Only minutes after Google’s LG Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet went on sale on Google Play, the store sold out of the Android phone and the 32GB version of the tablet in both the US and UK. Demand was so high that the Google Play site struggled to keep up with orders, and would-be buyers posted or tweeted complaints about site unavailability or lost orders during checkout.
In the Netherlands, Dutch blog AndroidWorld reports that a planned Netherlands launch was postponed due to excessive demand elsewhere.
The Nexus 4 has won praise from most reviewers (see review links below). It has a high-resolution a 4.8-inch display, 8-megapixel camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB RAM, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS. The reviewers’ main beef with the phone is that it lacks LTE 4G network capability — now a standard feature on many other high-end smartphones.
What the Nexus 4 lacks in data speeds, it tries to make up for in low pricing. In the US, The Nexus 4 is priced at only $299 for the unlocked 8GB model and $349 for the 16GB version. In the UK, the phone sells for £239 (8GB) and £279 (16GB).
Here’s a roundup of some of the most detailed Google Nexus 4 reviews:
Ars Technica
“Folks who require LTE or more than 16GB of internal storage will have to go with the Optimus G; folks who demand the pure Android experience and timely updates will want the Nexus 4.”
CNet
“3.5/5: While the LG Nexus 4 wins on internal performance and user experience, anyone shopping for an unlocked phone should consider a comparable LTE handset first.”
Engadget
“Sure, the Nexus 4 is not without its hiccups, but…in a case like this… you have our permission not to resist.”
Mashable
“If you’re tech savvy and committed to getting the Nexus 4 experience but on LTE, consider LG’s Optimus G. It has the near-identical hardware specs. Pop a new ROM on it and enjoy a Nexus 4 the way it should have been.”
Pocket-Lint
“4.5/5: If you’re a heavy phone camera user, you might have cause to complain, but otherwise, the Nexus 4 is worth being excited about.”
SlashGear
“The fact that it’s so very affordable makes it strongly recommended for those wanting the best of Android today.”
The Verge
“8.3/10: If you buy the Nexus 4, you have to decide whether you’re willing to compromise data speeds for the purest and best form of the Android OS.”