Except this doesn't have any markings making it an HTC phone. It is so generic looking it could be any phone. Nexus phones have no company logos on the front. HTC are rumoured to be making the Nexus devices this year. This could be that. We don't have anything to go by except Evan saying trust me this time even though last year he would go after anyone who questioned his M9 leaks. I am sorry. He could be right this time but I am not giving him the benefit of the doubt. He has to earn it.
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that's fair enough, and I don't think anyone still doesn't have an ounce of skepticism given the render from last year.
there's no possibility this is the 2016 Nexus. Google hasn't even chosen their partner(s) and it takes approximately 6 months to construct.
and nobody has been more skeptical of Evan than me. I killed him on twitter when he said the 6p would have the 820 chip. that said, he has to know that he really messed up with HTC last year, and he's got a pretty big ego, so I assume he's extra careful before posting this.
and let's not act like he's some dope that throws stuff against the wall, hoping it sticks. he's extremely reliable and his opinion matters. the fact AC ran this story, when they hardly ever post rumors, also gives me some optimism.
but part of me agrees with you, I won't believe there's no front branding until I see it from HTC themselves.