A short while, ago it emerged that Google's HTC-made smartphone duo codenamed Sailfish and Marlin could soon launch as the Google Pixel and Pixel XL respectively. The naming scheme, if true, will mark a departure from the traditional Nexus branding, which looks set to be retired. With a month to go until the purported October 4th unveiling, the rumor mill should see plenty of action, and kicking things off appropriately, renowned leakster LlabTooFeR has shared some info regarding the Pixel XL's camera.
According to his recent tweet, the Google Pixel XL will roll with Sony's IMX378 sensor for the rear-facing shooter, while the selfie camera will comprise Sony's IMX179. This in alignment with leaked specs, which have suggested Marlin could rock a 12 or 13-megapixel snapper on the back and an 8-megapixel front-facing effort. Though LlabTooFer doesn't mention anything about the smaller handset for now, previous information leads us to believe that both Sailfish and Marlin will employ the same cameras.
HTC Nexus (M1) = Marlin = Pixel XL will be featured with Sony IMX378 (12mp) main camera and IMX179 (8mp) front camera.
Not much is known about the Sony IMX378, though its number suggests a generous upgrade over the IMX278 that adorned the Google Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The rear shooters of last year's models really did excel, which was particularly satisfying since Nexuses haven't always harbored a strong reputation in this field.
It's still early days, but the pieces so seem in place for another laudable photographic performance. Here's very much hoping that HTC, Sony and Google's combined efforts don't disappoint.
The story so far: Marlin/Sailfish leaks and renders
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