Nexus 5 Release Date Coming? Device Surfaces In Amended FCC Filing, Dispelling Labeling Confusion

The Nexus 5 parading around as the LG G2 is no longer fooling anyone as more leaked photos of a device believed to be the Nexus 5 have surfaced.

Many note, not only does this device closely resemble the components shown in the FCC leak that popped up last week, but it also looks a lot like the device Google employees were seen handling during the Android 4.4 KitKat unveiling. However, the device notably has a peculiar labeling; according to an amendment to the FCC filing, the device is the CDMA model of the LG G2 and not the Nexus 5.

This isn’t the first Nexus 5/LG G2 mix up we’ve seen. Following the FCC appearance of a device under the model number LG-D820; @evleaks insisted that the device was not the Nexus 5 but rather the CDMA variant of the LG G2. But the tech informant later retracted his prediction when a separate FCC filing surfaced for a device under the model number LG-D821, which is reportedly the real LG G2 variant. Seeing as the two model numbers are so similar, @evleaks and many others believed them to be versions of the same device; however it appears that the LG-D820 is the Nexus 5 while the LG-D821 is the LG G2.

Now, in the amended FCC filing, where we once again see the model number LG-D820, photos show a handset that does not at all resemble the LG G2. However, Phone Scoop first reported that the filing was accompanied by a request for a modification in radios for Verizon’s version of the LG G2. Verizon is notably a CDMA network.

Just as we thought the confusion was cleared up it returns with a vengeance. Pundits consider that this could be some sort of mistake by the FCC, LG or even Google, but many other theories are also circulating. Some wonder if the Nexus 5 was simply labeled as a LG G2 for the sake of keeping its true identity secret. Google recently admitted to doing the very same thing with its upcoming operating system Android 4.4 KitKat. The system was initially to be called Android Key Lime Pie, which was picked up by the public; however once Google decided on Android KitKat, it continued referring to the OS as Key Lime Pie in order to keep it secret.

Some consider that this handset could actually be the LG G2, but in a prototype chassis. Though this idea seems unlikely seeing as the public already knows what the LG G2 looks like. Such definitive LG G2 characteristics as the rear volume keys and power button are notably missing from the handset in the FCC filing, which is the main reason most believe it is actually the Nexus 5.

From the FCC filing photos, we can see a 2300mAh battery for the LG-D820 “Nexus 5,” in addition to the headphone jack and power button at the top of the handset, volume keys at either side, and the Micro USB port at the bottom. We also see a large camera module, again similar to what was seen on the handset in the first LG-D820 FCC filing, and also on the handset at the Android 4.4 KitKat unveiling. Some propose that the large slit on the top of the “Nexus 5” handset could a finger print scanner or some other new technology. Nexus branding is notably missing from this handset.

Do you think the LG-D820 model in this second FCC filing is actually the Nexus 5? Let us know in the comments below.

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