HTC and Google have partnered for the upcoming 2016 Nexus smartphones. Based on evidence from a credible source, an image shows the design and build of the handsets.

Google has teamed up with the biggest smartphone makers over the years to manufacture its flagship smartphones. Now, multiple reports claim that once again HTC has been chosen to build its two new Nexus handsets. The devices, which are codenamed M1 "Marlin" and S1 "Sailfish" have already made an appearance on Geekbench, revealing some key specs in the process.

The HTC Nexus S1 and M1 are expected to launch in September to coincide with the release of Android 7.0 Nougat. The pair will reportedly feature a 5-inch and 5.5-inch Quad HD display, and unlike the current Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, the handsets are rumored to look virtually identical.

Android Police is giving the world a first look at what it claims as its "own recreation of the upcoming Nexus phones based on evidence from our source."

As you can see in the image above, the HTC Nexus M1 and S1 smartphones will be offered in a dark gray and black aluminum case. The body has a two-tone look, thanks to either a glossy plastic or glass cutout on its rear, which is believed to act as a window for an NFC reader and other radios.

The fingerprint reader and flash camera are visible and the source claims the rear of the smartphones have a gentle curve around the edges, which will make holding them more comfortable. There are also three holes next to the rear camera, believed to be for autofocus and secondary sensor.

The front of the HTC Nexus shows a single earpiece speaker, front-facing camera and sensors. The device will run Android 7.0 Nougat, unlike previous Nexus smartphones, Google could be planning to use a simple "G" logo on the back of the handsets, although the source is not confident that this will make the final design.

The HTC Nexus M1 "Marlin" is expected to include a 2,560 x 1,440 Quad HD display, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 12-megapixel rear camera, 8-megapixel front-facing shooter, and a large 3,450 mAh battery.

The HTC Nexus S1 "Sailfish" is said to use a 5-inch 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD display, feature similar specs to that of the M1, and ship with a 2,770 mAh battery.

As always, we'll keep you posted on any fresh Nexus news as it becomes available.