Samsung Galaxy Note 7 release date: New Galaxy Note to launch with Android N?

Reportedly, Samsung is testing a Galaxy Note 7 with the full version of Android 7.Twitter/Google Android

Previous supposed leaks have already mentioned that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will come out with Android Marshmallow 6.0.1. However, new speculations suggest that the new flagship may be a launch device for the new Android 7 Nougat instead.

According to GSM Arena, a supposed listing on benchmarking site Geekbench shows a Samsung device with model number SM-N930. While it is not indicated what specific lineup iteration it is, the industry follower says it is more likely an earlier prototype of the Galaxy Note 7, since model-wise, it follows the model version of the Galaxy Note 5's SM-N920. However, the list emphasizes the device as an "early prototype," since it lists down the device's chipset as the old Exynos 7420. In addition, it only has 3GB of RAM.

This is in contrast with rumored specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which clearly spells out a beast of a flagship. While the South Korea-based tech giant has yet to officially announce its specs sheet, the Galaxy Note 7 is said to carry either the new, homegrown Exynos 8893 processor or an advanced Snapdragon chipset and 6GB of RAM. Other features of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Note reportedly include an iris scanner, improved camera setup, microSD support and an IP6X rating.

Having a Samsung flagship as a launch vehicle for a new Android platform is something new, since Google has been known to make the new firmware versions available for their Nexus lineups first. This is in line with speculations that Google is working with HTC for at least two new Nexus 2016 smartphones launching with Android N. However, since both the Galaxy Note 7 and the upcoming Android 7 Nougat are rumored to come out next month, there is a distinct possibility that Samsung may be working directly with Google this time around.