A couple of weeks ago Google upped the competition in the smartphone market with the launch of the LG Nexus 4 handset, which saw stock levels disappear almost straight away on the Google Play Store. There is some saying though that while the Nexus 4 is a great handset it’s just as bad as the iPhone 4, 4S with its glass back.

The Nexus 4 has proved to be extremely popular amongst Android fans since its release and only yesterday did more stock become available on the Google Play Store in the US, but according to an article on Droid Life it may be a good idea for owners of the device to purchase a bumper case.

LG’s Nexus 4 has a Corning Gorilla Glass 2 covering on both the front and back of the handset, but it is felt this is one of the worst design ideas ever made by a handset manufacturer. The LG Optimus G also has a similar covering and despite taking great care with both devices the back glass panel has cracked.

Both of the glass panels have broken without either handset actually being dropped by the user, and have cracked after being carefully placed down onto a room temperature countertop surface. It is wondered if the temperature change from the users hand to the surface may be the cause of the sudden cracking of the glass panel, which was straight down the middle of the unit.

A number of users on various Android forums are also reporting similar problems with cracks appearing without dropping the device. The previous two versions of the Apple iPhone have had similar problems with lots of businesses offering services to replace the glass back panel on the smartphone, and with the latest model Apple moved to an aluminium back panel.

There will obviously be many users that have not experienced any issues with the Nexus 4 and the back panel and will be wondering if it’s just a case of carelessness, but with growing numbers of owners reporting issues you have to wonder.

Samsung has been criticised in the past for the use of cheap feeling plastic back panels on its handsets such as the Galaxy S3, but at least they are not prone to cracking and relatively cheap and easy to replace. Have you ever had issues with a rear glass panel on a smartphone?