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HTC's Nexus 8 tablet to be an Android L poster boy: 64-bit Tegra, 4 GB of RAM and 8 MP camera

posted by Daniel P. / Aug 08, 2014, 4:08 AM

HTC's Nexus 8 tablet to be an Android L poster boy: 64-bit Tegra, 4 GB of RAM and 8 MP camera

We were wondering what's up with the Nexus 8, or the rumored premium Google tablet, made by HTC, and today a barrage of leaks might be hinting at an encroaching announcement. First we have a source claiming that the tablet, which has been referred to as Volantis or Flounder so far, is codenamed T1, and will feature an 8 MP rear camera, alongside 1.6 MP front-facer. A little digging in the tablet's firmware has also returned the unsurprising fact that it will ship with Android L out of the box, without any HTC Sense overlay shenanigans.

Meanwhile, the Nexus 8 tablet might have already be doing the certification rounds in South Korea, as from the local FCC came this gem of an entry below, that depicts a device coded "0P8210000" to have passed certification. The back of this gear was shown about a month ago by @evleaks, marked Flounder. It carried the same letter and number sequence, and was claimed to be of the real Nexus 8.

The HTC-made Nexus tablet is expected to be a more premium device than Google's current Nexus 7 tablet, as we would expect from HTC. There should be a metal chassis wrapping an 8.9" 2560x1600 pixels display. The current leak also claims a 64-bit Tegra processor, paired with 4 GB of Elpida memory in 2x2 GB configuration will be in store, making it the first Android device taking true advantage of Android L's 64-bit backend. A Qualcomm-made LTE modem will be in the models with cellular connectivity, and, as claimed above, an 8 MP rear camera, too. All this breathtaking goodness is unlikely to come as cheap as we've come to expect from the Nexus line, though. Google's poster slate is speculated to have a price tag north of $300, but, given that Samsung's Tab S 8.4 with the same resolution retails for $400, the Nexus 8 will likely be priced lower than that, perhaps in the $350 region.

In fact, Rhoda Alexander, director of tablet and monitor research at IHS Technology, recently confirmed the speculation, saying that the Google Nexus 8 is likely to be a "high-performance" device, with "volume production expected to start in July or August." She also adds that "this will be a lower volume product, carrying a premium price tag to support the specifications."

As for a release date, we had a tipster claiming that the tablet won't star at the Google I/O conference, as was previously thought, but will be announced at a later event, just like last year. This jibes with the claimed Q3 announcement, while the July/August production ramp-up indicates that the Nexus 8 could be unveiled next month, in time to steal some thunder from both the IFA expo, and the Apple product announcements then.

Nexus 8

source: UpLeaks (Twitter) via MobilTelefon.ru & RRA via G4Games

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60 Comments

1. salaal

Posts: 109; Member since: Dec 08, 2013

Definitely going to get it if priced at 450$

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 4:18 AM 3

18. sam_tek

Posts: 105; Member since: Feb 18, 2011

I'll definitely sell you one if you are going to pay 450 for it! :)

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 6:29 AM 6

41. torr310

Posts: 1702; Member since: Oct 27, 2011

I don't get it. HTC didn't catch the era when tablet was booming but starts to make it when the market is diminishing. Their executives should make more accurate decisions.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 12:38 PM 0

42. Tsoliades

Posts: 228; Member since: Dec 22, 2012

Agreed. This tablet looks fantastic.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 12:56 PM 0

2. crestfallen

Posts: 23; Member since: Apr 03, 2014

Why metal chassis? It's possible to make it feel premium without it. I think most people would prefer beastly innards than a premium look. It only made the tablet more expensive and not affordable like what Nexus tablets are known for.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 4:22 AM 7

9. nodes

Posts: 1163; Member since: Mar 06, 2014

yes, nexus device should be a cheap-device rather than a premium-expensive one. google should go for Silver instead.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 5:09 AM 2

36. The-Sailor-Man

Posts: 1095; Member since: Mar 25, 2014

Yup. Nexus line was NEVER meant and will NEVER be a top-end device. Otherwise OEMs will not make it. It's meant to be GREAT AFFORDABLE device. Nothing else. The ignorant tech media shtick this "premium Nexus" nonsense every now and then , though. LOL Oooh, and they never miss the "premium aluminun" tin can iMantra. And the i64 bit BS.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 11:37 AM 0

45. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2488; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

I don't know where you got "Nexus line was never meant and never will be a top device" from. While the Nexus line has traditionally been targeted towards developers, they've also made sure their devices are on the top end. In fact, that's why the Nexus devices have traditionally been based off of OEM's flagship devices. I mean if we take a look back in history, there have even been a few times where the Nexus devices were better than the flagship devices offered by the manufacturer. The Nexus S was based on the Galaxy S, but showcased a much better design. The Galaxy Nexus was supposed to be based off of the SII internals but also had a much more premium design to it than the SII (all the way down to the slight curvature of the screen). Google took the MemoPad developed by Asus and added better internals and a different textured back to make it a premium device over the regular 7 inch tablet that cost $150. Do you even remember that the Nexus 10, which hard to believe it was released 2 years ago, was the first tablet to have the 2560x1600 resolution? It was better than the Galaxy tablet it was based off both in terms of the screen resolution and also the internals (it featured the first dual-core A15 Exynos chipset with a Mali-T604 GPU). It's still being offered by Google today because the internals were so far ahead of it's time. I have one myself and it still is a great performer even by today's standards. So, I disagree with your statement that Nexus devices are not meant to be top of the line. While they offer some cheaper devices to get consumers to look at Android devices (i.e. the Nexus 7), they also offer premium devices to showcase what Android is capable of. And you should take this as a good thing, because if the rumors are true about this Nexus 8 tablet then it will mean you as the consumer will benefit. If the Nexus 8 is able to offer a premium design with premium internals at a price that undercuts other tablets on the market (like the Galaxy Tab S 8.4) it will mean manufacturers will try to compete by offering a better device at a competitive price. So you as a consumer will win in the end.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 2:09 PM 2

37. RandomUsername

Posts: 808; Member since: Oct 29, 2013

Maybe it's gonna be a Silver device.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 11:42 AM 1

54. gmatthias973

Posts: 3; Member since: Aug 09, 2014

I've been buying nexus since the nexus one which was also made by HTC and it was about $550 and the Nexus S was about $530. I have no idea where you guys are getting this Nexus=Cheap stuff

posted on Aug 09, 2014, 11:39 AM 0

35. Settings

Posts: 2943; Member since: Jul 02, 2014

Nexus should be made affordable

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 11:36 AM 0

38. The-Sailor-Man

Posts: 1095; Member since: Mar 25, 2014

That's what Nexus is meant for, and will ALWAYS be. Do not listen the ignorant tech media.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 11:43 AM 0

3. juandante

Posts: 679; Member since: Apr 23, 2013

"Tegra" ... The most important part

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 4:29 AM 2

6. renz4

Posts: 319; Member since: Aug 10, 2013

why is it so?

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 4:56 AM 0

19. vincelongman

Posts: 5750; Member since: Feb 10, 2013

Not sure what he means But I'm happy they are going with Nvidia this time because Qualcomn hasn't been improving their chips much this year The 801 is basically an overclocked 800 The 805 is a small improvement over the 801 Now the K1 currently the most powerful CPU/GPU by a good margin, until the Apple's A8, Samsung's next Exynos, or the 64-bit K1 (which is in the rumor)

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 6:34 AM 4

4. AlikMalix unregistered

And somehow, Apple's Latest iPad will be faster with half the specs... (sorry I had to, not many Apple users here)...

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 4:35 AM 4

7. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

Also half the functionality and flexibility of a true multi threaded 64-bits Android mobile OS. I hope the new unified windows would be a worthy challenge. iOS and wp8 made some sacrifices to run smooth on low end ARM SOC

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 4:56 AM 22

11. AlikMalix unregistered

Half of functionality? I keep asking those that say iOS is limited how much more can you do on "Open" Android device that I cannot do on my iOS device? I'm a contractor, that likes mobile games (Racing, Shooters, and Base Attack Games, as well as Sandbox types), I also use iPad for image editing, video editing, drawing things. I need access to all my music, files, photos, and videos (1TB of data) at all times from anywhere. I use iPad for invoicing, and contract write-up as well as drafting/drawing details of the project. I need all that to work seamlessly between phone and tablet. I need an assistant to remind me to pick up something at Hardware store when I'm near, call a customer, or pick up groceries when I'm passing a store. I need video conferencing with clients and office to point out details of the project live. I need my phone to have latest for at least 3 years (I dont switch them like pants), and I need a local office/store with someone who's trained good enough to assist me anytime during any day with any questions on any feature on my devices. I need to access my cloud information from any computer. I need to navigate to all my apps at any given time without shoveling thru bloat. Just like you, I unlock my phone a thousand times a day - I do not want to type in my password each time. I need my battery to last thru 8 hours of heavy use. And I need to control my notifications to not be a pesky nusense and ONLY give me info when I need it. I can do all that with my useless iPhone and more... can you think of one thing your choice of a mobile device can do for me that will make it a more functional then mine?

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 5:21 AM 2

13. AlikMalix unregistered

Also, I can do most of required tasks thru the day without unlocking my phone or even looking at the screen... Siri was available to do most tasks on the phone about 3 years before Google Now. And in case I prefer Google Now - I can have that too, or any Google service you can point out... Well?

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 5:29 AM 1

14. AlikMalix unregistered

And there are details within every feature that I enjoy on iOS, that many just skip over. For example, if i'm talking to another client who's using "have-as-useful" iPhone (as you say), or even iPad, or iPod (I call iPods and iPads thru email) I can switch to video (facetime) within a call without hanging up, you have no idea the convenience this makes. Unlike if I'm talking to customer on a "fully capable" Android Phone, I have to direct them to install, Tango or something just to point out a certain detail of the project. Or while driving, use siri to send a text, verify what it says, change it if necessary, send it. and when there's a reply, have it read, and have the option to reply, review it and send it --- all without the need to look at a screen, not even to initialize siri, or texting... then take a note for me and set up a reminder all without looking. Most Android phones will require a certain gesture on the screen to bring up Google Now otherwise you may get a S-voice (u-ugh). Can some androids do some things more conveniently, yes. I will even agree that Google Now understands my speech better then Siri. But it will take several Android devices to give me all the things that people say that Android does that Apple cannot: Nexus for OS updates and bloat free or near bloat free OS HTC for camera in dark areas Samsung for fingerprint sensor (assuming they'll improve accuracy like apple did) LG or Sony for Design Note for speed and battery duration (but the size too big to haul around) and etc... and then each one has their bad and good details. And I still haven't seen one Android phone that has a UI design that feels light, crisp, with natural gestures and layout that disappears leaving only function and presentation of content. Everything on android feels like they got stuck in 2009: iOS 3-ish. Sorry for all the consecutive posts, it bugs me when people suggest that just because they can change a font on their phone, suddenly iDevices are useless...

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 5:56 AM 0

22. sniper1087

Posts: 537; Member since: Dec 31, 2011

There are hybrid laptops like the Asus T100, dell venues 11 pro, Acer aspires switch 10, that are cheaper and are full fledge computers that have way more functionality over any iPads or android tablets since it lets you install x86 applications and some with additional features on the keyboard like 500GB HHD and or an additional battery.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 7:32 AM 1

26. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

Can your iPad run multi windows of apps on the same screen, such as video conference with your customers while having another window on PowerPoint and another one on pdf price list plus if need be start another thread downloading some files in the background? I know you like your iPhone iPad and they are great devices but can they replace your multi threaded Mac OS X? Android is multi threaded with that potential if their user choose to use it like that provide the device has a high end specification such as Note Pro 12.2

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 7:53 AM 5

59. AlikMalix unregistered

This is my favorite post: Thanks for trying to bring real life situation to the topic. 1. This is a convenience and does not render an iPhone "half the functionality or flexibility" by any way. I bet for every one of your little conveniences I can name one on iOS that Android doesn't have. 2. Even if I had a Note 3 - the screen would still be too small to use multi-window especially to point out details, and read a "price list". If I'm using an iPad as a reference such as "price list" - I would already naturally be on my iPhone for the conversation. I had never in my professional or personal life ever said, man I wish I can bring up an email (or something) while I'm on facetime, or while taking photos, or playing a game, iPad or iPhone. 3. There's probably not be chance to use multiwindows on Android for Video Chat and bring up PowerPoint for example as many apps do not support this behavior as I've been told - correct me if I'm wrong. 4. If I'm on Android, I would not be able to switch to video call from a regular call as I do on iPhone (and switch back) if I need to browse the internet and continue to talk. Actually I dont need to even switch to voice, just bring up another app and continue chatting. Bottom line multiwindow does not make any phone more functionally able than iPhone. Can you list a real functionality in real life that would otherwise make my phone "half" as capable as yours?

posted on Aug 11, 2014, 2:22 AM 0

27. JakeLee

Posts: 1021; Member since: Nov 02, 2013

Plus you don't have to worry about security. I'm disadvising EVERY Android user from using IB apps.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 7:59 AM 0

50. 0xFFFF

Posts: 3806; Member since: Apr 16, 2014

"Plus you don't have to worry about security." Because there is none. Just use Apple's backdoor APIs and it's all open. The NSA had it exactly right when they deemed that iPhone users were nothing more than "iZombies".

posted on Aug 09, 2014, 12:14 AM 1

57. AlikMalix unregistered

What back door, you mean the little stunt some hacker pulled to catch a little fame? It's been disproved within a week. And you're holding on to that as if you cannot sleep knowing that Apple is actually pretty secure... I read those articles, I also read many Android security articles and on both platforms I have not seen any of the horrible things they reveal on both platforms. I only seen my Android friend download a fake BBMessenger but doesnt look like it affeced his phone.

posted on Aug 09, 2014, 10:30 PM 0

58. 0xFFFF

Posts: 3806; Member since: Apr 16, 2014

"What back door, you mean the little stunt some hacker pulled to catch a little fame?" No, I mean the complete set of backdoor APIs that Apple admitted to that offer complete access to the iPhone.

posted on Aug 10, 2014, 12:28 PM 0

44. gaara6775

Posts: 738; Member since: May 20, 2014

Send me a photo over a Bluetooth,will you? Can you? You f***ing can't . Instead, you will ask me to buy iPhone because your is**ep is so close minded that it can't send files to android or wp device. What's the use of such device,which can't connect with other people. Ish**p is isolated ecosystem. Good luck with that.

posted on Aug 08, 2014, 1:38 PM 3

55. AlikMalix unregistered

As opposed to sending it how? not everyone has NFC tap another phone thingy either... If I want to send something to u I can text it, email it, link you to my server... It's not our fault that you guys are stuck with inconvenient old tech of tapping phones or whatever u do. Apple figured out how to share photos with everyone in the room without getting up, tapping, turning on anything or asking you to turn on anything. You serve the image and anyone you allow can get it - how is that bad? I would really be sad if I had to set up the phone just to send a phone - I'd end up what every android (and samsung) user does - text it.

posted on Aug 09, 2014, 10:07 PM 0

51. 0xFFFF

Posts: 3806; Member since: Apr 16, 2014

" Everything on android feels like they got stuck in 2009: iOS 3-ish." And iOS 7 feels like it is some pastel glam version of the 1990s world wide web. Text links for buttons, for instance. Or "lightweight" lame UI that seems like it is made for PCs that ran at 90Mhz and had 32MB of RAM at the time. iOS 7 really is a highly uncompelling experience unless you are cognitively challenged. Which would explain why iOS 7 adoption amongst the homeless is so high.

posted on Aug 09, 2014, 12:22 AM 2

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