Nexus 6 Cancelation Rumors Shot Down As Q4 Release Date Tipped For G3-Inspired Smartphone

The Nexus 6 may not be dead and gone after all, BGR reports.

The smartphone, which was leaked to be cancelled a few weeks ago, has shown signs of life after a recent report by Ausdroid claimed a "source within Google who is close to the project" informed them that the device is still on its way for a release "later this year."

The report adds that the smartphone will boast a 5.5-inch display as its "big feature."

A few weeks ago, leaker @evleaks claimed that Google has decided to axe plans for their final Nexus smartphone and will instead move on to its Android Silver project.

The leaker also stated that the first device from the AS program will release in February 2015 and will be produced by LG.

Android Silver, circa February 2015. [discussion: https://t.co/dMTT3g393q]

- @evleaks (@evleaks) May 17, 2014

There is no Nexus 6. Farewell, Nexus. [discussion: https://t.co/dMTT3g393q] - @evleaks (@evleaks) May 16, 2014

LG handset, running a Qualcomm MSM8994, to be among first Silver devices. Successor to the Nexus 6 initiative, expected on Sprint in the US. - @evleaks (@evleaks) May 17, 2014

If the Nexus 6 is on its way, it isn't coming from LG, an executive from the tech giant recently stated, according to NDTV.

LG's Communications Director Ken Hong said Google would have already approached the company if they were hoping they could make the 2014 Nexus smartphone.

"I know at least not yet. Normally, we were informed," said Ken Hong in an interview. "That can mean two things. Either I got ignored, or we simply won't be making [the Nexus 6]," Hong recently told DraadBreuk.

Hong is certainly not confirming or denying recent reports that the Nexus 6 had been canceled in favor of Google's rumored Android Silver Project, either. He did mention, however, that he isn't too broken up that LG won't be making the next Nexus phone.

"If you can develop a Google phone that gives credibility. But money you earn is not easy, and you become too dependent on Google," he said.

Considering LG is not making the device, HTC seems like a likely candidate given the rumors that it is already producing the next Nexus tablet, the Nexus 8.

As GForGames reports, the Nexus 6 is being dubbed a "lightweight" spin-off of the G3, with very similar hardware specs, but with "vanilla Android out of the box and certain features missing."