The purported Nexus smartphone from Huawei is one of the most highly-anticipated devices of this year, and leaked images now show off its metal design.

One of the most notable - and most persistent - rumors of this year is that Google will launch one Nexus smartphone in collaboration with Huawei, as well as another one made with LG. Nexus devices are widely popular due to their pure Android experience and timely software updates.

This would not only mark the first time two Nexus smartphones debut in the same year, but the alleged Huawei collaboration would also mark the first time Google teams up with a Chinese device maker for its Nexus lineup. In turn, this could help Google finally push its Play Services to China.

Leaks, rumors and schematics related to the purported Huawei Nexus smartphone have been intensifying as the latest leak now shows the device of what seems to be a prototype or a pre-release model. The images surfaced online via Steve Hammerstoffer of Nowhereelse.fr, as well as on Google+ posted by user Tiesen Fu.

Based on these photos, the Huawei Nexus smartphone's camera and dual LED flash come packed in a glass panel on the rear of the device, which falls in line with previous renders. The back of the device also features what looks like a fingerprint scanner with the same color as the rest of the chassis, with a large Nexus branding below it. The photos of the rear of the device further show a microphone and the standard antenna bands typically found on metal-clad handsets.

Moving on to the front, the leaked image shows a glossy glass panel, a front camera and a couple of front speakers. The handset seems to have a 5.7-inch display, which falls in line with previous rumors. When it comes to resolution, the Huawei Nexus smartphone is expected to rock a QHD resolution of 2650 x 1440 pixels, but it remains unconfirmed for now.

Nevertheless, the intensifying leaks and reports suggest that this purported Google Nexus smartphone made in collaboration with Huawei could make its debut soon, set to hit the market later this year. As always in such cases, however, take all unconfirmed news with a grain of salt until an official announcement.