Google has certainly given fans of the Android platform plenty to think about in recent weeks with the release of the LG Nexus 4. There are many that prefer a Nexus branded device for the standard taste of what the operating system is supposed be like, and this has been reflected by the high demand for the device from Google Play with stock quickly selling out. Shipping for the Nexus 4 has turned into a bit of a nightmare for those that were in the hope of getting one by Christmas though, which has led to discussions among some of getting something else instead.
A couple of days ago we told you that Google had resumed selling the device on its Google Play Store but only in the US, and again there was such high demand for the handset Google’s systems struggled to cope with the amount of traffic to the site. Trouble is as we reported yesterday customers that are managing to get to the order page are being met with long shipping times.
The 16GB version for instance is not expected to ship until four or five weeks time that sees orders not arriving until after Christmas, which is now under four weeks away. Many will be wondering why Google are unable to keep up with demand, and would have hoped that more stock would have been available in time for Christmas.
We have even had emails from some Phones Review readers saying that the wait for the Nexus 4 may be up to nine weeks, which is over two months away and we all know how quickly new smartphones are becoming available. With this in mind there may be many Android users thinking of getting a different handset instead of the Nexus 4, especially if the device is wanted in time for the holiday season.
It also has to be remembered that the Nexus 4 at the time of writing is only available again on the US Google Play Store, and customers in the likes of the United Kingdom still have no access to the handset. The supply issues may be down to manufacturing problems at LG’s plants but it will be embarrassing for Google regardless of where the blame lies.
If Google could offer some kind of email notification system for potential buyers of the Nexus 4 would help matters, then at least those wanting one won’t have to keep checking on the Google Play Store for stock availability. Obviously consumers can purchase the Nexus 4 from other retailers either on a contract or SIM free, but prices workout a lot more than they do on Google Play.
As this problem continues some of our readers have been saying they are seriously thinking of giving up trying to buy the Nexus 4 via Google Play, and are considering getting a different smartphone. Previously there have been rumours that more manufacturers would be allowed to release Nexus branded hardware, so if true it may not be too much longer for such devises to become available and add more choice to the mix.
Android fans also have the flagship smartphones from the likes of Samsung or other handsets from LG such as the Optimus G, and that is not forgetting the recently released HTC DNA or One X+ to choose from. Are you considering getting a different smartphone now instead of the Nexus 4?