White Nexus 5 spied on alleged retail packaging

Nexus 5

Someone in Korea has a Nexus 5 box

Last night the Google Play Store gave us a pretty good look at the Nexus 5 in black, and today a leak from Korean site UNDERkg (since pulled) purports to show us the device's retail packaging — along with a tantalizing hint at a possible white version. The couple of images showing the outside of the box reveal Google and LG branding, along with the Nexus 5 name. What's more, the device is pictured with a white back panel, as you can clearly see in the second image.

The box certainly fits with earlier Nexus branding, and though the leaked images are small, it looks legit to us. That said, there's no guarantee of any white model being available at launch, and we'll wait on the official word from Google before reaching for our wallets.

Nexus 5 render leak

Source: iTechTriad (opens in new tab); via: Android Central forums

Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.

83 Comments
  • Love the white Posted via Android Central App
  • The Nexus 5 is becoming like the Yeti. Photos appear, yet nobody's actually seen one.
  • Commence with the Jaws theme music....
  • Funny chit Posted via Android Central App
  • Considering how Google & LG botched the Nexus 4 release, a white version sounds like it could complicate things. More inventory SKUs to manage, besides most people customize their phones via cases anyway.
  • They will most likely keep it exclusive to certain markets. The Asian market are usually given the better variations. Posted via Android Central App
  • Botched? How? By basing their inventory off the lackluster sales of prior Nexus phones and not realizing they had a hot item with larger appeal? Well, now they know and should handle it better. Posted via sheer force of will
  • They should launch them in Google colors and the colors should extend nearly to the front. Depending on a design of a phone, the only white back and black band and front don't always look good. The idea of a white Nexus 5 sounds good, but it doesn't look right in that picture. It should be in entirely white or the side bands and the camera lens should be white to. It looks really tacky like that. Like it's an unfinished device. Maybe look better in person...? Regardless, they should get these color options out the first day and at once. Not a month or so later. I never see the point of that.
  • Looking at previous nexuses they've always had black fronts even when they got released in white. It looks at tad weird, but the stock android interface much better with black bezels so you can see why they do it Posted via Android Central App
  • Maybe they should do white on front and back, and then a thin black line around the perimeter of the screen. You still get the visual separation, the whole device looks more premium, and as an added benefit, the bezel looks smaller since the white will be visually apparent, but relatively thin black borders will blend with the screen. Sorry Apple, I came up with this. You can't invent it in 2 years. Posted via Android Central App
  • Right there are other options. And I can't say I disagree that they should make the front white too. But I'm just saying that a white back and black front is the standard for Nexus devices thus far and I wouldn't expect otherwise. Posted via Android Central App
  • Your first comment was perfectly understandable, and nobody was disagreeing with you. No need for reiteration. You seem to always need the last word... Posted via Android Central App
  • I agree with you 100%! White on back and black on front looks dumb! Make the device more cohesive in color scheme. I also love the idea of a phone with Google colors :-) Posted via Android Central App
  • Wow, never actually thought of that but that would have been GREAT. Only thing is you'd have Windows and Apple fanboys claiming Google copied them by implementing color into their phones.
  • Hope it still has a matte finish on the back...
  • White matte no longer resembles white matte after you actually use it for a while. Careful what you wish for.
  • Yup there's a reason why manufacturers shy away from matte white. Look at the Moto Maker versions of the Moto X, even, they get grimey in days. Posted via Android Central App
  • Saw Ziegler on the verge clean yellow motox with Mr. Clean magic eraser. Couldn't really see it on web cam but he acted like it worked. fwiw.
  • The more I see this phone, the less I want one Posted from the ONE
  • What made you disappointed?
  • I believe it was the pictures. Posted via Android Central App
  • Think he means his one as he posted from the ONE.
  • No Posted via Android Central App
  • Never liked the way Google does the white Nexus phones. Why just paint the back white, and not the sides and front ? With a case on it, can't even tell it's white. This phone would look sexy as hell if the front panel and sides were also white.
  • This. I don't want a two-toned phone. All black, or all white.
  • I've always liked it. White on the front is too distracting for me.
  • Plus white is for girls.... Everyone knows that. Posted via Android Central App
  • @IMAZWANEE I disagree. I'd say white models look better most of the time. Also by your logic the only people who were supposed to buy the S4GPE were girls?
  • It was a joke. I have never liked white phones though. Posted via Android Central App
  • Sign me up!!!
  • I hate when a phone is white only on the back and then black on front. I always use cases and most cases i will only see front of phone from cover anyway
  • Can I have mine now Posted via Android Central App
  • Going with the oreo look again it seems. Never understood this, but if I would get one it would be the all black one anyway, white gets dirty too easily.
  • Looks like a Penguin aha Go PENS Posted via Android Central App
  • An Oreo is black on both sides and white in between, not black on one side and white on the other... Posted from my pure Google Nexus 4 using the AC app.
  • GOOGLE STOP TEASING US!!! Arrghh, this is too much...When will Google take my money!?
  • have unopened white moto x for cheap from friend soo hard to wait and not open and forget about nexus
  • Unlocked? Gonna sell it if you get the N5? :-D Posted via my HTC One S using the Android Central App
  • Can't wait! !!! Posted via Android Central App
  • With luck, all of these retail-side leaks mean that this thing will actually go on sale the day it's announced (hopefully in very large numbers).
  • I hope so! It would be nice to walk into a Best Buy and purchase one!
  • Looks legit Posted via Android Central App
  • Oh that is looking much much nicer than the black which I find a little boring. The contrast here is nice. Posted via Android Central App
  • So many leaks!! I can't take it anymore! Release the DAMN phone NOW!!!!!! Sent from my White Nexus 4!!
  • Shut up and take my money... Posted via Android Central App
  • Exactly. Posted from the Google Nexus 7 2012 via Android Central App
  • Nexus 5 is really a polar bear
  • I plan on giving my Nexus 7 to my brother if I could get the Nexus 5. Christmas here I come! Posted from the Google Nexus 7 2012 via Android Central App
  • damnit Jim
  • I'll just stick with the all-black slab.
  • Nexus 5 has more leaks than a waterbed Posted via Android Central App
  • Google should just put it back on the website and sell it already, and forget a formal announcement. Posted via Android Central App on my HTC One GPe.
  • Just how I am feeling. We know everything (or almost everything) about the phone. Just sell it we don't need a formal introduction, you don't need to spend thousands on a event. Posted from the Google Nexus 7 2012 via Android Central App
  • Not really white. Should be all same colour or no alternatives really. Looks poor. Keep it secret keep it safe..... ø
  • Like seriously if your going to make a white version, make the dam thing full white not fcking front black and the back white, that combo is so ugly man. Either do a solid white or just stick with the black model only
  • the nexus 5 is like bigfoot often seen but never confirmed
  • Like, the best way to put it into context! XD Posted via Android Central App
  • Good one Posted via Android Central App
  • If that is in fact the white N5 then it looks ugly as all hell. Guess I will go back to a boring black phone in the case! Oh well. Otherwise I love it!
  • I think the white rear with the black band on the side and the black glass front looks gorgeous. To each their own I suppose Posted via George Foreman Grill
  • I wish the white Nexus phones would be white all round. Like any other white smartphone, ios or Android Posted via Android Central App
  • of courfse i have verizon so ill never be able to get one of these. kinda pisses me off!
  • Switch to a GSM carrier first chance you get Posted via Android Central App
  • Anyone watching Google stock. Wow. Posted via Android Central App
  • You said, "we'll wait until Google's official announcement before reaching for your wallets." Speak for yourself. We all know Jerry was reaching for his wallet as soon he heard mention of a white Nexus5. I remember how in love he was with his white nexus4. Tell us the truth, Jerry! Posted via Android Central App
  • I want.. Posted via Android Central App
  • As long as they have worked out their inventory issues. Ever since the original Nexus 7 google has had supply issues. Unless they are doing it on purpose which I could believe to drum up hype and keep their losses lower since I doubt they make much money on the Nexus devices.
  • Last year I set up notifications when the Nexus 4 became available. Google didn't send me anything. When I woke up in excitement to order it, SOLD OUT! I had to settle with the Lumia 920 (worst phone every used) for a few weeks. Posted from my Nexus 4 via Android Central App
  • I love the updates on the N5, but at this point you guys have convinced ALL OF US is real. On to the specs ahs release date. These little sneak peaks are getting old. Notify me when I got something to look forward to (i.e. release date). I will be getting the n5, bit at this point I want more than a peak, we know it's real, being on the specs and release date Posted via Android Central App
  • Peruvian white. Please Posted via Android Central App
  • I'm glad it doesn't have a glass back like the N4. It looked cool but too easy to break Posted via Android Central App
  • Want. So. Bad. Now I have so many choices to make. Do I want to try and make due with 16 GB or shell out for 32 GB? Do I want white or black? Do I sell my One now or wait till the Nexus 5 is actually official?
  • This is becoming the most leaked phone ever! Posted via Android Central App
  • Nope I think the iPhone 5 was Posted inside a time machine 30 years in the future
  • I'm so ready for this!!! I'll want to get my hands on this as soon as possible.
  • Forgive me for sounding dumb, has it been 100% confirmed that the back is non removable? Just curious.
  • Hurray, another zebra Nexus! If Google wants to release white phones, they should do it right. I love white phones. Not zebra phones though. Oh well. I haven't had a black phone since the Bionic. Maybe its time.
  • Don't be racist! (Kidding) Posted from the Google Nexus 7 2012 via Android Central App
  • The boxes are a Nokia "Blue" BTW...
  • The Nexus has got to be the most budget friendly device, and yet again this nexus 5 is offering great value for money even if here in the UK with import taxes and 20% vat pushes the price to around the £300 mark, great value, although im a note 3 owner and find it in my personal opinion the best phone of 2013 a step up with the faux leather looks and feels great, the snapdragon 800cpu just shines and the features with the s-pen are handy abd offer that prime experiance you want from your phone, although samsung is my device of choice, i have that tech mind that is open to other smartphone makers and value what they do, competition is what makes for a brilliant smartphone and i must say its evolving at some rate i cant keep up, especially with the rumour that the S5 is being pushed forward to a Jan-Feb release and tge rumours surrounding well make your own assesement with the eye unlock, see competition is great, i am not slating apple so dont bite apple fans, however since Jobs sadly got ousted and passed away i just dont believe Tim Cook has that knowledge and same respect for the Apple brand and tgats a shame as Apple ised to mean something. Posted via Android Central App
  • Wow! Stream of consciousness, much?
  • That packaging looks like plagiarism of the Nokia boxes, honestly. Shame.
  • Can't wait. Posted via Android Central App