Today some reports and comments are coming out from the folks at LG regarding supply and demand for the hotly anticipated and selling like crazy LG Nexus 4. As you all know, the new smartphone has sold out in 20-30 minutes almost every time it has been available. Today CNET UK had a quick talk with LG and they had some rather bland and “duh” replies.

While talking about the Nexus with with LG UK the question came up regarding supply and demand and why they weren’t able to keep up. The phone has been rather elusive for all those people looking to buy one (myself included) and LG simply stated “high demand” was the problem. My first reply was: what did you expect? An amazing phone for $299 wouldn’t be in high demand? They must be taking crazy pills.

Back in November the device sold out in about 25 minutes, then last week it went up for sale again only to completely crash the Google Play Store (which I still call BS on) and users have been trying their darnest to get their own. The smartphone has went from 8-9 week ship times, to sold out, to back down to shipping in 4-5 weeks. Basically it’s been a hot mess for Google and LG. Either they’re selling waaaay more than anticipated, or this is a clever trick to keep the smartphone in the limelight.

“The device has proven extremely popular, and as such retailers have been met with huge demand. We are working closely with Google to ensure that those who wish to purchase a handset are able to do so.”

So far it looks like Google’s original estimates were way short of the actual demand. From what CNET is reporting LG supplied what was asked of them, so clearly something doesn’t quite add up. I’m not quite sold on the fact that the Play Store couldn’t handle the demand, considering millions and millions of smartphones access it every single minute. To me this sounds like a clever marketing trick to keep Google, Android, and the LG Nexus 4 in the news. I’m fine with all 3 of course because Android is boss, but still. I can’t help but wonder what the actual sales numbers would be if everyone that wanted one was able to purchase it already.

Have you managed to get a Nexus 4 yet? Or are you still waiting for those long ship estimates, or for another chance at the Play Store order process? Let us know!

[device id=3766]

26 COMMENTS

  1. I had quite an interesting experience with the play store.
    I tried to buy it on December 4th, there was a technical problem, then I sent an email complaining and they answered me I should keep trying.
    Yesterday I managed to complete the purchase, with the estimated shipping time of 5 to 6 weeks.

    Then today I got an email saying it is shipped!!!!
    I can’t wait for it!!

  2. I Ordered mine 7pm on the 4th with 4-5 estimated shipping, and to my surprise received it this morning, i’ve not had any shipping emails, just 1 email to say i’ve order with 4-5 week estimate delivery. And i’m pleased to say its Awesome!!!

  3. I was able to get two during the first launch. It was tough and The second one I got came as an error. LOVE the phone. Where’s the wireless charging dock though???

  4. Still waiting for mine. And they don’t give updates when you inquire. Seeing as mine was ordered on the 28th here’s hoping I receive it tomorrow.

  5. I ordered mine yesterday at lunch and got an e-mail at 4AM today saying it has shipped…I wasn’t expecting that. Should have it either tomorrow or Saturday…..my first foray into all touch screen phones…G2 you will be missed.

  6. I tried but did not succeed. Now I have change my mine and going with a Samsung galaxy note 2 instead. I can not wait that long.

  7. i have asked but nobody has given me an educated answer. how long does it take to make one single smartphone? does it take hours? days? weeks?

  8. Why dont they tell us how many they sold? bet it’s like 100k since luanch. They havent produced enough. If i hear they have sold a pathetic amount in a few weeks time,i will…..laugh. Guess LG are no Samsung or Apple

  9. ordered on the 4th dec with 1-2 weeks delivery (UK) and it’s still pending, yet others i know ordered hours after me with a 4-5 week wait and have already received their devices, don’t quite understand google’s process of selection here. called customer services and they were unable to answer the question

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