Harvey Norman grabs Nexus 4, will sell on Optus plans
- — 24 January, 2013 10:09
The Google Nexus 4: available through Harvey Norman from 1 February
LG has today announced that its Google Nexus 4 Android smartphone will be available "exclusively" through Harvey Norman retail stores from Friday 1 February.
The 16GB model of the Nexus 4 will be sold outright for $496 and will also be available on a range of Optus mobile plans at "selected stores".
The Nexus 4 initially went on sale online through Google's Play Store back in November, but stocks were exhausted in less than an hour. The 8GB model Nexus 4 sold for $349 online when it was available, while the 16GB model retailed for $399.
"The response in Australia has been overwhelmingly positive on Google Play already, and we know our Harvey Norman partnership will create even greater demand," said LG Australia's General Marketing Manager, Lambro Skropidis.
The Nexus 4, as advertised on Harvey Norman's website.
Harvey Norman will sell the Google Nexus 4 on eight Optus plans starting at $35 per month over 24 months ($15 per month handset repayments + $20 Optus plan) and ranging up to $130 (no handset repayments on the $130 Optus Timeless plan).
The Google Nexus 4 requires no monthly handset repayments on the $60 Optus plan, which includes $650 worth of calls, unlimited SMS and 1.5GB of data per month.
Google's current Play Store page notes that the company is "out of inventory" and stock hasn't been replenished since the device initially sold out. Google has refused to clarify if or when the Nexus 4 will go back on sale in the Australian Play Store.
The current Google Play Store listing for the Nexus 4.
The outright price of the Nexus 4 through Harvey Norman is $97 more expensive than Google's Play Store, though online customers in Australia are charged $19.99 for shipping.
The Nexus 4 can be pre-ordered on Harvey Norman's website with a free in-store pickup or a delivery fee of $6.95 for most Australian locations.
Are you interested purchasing a Nexus 4 from Harvey Norman? Or are you annoyed about the price increase and Play Store stock shortages? Let us know in the comments below!
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Comments
Mark
1
Anoyed! Every day is money lost. It would have been interesting to see initial sales numbers had they not sold out.
Luke
2
disgusting all round. I am a huge fan of the android platform and think it thoroughly whoops its competitors but Google's handling of this launch is the worst ive ever witnessed for any mobile device. I will wait and see what happens with the play store, although to be honest my care factor depreciates daily as we usher in a new year ripe with upcoming 1080p devices....it WAS an amazing deal when it was launched in November, now, for anything above its 399 16gb price id say no way.
george
3
annoyd! i changed my mind i pre order agora smartphone 5inch display in Kogan website for $150 plus postage and handling...
Ewen
4
Bad enough having to deal with Harvey Norman and their staff, let alone being slugged an extra $100 for the privilege. No thanks. No Harvey No.
Next time you see Mr Norman moaning about his profits being lost to internet based retail just keep this example in mind.