Google's monster new Nexus smartphone heading for NZ

Google uses its Nexus smartphone range — manufactured by a revolving lineup of Android partners — to show off its latest mobile software.

Nexus phones make a great choice if you like Google's Android software unadorned by the frills, overlays and gimmicks that Samsung and other phone makers throw in to distinguish themselves in the Android world.

Its latest models are the high-end Nexus 6P, made by Huawei, and the smaller, more affordable Nexus 5X, made by LG.

Both will run on the new version of Google's mobile software, Android 6 (aka Marshmallow).

Marshmellow's signature feature is Google Now on Tap. The Verge explains: "If you press and hold the home button while inside of any app, Google Now will read the screen, look for anything interesting — like the name of a celebrity, an event or a location — and then return information on what it sees in a little popup box on the bottom of the screen."

The 6P also features one of the largest camera sensors every put into a smartphone (though Wired says it caused design challenges), a fingerprint sensor, a USB C port an all-metal unibody and a giant 5.7-inch screen. It supports mod-cons like shooting 4K video and, unlike some Androids sold in New Zealand, has a decent range of onboard storage options up to 128GB.

The 6P is available for pre-order in the US and a number of other countries from today.

Huawei says it will be available in New Zealand from November 2 through the Google Play Store, and at selected retailers including 2degrees, Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming.

The 6P will be in three colours, black, silver or white and cost $1099 (32GB), $1199 (64GB) or $1349 (128GB).

LG has yet to weigh in on pricing for the 5X.

Google has also previewed the Pixel C, which seems to be the replacement for its Nexus line of tablets. The all-metal, 10.2-inch screen Pixel C will be available in the US before Christmas with either 32GB of storage for $US499 or 64GB for $US599 with an optional keyboard for $US149. There's no word on local pricing or availability yet.