With LG seemingly walking away from the Nexus contract, who will fill the void? Damien McFerran looks at the potential candidates
The launch of a new Nexus device is one of the most exciting events in the Android calendar. Ever since Google and HTC collaborated on the Nexus One, each year has seen a new addition to the stable - usually accompanied by a new version of the Android operating system.
HTC, Samsung and LG are the three firms which have previously worked alongside Google to fashion these cutting-edge handsets, and it has long been seen as a badge of honour to be trusted with producing a Nexus device. In many cases, it can alter the public perception of a brand - when the LG-made Nexus 4 was announced we scoffed at Google’s choice, only to be pleasantly surprised when the final product appeared.
However, things seem a little bit different this year - not least because HTC, Samsung and Sony all seem to be launching “Nexus” editions of their current flagship phones.
Despite the critical and commercial acclaim which followed the release of the Nexus 4, manufacturer LG has recently stated that it’s not interested in making the Nexus 5. Reading between the lines, the crippling shortages which impacted the launch of the phone could have soured the relationship between Google and LG, but surely the prestige of making one of the mobile tech world’s most famous handsets should cancel that out?
Whatever the reason behind the decision, it looks as if Google is already working with another partner to create this year’s Nexus refresh. But who will it be? And is there any need when you can get stock Android on the Galaxy S4, HTC One and - according to rumours - the Xperia Z?
Sony
Sony has now successfully disentangled itself from Ericsson and is throwing its weight behind some powerful and attractive handsets. The Xperia Z is a sleek and waterproof slab of technological loveliness, and will certainly have caught the eye of the executives at Google. However, recent rumours relating to a “Nexus” edition of the Xperia Z could suggest that Sony is happier with offering its consumers the option of having stock software on its current leading phone, rather than creating an entirely new device.
Samsung
Samsung made the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus, and this makes it a likely contender. However, the amazing success of the Galaxy line of phones may mean that the company doesn’t feel it has to dance to Google’s tune any longer. The Galaxy S4 is arguably the most famous Android device on the face of the planet - even more so than the Nexus 4 - and Samsung has already released a “developer” Nexus edition of its leading phone, which could mean that it’s not in the running for this year’s Nexus either.
HTC
Poor old HTC is in bad shape at the moment, with key staff jumping ship and less-than-impressive sales for most of its portfolio, it is relying on the HTC One to save its bacon in 2013. With a “Nexus Experience” edition of the HTC One now confirmed, you might assume that this would put the Taiwanese firm out of the running for the Nexus, but let’s not forget HTC’s long-standing relationship with Google and Android - it created the very first Android phone, the HTC Dream, and it also made the first Nexus device, too. Hitting the ball out of the park with a new Nexus handset in 2013 could restore the firm’s fortunes, so don’t write HTC off just yet.
Asus
Asus isn’t particularly established in the handset space, but has worked with Google on the wildly successful Nexus 7 tablet. It’s clear that the company is keen to expand its operations and bagging the Nexus contract could be one way of doing that - Asus has already dabbled with mobile via its unusual FonePad concepts, and has proven that it can manufacture devices at a low cost, thanks to its work on the aforementioned Nexus 7.
Motorola
On paper, Motorola is surely the most logical option for the Nexus phone. After all, it’s owned by Google and has produced best-selling phones as part of its iconic Droid range. However, Google has been keen to keep Motorola separate from its other operations, and it is known that the US-based firm is already working on its own handset, known as the Moto X. Unless there’s a massive u-turn and the Moto X turns out to be a codename for the new Nexus – not likely – then we can’t see Motorola producing the new phone.
Nokia
Don’t laugh - it might not happen this year, but we could see a Nexus phone made by Nokia in the not-too-distant future. The Finnish company’s deal with Microsoft continues, but the Nokia executives would be lying if they said they were totally pleased with sales. Windows Phone simply isn’t at the stage where it can really challenge the likes of Android and iOS, and many of Nokia’s investors have stated their desire to see the firm’s phones running Google’s OS. What better way to switch allegiances than to shock the world with an amazing Nexus-branded handset?
Stranger things have happened. Although I’ll admit this one’s something of a long shot!
Who gets your vote: Sony, HTC, or Samsung?
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