Nexus 5 Release Date Coming: October Launch Reiterated After Second Video Leak And Wi-Fi Certification

Evidence of the Nexus 5 continues to build as the handset has been sighted several more times in recent days.

Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 in Video

Primarily, this evidence comes in the form of video of the handset, which most already have identified as the Nexus 5. Tech website 9to5Google recently shared two seconds-long videos of the supposed Nexus 5. The story goes that a Google employee left a Nexus 5 test handset charging in a bar where a tech-savvy barkeeper got a few photos and seconds of video of the device.

In the video, we see its lock screen, which reportedly also gives us a glimpse of Android 4.4 KitKat. Recent rumors indicate that the new operating system will feature updated color schemes. By the looks of it, we may also see updates to the Android font as well. Unfortunately, there is no other information about the Nexus 5 to be gathered from this video, but we can at least note that the device in the video resembles the device we first saw Google employees handling during the unveiling of Android 4.4, as well as the device seen in various FCC filings.

Nexus 5 Wi-Fi Certificiation

Following the video sighting, the Nexus 5 quickly surfaced with a new certification for Wi-Fi. We have already seen the Nexus 5 pass through the FCC and Bluetooth SIG, which indicates an imminent release. Wi-Fi certification only further solidifies for fans and pundits alike that the Nexus 5 is on its way. Many believe the model number for the Nexus 5 is LG-D820. The certification passes two similar models for Wi-Fi: the LG-D820_C and the LG-D820_S. As rumors are leaning toward LG being the manufacturer of the Nexus 5, we note the continued appearances of LG model numbers in reports on the device. Notably, a recent mix up was clarified in that the model number LG-D821 likely coincides with the LG G2 and not the Nexus 5. So it would make sense that these variations of the LG-D820 model number would likely be variants of the Nexus 5.

According to the Wi-Fi certifications, these versions of the Nexus 5 will have dual band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and offer Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac and Wi-Fi Direct support. Previous rumors have suggested the Nexus 5 will be compatible with all connectivity standards, including LTE. This certification leak may simply reinforce what we are already expecting from the Nexus 5.

Nexus 5 Benchmark

Next, the Nexus 5 made an appearance on the GFX Benchmark, testing a device with 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC with Adreno 330 GPU and a Full HD display, which are all specs currently rumored for the the Nexus 5. The interesting aspect of this benchmark isn't its test of 3D graphics performance, but rather how the Nexus 5 and its operating system are listed. Notably, system logs refer to the Nexus 5 by its codename “Hammerhead,” while we see the operating system Key Lime Pie, as opposed to KitKat. Howewever, we note that Google referred to its upcoming operating system as Key Lime Pie internally in order to keep the name KitKat a secret prior to its announcement. This leads us to believe that the operating system being tested in this benchmark is actually Android 4.4.

Nexus 5 October Release Rumors Continue

The first launch date proposed for the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 was Oct. 5, the second was Oct. 14. Tech website Digitimes recently reiterated the October rumor in a new report, but was unable to specify a date. Sources told Digitimes the Nexus 5 will be a handset targeting the mid-range market with many specs that have already been seen in the LG G2, including 5-inch Full HD display, a Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, LTE connectivity and likely the Android 4.4 operating system.

What do you think about the recent news on the Nexus 5? Let us know in the comments below.

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