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Topic: Google

LG confirms Google Nexus 4 shortage

Summary: The shortage of Google Nexus 4 devices is a result of high demand, according to the handset manufacturer.

Sam Shead

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LG has confirmed that there is a shortage of Google Nexus 4 handsets.

The head of mobile at LG UK, Andy Coughlin, told CNET UK on Thursday that the phone "had proven extremely popular, and as such retailers have been met with huge demand".

Nexus 4
The shortage of Google Nexus 4 devices is a result of high demand, LG says.

"We are working closely with Google to ensure that those who wish to purchase a handset are able to do so," Coughlin added.

Both the 8GB and the 16GB versions, which cost £239 and £279 respectively, are currently unavailable in the Google Play store.

The 8GB Nexus 4 is listed as "sold out" on the Google Play store, with customers advised to "check back soon". Meanwhile, the 16GB version is described as "shipping soon", with more stock expected in five to six weeks' time. 

While the Google Play store may be lacking Nexus 4 devices, both the 8GB and 16GB versions of the phone are available from Carphone Warehouse on Vodafone, Orange, Three, T-Mobile, and O2 networks. Mobile operator O2 is also offering the 16GB phone for sale at £399, or for free when customers take out a two-year contract over £36. 

The device went on sale in the UK on 13 November and sold out on the same day. It subsequently returned briefly to the Google Play store before selling out again.

The Nexus 4 has an 8-megapixel camera, wireless charging and NFC capability. The device, Google's fourth smartphone, runs the latest Android OS, Jelly Bean 4.2.

 

Topics: Google, Mobility, Networking, Smartphones, United Kingdom

About

Sam is generally at his happiest with a new piece of technology in his hands or nailing down an exclusive story. In the past he's written for The Engineer and the Daily Mail. These days, Sam is particularly interested in web start-ups, social media and security.

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8 comments
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  • Supplies

    So when are we likely to see this back in stock????
    Willa13
    Reply Vote

  • Stock is available!

    I ordered a 16gb handset last Wednesday and it arrived on Friday. The waiting time was 4 - 5 weeks when I ordered so don't understand why it arrived so quickly. Possibly the option to have the phone setup with your google account details causes a delay. I opted out of this at checkout.

    Phone is absolutely brilliant!
    solarsnake
    Reply 1 Vote

    • 16gb available?

      i'm going to order Nexus 4 16gb handset, can u tell me how much u pay with 16gb version? Do you have to pay tax for this?
      Mai Hoa
      Reply Vote

    • Queue jump

      Basically, Google had a broken system where late orders were fulfilled first. I ordered at 5:08pm on 4th and there's been no progress on my order. Bullcrap is what I call that.
      Ultraman1966
      Reply Vote

      • Queue Jump

        Where did this info come from? I ordered at 1725 on Wednesday 5th December, and my Google Wallet was not touched yet. Delivery was quoted at 1-2 weeks, so there is still time.
        I know there was a major problem in the US with The Nexus 4 as well as the 7, and there was a petition for explanation from Google at https://www.change.org/petitions/google-give-an-official-response-on-the-nexus-4-shipping-backorder-fiasco?utm_campaign=action_box&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition

        - but the general reaction is that Google will not bother to respond. I tried to reach Google Commerce on the number listed on my invoice in Google Wallet in Ireland, but was told the number had changed. Strange in 10 days since the invoice was issued!! Google does not seem to priorities Customer Relations, which appears to be more an Apple thing, but I have other problems with Apple!
        Severiano Heman
        Reply Vote

        • Queue jump

          Apologies I ordered at 1725 on Tuesday 4th, shortly after i saw the 5 pm release announcement in UK, not Wednesday 5th
          Severiano Heman
          Reply Vote

    • Brilliant for you, but...

      ...they shipped devices to people such as yourself, and left the earlier purchasers (such as myself) high and dry. There seems no end to the number of ways they can find to mess up the Nexus 4 / 10 purchasing experience...
      Mark Wheadon
      Reply Vote

  • Clever marketing

    You don't have to own a search engine to know the interest in a product, so Google have been manipulating the supply to increase profits (up 18%) on their site. It may not be for sale (in Aust) this year again and meanwhile dealers are able to advertise it for $579!!!!!!!!! How can that happen ACCC ?
    Salsa Sam
    Reply 1 Vote
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