It looks like the rumors on the Internet were true. Google is set to abandon the Nexus naming scheme for their new smartphones, replacing it with the Pixel moniker. Android Police has confirmed that Google’s upcoming Nexus “Marlin” and “Sailfish” phones will be launched as Pixel and Pixel XL, respectively. What does that mean for the average consumer? Well, not much really, other than inducing more speculation and confusion on marketing matters.
Android Police is confident in their two sources on the rumor, stating that: “given that our two sources are independent, and the fact that one, in particular, has been exceptionally reliable in the past, we feel comfortable saying you can take this to the bank.”
Here are the rumored specs for Google’s used-to-be-named Nexus “Sailfish”, now the Pixel, and the Nexus “Marlin”, now the Pixel XL.

Google Pixel (Nexus “Sailfish”)
- 2.0GHz quad-core processor
- 4GB RAM
- 5-inch Full HD AMOLED display, 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 32GB storage
- 12-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel front camera
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Fingerprint scanner, USB-C, headphone jack, bottom-firing speakers
- Manufactured by HTC
- 2770mAh battery
Google Pixel XL (Nexus “Marlin”)
- Qualcomm quad-core processor
- 4GB RAM
- 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display, 2560 x 1440 resolution
- 32GB or 128GB storage
- 12-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel front camera
- Fingerprint scanner, USB-C, bottom-firing speakers
- Manufactured by HTC
- 3450mAh battery
Google is expected to unveil the Pixel and Pixel XL on October 4, along with other devices.
Source: Android Police, PhoneArena