As the long wait for Google's flagship Nexus 4 smartphone in India continues, consumers are left disappointed as the software giant is yet to confirm a release date.
Even as online retailers like Saholic announced Nexus 4 availability, Google remains silent on its India debut. Saholic initially listed the smartphone's availability for December but postponed it by a month. As of now, the website stated that the device will be up for purchase from 30 April onwards.
Technology website, AEG India, reported that consumers may have to wait longer for Nexus 4 as Google mention anything about the smartphone's release in India, in a recently released statement about the device.
The delay in launch is attributed to several reasons. When Google added India to its Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 web pages, many believed that the smartphone's launch was nearing. Despite India being listed among those countries which are expected to receive the device, Google didn't divulge any more information.
Also, the spat between Google and LG, the developers of Nexus 4, over its pricing for the Indian market may have led to its delay.
However, consumers who can't wait until the official launch can purchase Nexus 4 on the eBay website, which listed out different variants of the handset, priced between ₹24,000 and ₹40,900.
Opting for this route has raised questions on whether the US-imported Nexus 4 would function in India. Addressing these concerns, the KiranKumar Blog said that the phone will work in India unlike other imported devices.
"Yes it can. There have been some reports floating around about some devices bought in the US showing messages like "this app is not available for your country". But nexus 4 is not one among them. You will be able to sign in with your Google account tied to your Indian address and will be able to download both free and paid apps easily," said Kiran Kumar, a web & mobile developer.
He also said that LG will not provide service for Nexus 4 until its official launch.
"I have contacted LG and they say that until LG officially launches Nexus 4 in India, even paid service is not an option. You have to take it back to the country you bought it in to get paid service," he said.
The Nexus 4 smartphone is powdered b a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, with 1.5GHz clock speed and runs on Android 4.2 OS. The device sports a 4.7-inch IPS HD screen, packs 2GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel rear camera. It also features wireless charging and Photo Sphere - a camera feature which allows users to capture 360 degree panorama images.
