Nexus 4 price slashed by 25%, LTE models ‘a tactical issue’

Google launched the Nexus 4 last year in November with an affordable price of US$300 (R3 000) considering the decent specs and overall design. That price has now dropped even further by a massive 25 percent– making the Nexus 4 only US$200 (R2 000) in the US while the 16 GB variant costs US$250 (R2 500). This is great news for many though indications of an LTE-enabled model or new upcoming smartphone seems slim.

Designed by Google and manufactured by LG, the Nexus 4 was sold out within the first 24 hours of going online. Whether it being sold out was a result of stock issues or not, the Nexus 4 has been very popular ever since. Google Play today announced the sale would be in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Korea, US, and the UK through Google Play. Let’s hope it has enough stock this time around.

We’ve lowered the price of #Nexus4. Get it for 25% off or more in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Korea, US, UK: http://t.co/g8vIKtBC9N

— Google Play (@GooglePlay) August 28, 2013

Having almost forgotten, Google Play later announced it will be dropping the price in France as well:

Great news! We’ve also lowered the price of #Nexus4 in France. Get one for €199: http://t.co/ZCXm6gayM8

— Google Play (@GooglePlay) August 28, 2013

 

While many still hope to hear of an LTE-enabled Nexus 4 or newer variant, there’s been nothing to suggest that the company is working on or preparing a new smartphone. Rumours, leaks and even teasers usually spread like wildfire months before the official release of such products.

The Verge reported that Google representatives are calling a lack of LTE support a “tactical issue.” Although there have been some skillful hacks and modifications to support such a feature, the official cost, battery life and the smartphone’s size are major concerns to include multiple radio support.

The lack of LTE support also makes the device’s hardware more accessible or supportive of current networks who haven’t adopted this technology yet. Former CEO of Android Andy Rubin said that Google wants “to make sure the devices are available for every network on the planet.” Having said that, it’s ironic that the Nexus 4 is still only available in a handful of countries.