We’ve heard a lot of talk about the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 recently. Most of this talk has centered around size and specs, though we’ve also at least touched on the idea that both this models might be more “premium” than past Nexus offerings.

With killer specs and premium materials, we can also expect a higher price tag than more recent Nexus products. With that in mind, for this Friday Debate we discuss what would be a reasonable price for the new Nexus family? Additionally, is bringing price and features ‘upmarket’ the right move for the Nexus line? And are cheap Nexus devices less necessary in the wake of the Moto G and Android One?

Check out the responses from our team, and shout off your own opinions in the comments below!

Jonathan Feist

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Let me start by saying that I am excited for the Nexus 6.

I know I mentioned it last week, but my Nexus 7 recently broke down, and it is time to update phones. Since I am accustomed to hauling the Nexus 7 around wherever I go, a 5.9-inch device will be no problem at all. But we’re here to talk about price.

I fully expect these new big display units to pack a big price, but perhaps not as big as we fear. The Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, if nothing else, came in at unbelievably low price points for their time, I want to believe that Google will try to surprise us again.

Here is the thing, and this is purely what I would do if I were Google right now, I would launch the Nexus 6 and 9 as pricey, but solid, premium devices. (I say again, “premium”. There is enough ‘cheap’ stuff out there.)

I know Google isn’t really getting into the market, but I would launch the 6 & 9 alongside an updated Nexus 4. Solve inventory management by utilizing a Moto Maker-like make-to-order system, and offer the full line of Nexus 4, 5 and 6 phones and Nexus 7, 9 and 10 tablets. (Need an 8?) This way, Google can push out a new 4, 6 and 9 this year, and get us updated 5, 7 and 10 next year. Something for everyone.

I hope you see where I am going with this.

With this model, I would expect pricing to match screen size. Phones would start at $300, $350 and $399 for the 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Tablets can start at $179, $229 and $299 for the 7, 9 and 10. Predictable and simple, but should never change, even on the two year update schedule I am talking about.

Back to reality

Here’s the thing, I’ve got at least 3 apps on standby that I’ve purchased but cannot install just yet, because they are 1GB+ in size and my devices are simply out of space. This is a common story for most of us, and pretty much always has been. I don’t want to get into the whole microSD fiasco, but we need more than 16GB of storage space, don’t even get me started on 8GB devices. If the Nexus 6 and Android L don’t bring some good news to the table, well, I don’t want to base my entire purchasing decision on that, but it just might.

The new devices are coming, they are big, and despite our desires, Google really does not owe it to us to offer inexpensive Nexus devices.

With the original idea of the Nexus program being to offer developers a reference device for all things Android (see what I did there?!?) I feel that this time around other manufacturers are not about to follow Google’s lead, it is time for Google to play catch up, and monstrous phones are the trend.

Of course, the other monstrous phones out there come with carrier subsidy in most parts, leaving me in fear that the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 may, after all, come in priced out of reach for most users.

With honest to goodness awesome and affordable devices out there running minimal or even stock Android experiences, I’m looking at you Moto G, Google has little need to put out an affordable Nexus phone right now.

Since we are in good hands there, my guess is that the Nexus 6 will start at around $450 for a 16GB model and the Nexus 9 will come in at a $299 starting point. But don’t listen to me, I was sure the new Moto X would only be $400. Off by 1! [cough] hundred.

Robert Triggs