New York – Carriers have begun disclosing their plans for the industry’s first Android smartphone running the Android 5.0 Lollipop OS.
Sprint will make Google’s Motorola-made Nexus 6 phablet available Nov. 14, but only through its direct channels, at $696 without contract, or 24 monthly payments of $29. A contract price was unavailable.
AT&T said the phablet will be available for preorders Nov. 12 att.com and in AT&T retail stores but didn’t disclose an availability date. The price is $249 with two-year contract, $682 up-front without contract, and without contract under three installment-payment/trade-up plans: $22.77 per month with the Next 12 plan, $28.46 per month with AT&T Next 18, and $34.15 per month with AT&T Next 12
Availability through indirect channels wasn’t disclosed.
Verizon, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular also plans to offer the model but haven’t disclosed details. An unlocked GSM/W-CDMA/LTE version will also be available through Google’s Play store
The Nexus 6 features 5.96-inch 16×9 quad-HD 1440 by 2560 display with 493 ppi. It also comes with 2.7GHz quad-core processor, 32GB or 64GB embedded memory, and 3220mAh battery that runs up to 24 hours on a charge. The phone is also equipped with 13-megapixel front camera with f/2.0 lens, 4K video capture at 30fps, optical image stabilization, and dual-LED flash. It’s accompanied by a 2-magapixel front camera. Other key features include Wi-Fi ac with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 4.1 with NFC, dual front speakers, and ability to run for six hours on a 15-minute charge.
Lollipop enables a consistent user interface across tablets and phones, and it connects a user’s Android devices, enabling users to move from device to device and pick up where they left off. Songs, photos, apps, and recent searches on one devices can be immediately used across devices, Google has said. Additional Lollipop detailers are available at android.com.
