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Nexus 4 16GB sold out again, Google 'working' on stock woes

Both versions of the quad-core smart phone are now sold out from Google, as the search giant apologises.

Luke Westaway Senior editor
Luke Westaway is a senior editor at CNET and writer/ presenter of Adventures in Tech, a thrilling gadget show produced in our London office. Luke's focus is on keeping you in the loop with a mix of video, features, expert opinion and analysis.
Luke Westaway
2 min read

It's another rum do for those hoping to buy Google's new Nexus 4 smart phone, as the 16GB model is now listed as sold out -- just like its smaller 8GB brother.

Google finally found more stock of the quad-core mobile earlier in December, following a weeks-long drought during which the phone was unavailable to snap up through the Big G's Play Store. Then on 5 December, the 8GB model became officially sold out once more.

We're back to square one now, however, as the 16GB Nexus 4 attained sold out-status over the weekend.

Previously the wait time for delivery upon ordering had rocketed to 6-7 weeks, but you could at least throw some cash Google's way and expect a Nexus 4 to plop onto your doorstep at some point. Now Android fans are left waiting again, hoping that Google can find a few more phones stuck down the back of the sofa. 

Update: Google UK has offered an apology for its poor handling of Nexus 4 sales, Android Authority reports. The search giant reportedly says, "We are working through the nights and weekends to resolve this issue."

Google says that buyers who originally had a 3-5 day shipping estimate now have orders in process for fulfilment. The statement acknowledges that "the people who ordered the Nexus 4 so early are among our most committed and loyal users," going on to say, "we are doing all we can to put things right." The original story follows.

It's not clear why Google is making such a hash of flogging its magnificent new mobile, but manufacturer LG says the stock issues are caused by "huge demand" for the phone, saying that, "Demand via the Play Store has been very high."

LG told me that Google orders its stock directly through the company's headquarters in Seoul, so it's possible that the search giant massively underestimated the demand for its 720p Jelly Bean-powered masterpiece.

If you're desperate, networks like O2 and Three are selling the Nexus 4 on contracts, but not at the astonishingly cheap prices to be found on Google Play. 

Are you struggling to get your mitts on a Nexus 4? Vent your spleen in the comments or on our Facebook wall.

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