A sequel to the Google Nexus 4 could be on the cards already, with rumours even suggesting that factories producing the current Nexus have ground to a halt.
International Business Times reports that LG, which builds the Nexus 4 as a vessel for Google's Android software, has halted production on the bargainous phone. LG has dropped hints that the Nexus 4 is just "the first of many" smart phones developed between the two companies.
LG didn't launch any new phones at CES, last week's gadget-packed trade show. Instead, the Korean megacorp promised a major launch at phone-focused show MWC in February -- all standard stuff. But could hints of further fruit of LG's "growing partnership" with Google mean a Nexus 5 or new Nexus phone?
Any new Nexus could turn out to be an updated version of the current phone. Today's model has been spied running Android 4.2.2, and a new phone could arrive to showcase Key Lime Pie, the next version of Android.
Word on the street is it could also be bumped up to a 2GHz processor.
A new phone is all very well, but Google has had enough trouble just getting the current model in people's hands. The Nexus 4 went on sale in mid-November, but has only been in stock for about a day. Both the 8GB and 16GB model are currently sold out.
One advantage of a new phone would be to draw a line under the troubled Nexus 4, which has been almost impossible to buy. Stock problems have undermined the goodwill generated by the Nexus 4's generous specs and unbelivable price.
Do you think Google should draw a line under the Nexus 4 with a new model, or does the Big G have something else in mind? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 56
Add your comment
Neilc28 14 January, 2013 10:05
I'm all for new tech, and I am a fan of Android, but surely this can be nothing short of a slap in the face for those who have just bought a Nexus 4, or worse if you have ordered one but still waiting with a 5-6 week delay.
It would be interesting to see if Google are going to offer a follow-up Nexus at the SAME price-point though, if so then it's time for me to upgrade my HTC Desire at last!
Darren Richards 14 January, 2013 10:27
I cant help but feel its an early April Fools joke! Jelly bean has hardly be updated on any device as yet and the Nexus 4 has been on sale for like a day!
Is it really time to start bringing out a new phone when the old one hasn't even been on sale for more than a day? I'm all for progress but come on guys, if you make a phone, actually give people a chance to buy it before you make another!
anonymous 14 January, 2013 10:30
@ Neilc28, That's the problem with Android! I too am a fan of Android and more importantly good tech but there seems to be a new Android handset every month!!!
anonymous 14 January, 2013 10:48
Google has been dropping the price point of its Nexus phones by $50 every 6 months for the last 2.5 years. If the pattern continues, Google will drop the price of the Nexus 4 to $249 to coincide with I/O - this may require a slightly new variant to decrease the BOM costs. Continuing with the trend the trend, you would expect to see the next Nexus (5?) end-Nov at ~$200. This is a key price point where unsubsidised smartphone start to become mainstream - for comparison, Apple's iPod range of consumer electronics have historically been: shuffle $49 | nano $129-$149 | touch $200-$229. If Google can hit this price point with a well spec'd phone - except to see A LOT of 4G MVNO activity.
anonymous 14 January, 2013 12:55
Could you please inform me when it's enters the Indian Market? Loved the earlier versions a lot. :)
How much would be the price, btw? Any idea
anonymous 14 January, 2013 13:33
Am I right in thinking the Nexus 4 doesn't support LTE? Would it be a surprise if there's a Nexus 4G?
anonymous 14 January, 2013 14:02
The whole Nexus 4 thing has been a complete disaster. Still waiting for mine (ordered 6 December)...this would be a slap in the face.
Damien2501 14 January, 2013 14:14
They need to avoid the mistake HTC made by releasing phones every 5 months. Nevertheless, I dont think they are releasing a new Nexus phone, I think it's a 32 GB version of the Nexus and might include 4G, judging from Googles behavior of the Nexus 7, so not a major upgrade.
Neilc28 14 January, 2013 14:24
Damien, if that is true (and hopefully it is), then maybe the existing Nexus 4 orders could be returned in favour for the 4G variant, that would certainly help soothe the anger of the existing orders.
anonymous 14 January, 2013 14:56
Just add the micro sd card slot....no need of lte for me....i am good with 2G/3G speeds....unlimited wifi does the job everytime....
Jamie Beaglehole 14 January, 2013 15:10
Only just received my Nexus 4 two weeks ago - there ruddy better not be a better one coming along already!
anonymous 14 January, 2013 15:34
I received my 16gb Nexus 4 at the start of the year from the second batch of stock at the Google Store. I'm not at all bothered about the prospect of an early replacement. The 4 is absolutely gorgeous, particularly the all edge to edge glass front, minimalistic back and of course the easy-use operating system. Google and LG would do well to retain the simple form factor and price point, taking a leaf out of Apple's book of evolution not revolution. Who cares if there is an updated model? - the 4 is a great piece of kit as it stands and hopefully the start of a new family of models.
Damien2501 14 January, 2013 15:55
Yeah I agree Neilc28, Google need to do something to please the angry customers, perhaps vouchers on the Play Store??
This is a Nexus phone even if they do release a new Nexus phone with Android 5.0, this phone will be first in line to get that update. It won't be inferior software wise if they release a new phone .
Dave Phipp 14 January, 2013 15:59
anon 14:02 I feel exactly the same as you. I ordered 6th dec been told it'll be dispatched on Wednesday. I could live with them releasing a 4g or 32gb version but a full on nexus 5 would annoy me!
anonymous 14 January, 2013 16:09
Totally ridiculous. Nexus 4 impossible to get hold of, Nexus 10 impossible to get hold of. A 4th grade student could do a better job of managing demand
anonymous 14 January, 2013 16:25
If you're going to shop this rumor, then you have to explain why the Nexus 4 is being shipped to every T-Mobile store in the U.S.
anonymous 14 January, 2013 16:32
Another reason for halting production (if the story is true) could be because of the very high rate of faulty phones and problems with quality control.
Before the Nexus 4 was released, a lot of people were voicing concern over LG being chosen as the partner for this latest Nexus phone, because of their previous poor track record for build quality and reliability.
It seems those fears are being borne out by the problems that are now coming to light.
anonymous 14 January, 2013 16:35
The Nexus 4 that came out in November was a great device - the launch was a failure. According to people who can understand serial numbers, only 400,000 device have been manufactured. If the Nexus 5 comes out in less than 2 months, I'm definitely going to buy it.
anonymous 14 January, 2013 16:45
This is not going to be true. If the next nexus will also be lg (*doubtful*) then it will only be in the very earliest stages of planning. They would have to release it on an snapdragon s4 if it was launched in the next few months. They wouldn't do this, they would wait for next gen tech. If anything is in the works then it is a nexus 4G (LTE enabled Nexus 4).
anonymous 14 January, 2013 17:20
Who is IBTimes and why are they being quoted as law. Factual stats which can be verified shows that LG as actually ramped up Nexus 4 production and makes approximately 20K units a day now. This misinformation and spreading on a story which cannot be substantiated by anyone but a report who used rumors to write a story is very sad to see.
Darren Richards 14 January, 2013 17:47
Does anyone know if Google and LG are even bringing out any more of the Nexus 4's?
anonymous 14 January, 2013 19:43
@anonymous 14 January, 2013 16:35
".....According to people who can understand serial numbers, only 400,000 device have been manufactured......"
Those people have have become totally carried away with the quest to unravel the serial numbers.
The serial numbers are clearly in batches, designated for different markets and suppliers, but these sleuths are assuming that each batch block is fully produced.
e.g. batch block no. xxxx to yyyy = 10,000, but if that is for one telephone company in country X, that doesn't mean that that company ordered 10,000 of them. It could have been 5,000 for example.
anonymous 14 January, 2013 20:05
I'm thinking of getting the Nexus 4 as my next phone, because its the best phone out there. It's very similar to the fantastic S3 in what it offers and some may argue the Nexus 4 is better, but the fact that its nearly half the price of the S3 means its an amazing phone!
However, I'm not getting one till I know for sure what Google/LG are planning. I'd hate to buy the Nexus 4 only for the Nexus 5 to be released not long after. Google and LG have messed up big on the stock of the phone, so maybe it would be better to draw a line under it. One thing I'm desperately hoping for is that if a Nexus 5 does get released, it still has the bargain price that the Nexus 4 has
Jason2808 14 January, 2013 20:35
So, I purchased the Nexus S two years ago to start my journey with and support of Google. When the Nexus 7 came out I bought the top 16gb version only to see a 32gb version come out a few months later at the same price. Then I order the Nexus 4 and receive it just before Xmas. It's a great phone, but I will not be happy if Google bring out an hardware-updated version within weeks, especially if it has 32gb and 4G ready!
billfred 14 January, 2013 20:57
Yeah, gotta hate Google bringing better AND more affordable phones out. Those bastards!
anonymous 14 January, 2013 23:01
billfred - Thanks for my laugh of the day!
anonymous 14 January, 2013 23:56
Anyone else get a buzzing noise from the speaker slit or from the earphones?
It's a pain when trying to listen to music or when watching videos.
anonymous 15 January, 2013 07:34
It never ceases to amaze me how many 'tech' people are so against change. I saw it against MS for many years, whatever they did to move forwards would be criticised by these self proclaimed experts who would refuse to move forwards and scoff at those that would.
Now it's happening with Google and Android.
Great.
The public are consumers, understand that we have NO control over what these companies do. Every piece of tech you buy you do so running the risk of that device being obsolete within a week. This isn't new. How can people still struggle with this idea?
anonymous 15 January, 2013 07:48
Wasn't this news made public 7 days ago?
I read it here - http://mobilenews.omio.com/mobile-phone-news/lg-mobile-world-congress-2012-will-feature-tier-one-premium-handsets-and-more-nexus-devices-are-on-the-way/
In covering current models in the market, he noted – “Through our collaboration with Google, we launched the LG Nexus 4 smartphone. The first in our growing partnership with this very selective company”
Omio believes this wasn’t a slip of the tongue, only LG letting us know that there will be other Nexus devices made by the company.
anonymous 15 January, 2013 08:30
I hope not (sending message from 2 week old nexus 4) :S
anonymous 15 January, 2013 08:44
Surely a new model couldn't be called the nexus 5 because if they carried on the naming with increasing the number then after 2 more generations we would get the nexus 7...
anonymous 15 January, 2013 14:24
@anonymous 15 January, 2013 07:34.
The people commenting here are not "tech" people. They are materialistic consumers who want the false ego boost and willy-waving that having the very best gadget out there brings.
Your money is far from wasted if you bought a Nexux 4 already. A new Nexus phone changes nothing about your existing one if you liked it before what has changed about it?
Jamie Edwards 15 January, 2013 21:12
As a Nexus 4 owner I can tell you this comes as a shock. If this rumor happens to be true then Google and LG are obviously not thinking for the benefit of customers who now own a Nexus 4. The only logical reason this could be true is that they're updating the hardware to make it a slightly more powerful product, possibly including 4G. In which case, recent Nexus 4 buyers should definitely be compensated for Google's mistakes.
anonymous 16 January, 2013 00:55
Hopefully the replacement for the Nexus 4 will do away with the glass back.
Although it looks cool, it's not as tough as the front screen glass and if it breaks, there is no replacement available for getting a repair.
anonymous 17 January, 2013 10:58
They need to update or replace the Nexus 4 ASAP.
Loads of problems such as terrible battery life, edge bleeding screens, cracked backs and a pretty weak 8gb storage capacity all need sorting.
4G is probably a given for the next model though.
anonymous 18 January, 2013 22:15
Draw a line under the troubled Nexus 4? There is only so many chances you get LG. Phones are getting produced but it is getting diverted to retail channels and none are reaching the Google Play Store. They think it's like shooting fish (consumers) in a barrel.
anonymous 19 January, 2013 08:15
Google are only prepared to subsidise X amount of these via the Play Store.
If your lucky enough to buy one at the subsidised price, fine; but the rest will have to pay a more realistic price via other channels.
There are plentiful stocks available for immediate delivery, if you really want one.
anonymous 24 January, 2013 03:52
I have supported android & google nexus products all along. I was extremely excited at the prospect of purchasing a Nexus4 for $399 Australian dollars from google play & signed up to be notified as did so many others. What a huge let-down to find they sold out in 15 minutes without notice! Still no stock in play store but now a local retailer is advertising Nexus4 phones for almost $500. I will not be buying one for more than $399 & if not available within a month! Bad show Google & LG, bad show indeed.
anonymous 27 January, 2013 22:56
do you know whel nexus 4 will be again in store? thanks
anonymous 29 January, 2013 15:19
If they product one with 32GB storage in the phone, I'm in. But 16Gb just isn't really enough I think
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:12
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:13
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:13
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:13
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:14
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:14
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:14
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:15
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:15
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
anonymous 10 February, 2013 03:16
They need to add an SD slot or increase storage. Period. 16 GB is weak. And considering Google Play Music incorrectly matches a censored version of my explicit music (which can only be fixed sitting at a computer and one song at a time) -- I have a great phone with serious issues. One of the many reasons I still bought an iPhone 5 when the jailbreak was released.
Amonynous 12 February, 2013 20:10
Would love another google phone but the lack of a SD card slot is a deal breaker for me. I don't want to use the "Cloud', i want to keep all my "Stuff" on the phone/tablet. I also refuse to reward Google by purchasing another phone at the higher price point. I'll just stick to other similar brands that DO have SD cards. This is really just about money. I still have my My Touch 4g and it is a great phone. I have been moving the same data for the last 5 years with NO failure from the card.
anonymous 13 February, 2013 22:37
The only thing preventing me from buying the Nexus line is the lack of and SD Card Slot.
Otherwise its a no-brainer to go for any Nexus Device.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 09:55
Yes, I'm sure Google and LG are going to see it as a mistake to have created such a stir with their current flagship that it's been out of stock for months only to bring out a relatively minor upgrade at MWC which will probably best the iPhone 5 in everything but build quality. I can imagine the discussions at exec level now:
"oh we really screwed up, so many of our phones sold and loads of headlines about massive demand we are sooo stupid. here have a bonus."
anonymous 24 February, 2013 00:58
If they do bring out another phone I honestly think it will be a 32GB 4G most probably with 'key lime pie' and a solution to the massive problem of over heating! I've had my nexus 4 since 4/1/13 and already I'm having problems with force shut downs due to over heating. I've clocked my nexus 4 at 55°c and it got higher but couldn't check it because it shut off. Google really need to fix that problem with the new phone.
anonymous 18 March, 2013 13:28
Hi,
Can i any please suggest me..
Can i buy this phone and use it in india..Is that possible or have to unlock or something....
Thanks in advance,
Suresh
anonymous 2 April, 2013 02:02
This is for anyone asking if this will work in India, can I unlock etc - its available currently only in the US and a couple of other countries - its penta band and will work across almost all GSM networks in the world and yes - its $349 unlocked, no contract no frills price - and thats what is the best part of the Nexus 4