Google Nexus 2016 release date: HTC Marlin spotted in fresh live image

A logo is pictured at Google's European Engineering Center in Zurich April16, 2015.Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann

Weeks prior to the launch of the Google Nexus 2016 smartphones codenamed Marlin and Sailfish, the former was leaked via a photo spotted in the wild by tech site Tech Droider.

The live image that reportedly shows the said device has popped up online, but it is difficult to get a good look at the design of the Google Nexus 2016 device as the screen was the only visible part.

On the display, however, several details were shown, including the Marlin codename and pre-installed Android Nougat operating system with security patches dated July 5.

Other than the aforementioned information, the photo proved that the Google Nexus 2016 handsets, which are being developed by HTC, are ready for their highly anticipated unveiling.

It is being said that instead of the usual September reveal, Google will lift the veil off its latest Nexus iterations as early as next month along with the Android Nougat.

As for the specs of the Google Nexus 2016 device on the leaked live image, it is expected to be an upgraded version of the Google Nexus 6P from last year.

It will reportedly feature a 5.5-inch 2K AMOLED display and will be fitted out with the newly launched Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor.

The Google Nexus 2016 Marlin will be made more formidable with 4GB of RAM. Users can expect a 12MP rear-facing camera and 8MP selfie snapper.

Another exciting feature to expect is the fingerprint sensor on the back of the device. Although it is quickly becoming the norm to ditch the headphone jack, the Google Nexus 2016 smartphone is expected to keep it.

All of this Nexus goodness can be enjoyed by users for long hours, thanks to the device's beastly 3450mAh battery. The HTC Sailfish is expected to sport the same set of specs save for the display size.

Google is yet to make the Google Nexus 2016 official but all signs point to an August launch.