Is the GT-I9260 Really the Next Nexus From Google and Samsung?

The spreadsheet you are looking at popped up over at SamMobile last night, leading everyone to believe that Google and Samsung have already created the next “Nexus” device with model number GT-I9260. As you may recall, the original Galaxy Nexus (GSM) was GT-I9250, so I9260 does seems like a logical number to follow it up with. After that though, we have a bunch of questions that we’ll toss out at you to hopefully help us all understand this situation. 

First, let’s talk about specs. As you can see, it’s a minor bump from the current G-Nex. The jump to 1.5GHz over 1.2GHz is pretty minimal and probably unnoticeable to anyone who were to use it. The rear camera is bumped to 8MP, the front to 1.9MP, and a microSD card slot could accompany it.

Now, onto the first set of questions. Since when does Google allow microSD slots in Nexus devices? It didn’t in the Nexus S and publicly announced why they chose not to use one in the Galaxy Nexus. We know that people like expandable storage, but is Google really going to give in on something they seem to stand firmly behind? Hell, even the Nexus 7 doesn’t have expandable storage.

Next, about those screen specs. First, the original Galaxy Nexus was not just a “Super AMOLED,” it was an “HD Super AMOLED.” So to see what everyone is claiming to be some official leaked spec sheet get that wrong, but also call it a “Super AMOLED HD” for the Galaxy S3 and new Nexus, leaves me a bit skeptical. The official term is “HD Super AMOLED” with “HD” at the front. If they are trying to say that this will be a “Plus” version, we’d welcome it, but again, this just doesn’t seem to match up. Moving on…

Let’s say that they choose to make a new Nexus that is nothing more than a minor spec bump. Remember that they essentially did this with the Nexus S. The Nexus S was by no means a game-changer when it was released. It sported an older Hummingbird processor, a dated 5MP camera, WVGA display, and no expandable storage. The only real new features for the device were its contoured display, NFC chip, and Gingerbread (Android 2.3). So it certainly is possible that Google and Samsung could release a slightly better version of the Galaxy Nexus.

If they do, what does that mean for the multi-Nexus program that was rumored, months ago? All I can say is that the multi-Nexus program better still be happening. While I love me some Galaxy Nexus, I’d be disappointed to see Samsung produce the third Nexus phone in a row that was nothing more than a slight bump over the previous year’s model. Give me choices, give me a beast Nexus.

Or has Google decided to move out of the high-end phone market and instead release a phone that could be considered “mid-range” that can be sold at a ridiculously low price? With the Nexus 7 taking over the low-range tablet market, what if Google wants to try to do the same with the phone market? We all know that they would prefer to sell unlocked phones directly through their own store at reasonable prices – slightly bumping specs on a phone from a year ago is a way to continue to do that.

Your thoughts?

Via:  SamMobile