Next Google Nexus phone to feature Nikon camera technology

Google is rumored to launch a new Nexus smartphone, manufactured by LG, which will feature a camera technology provided by Nikon.

The Google Nexus series of smartphones consists of the so-called Android developer’s phones. The first Nexus phone was made by HTC, the second and third by Samsung, and the fourth by LG.

An alleged image of the Google Nexus 5 has already been leaked on the web. A trusted source claims that the phone will feature Nikon camera technology. However, the leaked photo suggests that OmniVision will supply the image sensors.

Nexus smartphones have always been criticized for their average cameras

Although they were (the Nexus 4 still is) great handsets when they were launched, all of them have been criticized for one thing: the image sensor. Nexus phones are great for everything other than taking pictures. This is somewhat understandable, as the devices have been marketed as developer’s phones, therefore a good camera has not been mandatory.

However, the latest generation proved that Nexus handsets have become something much more than smartphones for the developers. The Google Nexus 4 is still troubled by shortages in some markets because of high consumer demand.

As the Nexus 4 is more of a best-selling handset, Google needs to re-think its strategy and launch a device with an improved camera.

Next-gen Google phones to be powered by Nikon camera technology

Google’s Senior Vice President, Vic Gudontra, has recently confirmed that upcoming Nexus phones will feature “insanely great cameras”. Tech people are still unsure exactly what this means, but an inside source claims that the next-gen phone could be powered by Nikon camera technology.

A source familiar with the matter said that Google Nexus 5’s main selling-point will be the so-called “triple camera sensor thing”, which will feature “Nikon branding”.

It appears that the Android maker is currently testing the camera module and that the camera is already “better than everything else”.

Android can overtake the iPhone in the smartphone photography market

Smartphone photography is very popular these days. iPhoneography is the most used technique, thanks to the numerous apps available at the iOS Store.

However, developers are already targeting the Android ecosystem which is a lot bigger than the iPhone + iPod Touch one. This means that Android phones only require better cameras. If apps are good, then smartphones customers will need better image sensors.

The Google Nexus 5 will be the answer to all mobile camera problems, if Nikon decides to sign an agreement with the search giant. The camera manufacturer has already released an Android-powered product, called Coolpix S800c, and it would make sense for the company to study this ecosystem even further.

Google Nexus 5 specs have been leaked

The next-gen Google phone is rumored to feature a 5-inch full HD display, 2GB RAM, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU, 8 or 16GB storage variants, and a 3,140mAh battery (which can also be found in the LG Optimus G Pro).

The smartphone will be powered by the upcoming Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie version. Other features of the device will consist of the in-cell touchscreen technology and eye-recognition software, courtesy of the front-facing camera.

A rendering of the smartphone has also been leaked by a different source. However, the spec sheet is somewhat different from the one listed above, while the camera module is said to be supplied by OmniVision, not Nikon.

The Nexus 5 will be revealed by the end of 2013, so we will find out which source will be accurate towards the end of the year.