The release of the Nexus 7 and 10 proved to Google that it’s not all about the Samsung Galaxy range of tablets or even the Apple iPad, because they have both proved very popular. However, because there are so many people out there with far less disposable income than they once had, the idea of a budget Nexus tablet is more popular than ever before. There has been many rumors in regards to the so-called $99 Nexus tablet, but it looks as though we are now beginning to see a preparation for launch, which is rumored to be revealed during CES 2013.

In a recent article they have been looking at how Google prepared for the release of their current Nexus tablets with letting out a few leaks, and from the looks of things, the new budget version looks set to carry on the same way. The first step was always a photo leak, and so it came as no surprise that on Picasa an image was leaked of the ME172V tablet, which many people believe to be the $99 Nexus tablet. If the rumors are correct then some photos that have appeared on Picasa might have actually been taken with a device named ME172V, but could this really be the $99 Nexus tablet like it has been suggested?

Not much is known about this cheaper Android tablet, but it’s said to come with a 1GHz processor, have a 400MHz Mali GPU, 1GB or RAM, 1-megapixel front facing camera, and the tablet could be running Android 400MHz Mali GPU. While the $99 Nexus tablet specs might not be the best on the market, and for good reason, they are pretty impressive considering the price – if this is all true of course.

A couple of weeks ago we spoke about the 2nd-gen Nexus 7 and how it could be an entry-level tablet, we now we wonder if this could actually be it?

Although details are being kept silent at the moment, Google has already confirmed its existance by saying at the end of last year that the device would be ‘out within six months’. That initial deadline has now seemingly passed, but with Google and ASUS working behind closed doors to finalize the tablet, some crucial details, or images shall we say may have crept out a little early.

There doesn’t seem to be an instance in the tech world now where a big name product goes completely unnoticed before its eventual reveal. We’ve seen time and time again how Apple’s products always seem to be leaked, while new Android phones are often seen weeks, sometimes even months before a manufacturer has the chance to unveil it themselves.

While it may seem a little bit harsh on those building the device, Android fans can’t hide their excitement in finding out any gossip on future devices before they are supposed to come out. In this instance, take a look at these supposed leaked images of Google’s upcoming Nexus tablet, which have been obtained by those folks over at Phone Arena.

We have two high quality images on show, one of the front and one of the back – both of which are claimed to be official press images. If these are real, it means that we may only see one iteration of the Nexus tablet, one which will come with a combination of color schemes – a white glossy finish on the front, complete with a grey and black ‘HTC-style’ design on the back. Our first impressions is we like it a lot, although we would be a little surprised if Google don’t follow Apple’s traditional iPad pattern of having both a black and white model available at launch.

Aside from the images, we’re also hearing of ‘another’ confirmation that the Nexus tablet will be shipping with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The device kind of looks like a glorified Galaxy Note doesn’t it? Also, what are your thoughts on the dual-branding seen on the back – using up too much space for your liking, or is it fine? Once again, these pictures are not confirmed, but we wouldn’t mind it if they were. It looks rather nice from our point of view. Let us know if you agree in the comments.