Skip to main content

Cheapskates, rejoice! A sub-$100 Google Nexus phone could be on the way

Google Nexus 5 review rear.
Digital Trends

Even though we had our qualms about the Nexus 5, the fact that it only costs $350 still makes the handset an easy recommendation for anyone looking for an upgrade. Even so, we understand that not everyone has $350 to spend. As such, a recent report from Chinese online publication MTKSJ alleges that those wishing to own a Nexus smartphone without shilling out the big bucks may be in luck.

According to the report, the new Nexus device won’t be a high-end affair, but rather a mid-range device powered by a MediaTek processor, which we’ve begun to see in several devices making their way to the United States, and even rumored for the LG G3. In addition, the rumored Nexus smartphone will sell for under $100.

Unfortunately, no mention was made of what handset maker would manufacture such an affordable Nexus smartphone. Google has partnered with LG to release the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, so it wouldn’t be surprising if LG will be tapped once more to make the reported handset. However, given the Nexus line’s history, another handset maker could be chosen.

Google is also rumored to launch an 8.9-inch Nexus tablet later this year. The rumored tablet will have a “more than” 2K display, with the tablet carrying a premium price tag to match the high-end specifications. Finally, LG is rumored to be working on the Nexus 5’s successor, the Nexus 6. The rumored handset will be an understated version of the G3.

With this report, it seems like the Nexus line’s reported death will have to wait just a little while longer.

Editors' Recommendations

Williams Pelegrin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…
Here’s how Apple could change your iPhone forever
An iPhone 15 Pro Max laying on its back, showing its home screen.

Over the past few months, Apple has released a steady stream of research papers detailing its work with generative AI. So far, Apple has been tight-lipped about what exactly is cooking in its research labs, while rumors circulate that Apple is in talks with Google to license its Gemini AI for iPhones.

But there have been a couple of teasers of what we can expect. In February, an Apple research paper detailed an open-source model called MLLM-Guided Image Editing (MGIE) that is capable of media editing using natural language instructions from users. Now, another research paper on Ferret UI has sent the AI community into a frenzy.

Read more
The 6 biggest announcements we expect from Google I/O 2024
Google I/O 2019

Google will hold its annual developer conference, Google I/O 2024, on May 14 in Mountain View, California. The event is about a month away, and we're expecting a few big announcements.

As with any Google I/O event, this year's conference will start with a big opening keynote presentation from CEO Sundar Pichai. But what actual announcements are we looking forward to? Here are a few of the biggest things that we are likely to see at Google I/O 2024.
Android 15

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8
A person holding the Google Pixel 8, showing the back of the phone.

The Google Pixel 8 is a well-received Android-based smartphone. However, there are reasons why you might not choose it and opt for something else. Perhaps its 6.2-inch display does not meet your requirements, or its camera system does not match your expectations. It could also be possible that you would prefer a phone released in 2024 instead of one launched late last year.

If you’re not interested in buying the Google Pixel 8, several alternative phones may be more suitable for your needs. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 has the same-sized display as the Pixel 8 but with better internals. Alternatively, you could consider the OnePlus 12R, which offers a bigger display and better internals at a lower price. And that's just scratching the surface.

Read more