name that will probably change at launch. The already announced but partially detailed Google Assistant is likely to be the most talked about feature when it comes to the upcoming smartphones, and leaks regarding this feature on 'Sailfish' and 'Marlin' smartphones have been constant, keeping the buzz alive for these phones.

The Google-branded platform lead devices are tipped to get a 'flowery' new animation to the home button on the onscreen navigation keys with the rumoured new launcher. The animation is rumoured to launch Google Assistant when the development on the feature is completed.