Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. launched its much-anticipated, well-specced phablet, the Note 7 on August 3. However, still to come is another highly-anticipated Android device, the 2016 Google Nexus devices, which have kept the rumor mill busy over the last few months.

We look at how the newly-launched Galaxy Note7 compares to the rumored specs of the Google Nexus devices that have a possible launch date of October, 4.    

Additional rumors about the ‘Marlin’ and ‘Sailfish’ Nexus devices

In the build up to the 2016 Nexus device launch there have been multiple rumors about the two models, codenamed ‘Marlin’ and ‘Sailfish’. Rumors about the 2016 Nexus devices include a new electric blue color, minimal branding, a new Nexus Launcher, carrier-branded devices, and various other specs.

The HTC-built Nexus device has now possibly been shown in a video released by Google on its Instagram account to promote its Google Photos app for Android and iOS. Time will tell whether the device shown is a mockup or the real deal which was ‘accidentally’ included in the video by the company.

Check it out in the video (via The Malignant) below.

#nexus Is possible that #google has leaked himself? This seems to me #sailfish front @evleaks pic.twitter.com/71PO4cFoRc

— The Malignant (@the_malignant) August 12, 2016

Another supposedly leaked image from an anonymous Twitter account shows the rear of the upcoming Nexus with a fingerprint sensor, camera, flash, headphone jack and antenna lines visible.

Samsung Galaxy Note7 vs rumored Google Nexus 2016

Display and design

Galaxy Note7: Samsung’s latest 5.7-inch phablet comes with a dual-curved Quad HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 at 518 ppi. It is also the first device to have the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which is apparently 1.8 times stronger than its predecessor.

The Note7 has the added features of an iris scanner providing additional security for gaining access to your device or Secure Folders.

The Note7’s S Pen also received an upgrade with a smaller tip size, an increase in pressure levels and like the Note7, the S Pen is also water resistant. The S Pen also has a few new skills, like a combined Samsung Notes app, Screen-off Memo functionality, and the ability to create GIFs instantly.  

Rumored Nexus 2016: The smaller Sailfish is rumored to have a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED display while the larger Marlin will come with a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 AMOLED display.

The Nexus devices will keep the fingerprint scanner on the rear of the device, but will lack the iris scanner of the Note7.

Under the hood

Galaxy Note7: In the U.S. the Note7 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor while outside the U.S. it will have Samsung’s Exynos 8890 processor.

The Note7 has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which is expandable with an external microSD card, up to 256GB.

On the software side, the Note7 launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Rumored Nexus 2016: Both Nexus devices will come with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

Like the Note7 the 2016 Nexus devices are rumored to come with 4GB of RAM. Compared to the Note7 it is also rumored to have additional storage options of 32GB and 128GB, but unlike the Note7 there is no microSD slot.

The Nexus does have the upper hand on the Note7 when it comes to software, as the Nexus devices will launch with the latest operating system Android 7.0 Nougat. It could be a few months before the newly-launched Note7 gets an upgrade to the latest operating system.

Battery

Galaxy Note7: The Note7’s battery of 3,500 mAh is more powerful compared to its Note5 predecessor.  

Rumored Nexus 2016: The top-of-the-range Marlin Nexus device will come with a 3,450 mAH battery, only slightly smaller than the Note7. While the lower-specced Sailfish will come with a rumored 2,770 mAh battery.

Both the Galaxy Note7 and the 2016 Nexus devices come with a USB Type-C port allowing for fast charging.  

Camera

Galaxy Note7: Like the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, the Note7 has a Dual Pixel 12MP rear-facing camera with OIS and f/1.7. The Note7 comes with a 5MP front-facing camera.

Rumored Nexus 2016: The Nexus devices are rumored to sport a 12MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. The rear camera could also get OIS like the Note7 and the camera bump will be removed in the 2016 models.

The 2016 Nexus devices also have three holes rumored to be next to the rear camera, which could be a secondary microphone, an auto-focus for the camera and possibly another camera sensor.

Price and availability

Galaxy Note7: The well-specced Note7 comes with a hefty price tag starting at $834. The Note7 is currently available for preorder and it will be available on Friday, August 19. Customers who preorder the Note7 get the option of some free extras, like the choice between a 256GB microSD card or a Gear Fit2.

Rumored Nexus 2016: The 2016 Nexus devices are rumored to launch on October 4, but a confirmed date has not yet been confirmed by Google. The rumored price tag for the Nexus devices are around the $500 mark, which will be vastly lower than the Note7.

Image via: Samsung