Multiple reports say Google and Motorola are planning a Nexus phablet

The Nexus line, still very much active, is a staple in the tech industry. Previously, over the course of a weekend, a report from Android Police uncovered an ongoing partnership between Lenovo’s soon-to-be subsidiary, Motorola and tech giant, Google, on a 5.9-inch Nexus smartphone. This revelation was subsequently confirmed by a second report from The Information, who also offered additional insights about their collaboration.

During its search, Android Police discovered evidence pointing towards a new Nexus device codenamed “Shamu” within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP)’s codebase. Since Nexus devices traditionally adopt fish-related codenames – with the Nexus 5 being called “Hammerhead” and the 2013 version of Nexus 7 known as “Razor”, it becomes clear that Shamu is a Google product. Furthermore, the exact entity identified previously before the I/O, named “Molly”, was an Android TV developer kit, while “Flounder” is possibly an HTC-produced 4:3 Nexus tablet that was yet to be launched, based on Google’s frequent display of a 4:3 Android tablet alongside other Nexus devices in Material Design and promotional documents.

It was initially suspected that Shamu was a device from Motorola sporting a 5.9-inch screen, a result of their collaboration with Google, and could possibly feature a fingerprint sensor. Taking into account the fish-based codename and the continuous presence of the device in the AOSP, it is highly probable that Shamu is indeed a product from Google. The device was rumoured to hit the marketing in November the same year.

Further details from The Information confirm Google and Motorola’s partnership on this “phablet” but did not reveal the exact size. They also specified that Google intended to integrate popular Motorola features including always-on voice commands and active notifications. This collaboration was notable as despite Google and Motorola moving away from each other, it did not incite controversy over biased treatment from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Similarly, The Information’s report raised questions about the future of the Android Silver program rumored to replace the Nexus program. The fate of this program which aimed to supply carrier stores with uncustomised or minimally customised devices became unclear following the departure of Google Chief Business Officer, Nikesh Arora, who was supposedly leading the Android Silver.

The rumoured Nexus model with a 5.9-inch screen would possibly rival the Samsung Galaxy Note series. In keeping with the trend of progressively larger Android flagships, this new Nexus edition could align with devices like the LG G3 and OnePlus One, which both boast 5.5-inch screens. Having originally debuted with a 3.7-inch screen, subsequent updates saw the Nexus series transform into varied sizes, including 4-inch, 4.65-inch, 4.70-inch, and 4.95-inch variants. A supposed 5.9-inch model would continue this inflationary trend.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect current trends and insights.