Google Nexus 2016: Specs leak on new HTC handset, codenamed Sailfish

Details on the upcoming Nexus handset from HTC (codenamed Sailfish) have surfaced online, claiming it will come sporting a 5-inch display, 4GB RAM and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. The HTC Nexus is one of two Nexus smartphones anticipated for 2016 and is expected to replace 2015's Nexus 5X by manufacturer LG.

Android Police obtained what it deemed reliable information from a source close to HTC's Nexus project pointing to the specifications of the handset. Further to the specs mentioned above the source claims the HTC Nexus will also include a 1080p display with a pixel density of 440ppi, a 12MP primary camera and 8MP front-facing lens, a 2770mAh battery, 32GB storage and USB-C support.

The processor will be a 64-bit quad-core chip clocked at 2.0GHz, although the manufacturer was not specified. There will also be a bottom-firing speaker, top-mounted headphone jack and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, according to Android Police.

The specs, while respectable, are not quite flagship-killing. Android Police's unnamed source claims that the HTC Nexus will be the smaller and cheaper version of the two Nexus handsets said to be in the works. The other model, which is rumoured to be in development by either HTC or Huawei, is apparently known internally as Marlin and will be the higher-end Nexus model.

Huawei was the manufacturer of 2015's Nexus 6P, which served as the larger and more powerful sibling to LG's version. In June, a Huawei executive was overheard suggesting that the company would continue the Nexus legacy in 2016.

Android Police points out it cannot guarantee the legitimacy of the leaks due to the absence of "strong corroborating evidence". The website has however received tip-offs from the same source in the past that have "proven trustworthy".

With Google reportedly working on its very own smartphone, Android fans may be in for a trifecta of treats come autumn.