Google LG Nexus 4 gets more expensive for Indian consumers

BANGALORE, INDIA: It's almost the end of the year, and there is no official announcement from LG or Google on the launch of LG Nexus 4 in India yet. Based on the information on online retail website saholic.com, LG Nexus 4 could be available by January 15, 2013 in India.

As the smartphone hasn't been launched in India, several online retail websites are getting the LG Nexus 4 imported from elsewhere. This move, however, has only added to consumer woes. The price of the smartphone is now much higher compared to what it was initially expected to be.

The LG Nexus 4 is listed on eBay India, but the prices of the smartphone have been increased on the online retail website. eBay India is now quoting a price of Rs. 29,990 for the 16GB version of LG Nexus 4, which was earlier stated to be priced at Rs. 27,490, while price of the 8GB version has been increased from Rs. 23,490 to 25,990. There are some users on eBay, who are selling the smartphone at the price of Rs. 50,000.

Another website Tradus.com is offering the LG Nexus 4 (imported) smartphone to Indian consumers. But, the price of the 8GB version of the smartphone is Rs. 31,999 onwards, while the 16GB version would cost customers a whopping Rs. 37,999. The website mentions that the smartphone will be delivered to the customer within 10 to 15 working days. Online retailing website goProbo.com too is offering the LG Nexus 4 at the same price.

The uncertainty about the date of India launch and the ''jacked-up'' prices of the smartphone has left consumers furious. ''It just isn't possible to wait indefinitely for the arrival of the Google Nexus 4 in India. The jacked up price is another put-off,'' says a CIOL viewer.

''I think the Nexus phones and fans in India should be treated with some seriousness and respect. The tech companies like Samsung, Asus and LG who have been blessed with the Nexus brand should release the phones after successful aggressive marketing, along with the Nexus accessories. All the other androids aren't good and anywhere near the Nexus series. I am no fan of android fragmentation. Samsung disappointed its Nexus fans in India with the cancellation of the Galaxy Nexus, something that I shall never forgive them for. Asus has released the Nexus 7 tablet at an exorbitant price especially when that variant is outdated in the US, and LG will probably bomb the Nexus 4 with higher pricing. Disappointing for the Indian Nexus and tech enthusiast. Isn't it? Companies...Please! Unleash the True power of the Nexus for the Indian Masses!!'', says another CIOL viewer.

Most people seem to be impressed with the features of the LG Nexus 4 such as 4.7 inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 8MP main camera and 1.3MP front camera, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, 2GB RAM, and so on.

However, what do you have to say? Is the delay in India launch of the LG Nexus 4 and the ''exorbitant'' prices putting you off? Or do you feel that the LG Nexus 4 is worth the wait? Do let us know.