Nexus 4 stock shortage is Google's fault not ours, says LG

Posted on 18 Jan 2013 at 10:19, by Gareth Halfacree

The blame-game surrounding poor stocks of the incredibly popular Google Nexus 4 smartphone continues, with LG blaming Google for the lack of devices even as Google claims it's all LG's fault.

The Nexus 4, manufactured for Google by LG, has proven extremely popular. Its combination of the latest version of Android and high specifications at a great price led to a near-instant sell-out world-wide when the device launched on the Google Play store.

Since then, the handset has briefly returned to stock only to sell out again almost immediately. While selected mobile networks have started offering the handset, they are capitalising on its scarcity by charging significantly more for the device than if it were still available through Google directly.

The reason for the poor stock levels is not known, but LG's French arm claims it's all down to Google. Speaking to French news site Challenges, Cathy Robin, director of LG France's mobile division, claimed that while she didn't want to apportion blame, the real reason for the constant out-of-stock notices is Google's inability to estimate demand.

"Supply problems are not necessarily completely related to LG. Google presented sales forecasts calculated according to their previous sales history of Nexus smartphones. But they were in less demand," Robin explained.

She went on to explain that LG had delivered the number of pre-ordered handsets and that the company continues to make regular deliveries, but supply is still short.

Some countries were more affected by others, as Google apparently miscalculated order numbers, diverting too much stock to some places and missing high demand in others.

Robin was quick to point out that the problems didn't affect the relationship between the two companies: "But be careful, I do not throw stones at anyone. Google and LG, it's going very well."

With the news that the official Nexus 4 wireless charging dock, which uses the Qi wireless charging standard, will be shipping in February, it's hoped that the supply constraints can be resolved.

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User comments

Makes you wonder

What if Google underpriced the phone and wanted to sell as few as possible, while keeping people from buying iphones or other android models?

By mrkez on 19 Jan 2013

Makes you wonder

What if Google underpriced the phone and wanted to sell as few as possible, while keeping people from buying iphones or other android models?

By mrkez on 19 Jan 2013

Makes you wonder

What if Google underpriced the phone and wanted to sell as few as possible, while keeping people from buying iphones or other android models?

By mrkez on 19 Jan 2013

Makes you wonder

Poor planning or intentional to keep people from buying an iPhone or competitor's phone while underpricing your own phone?

By mrkez on 19 Jan 2013

Google disrespect the consumer

I am extremely dissatisfied because I stayed connected for more than 6 hours to purchase a Nexus 4, and I got it,
my purchase was done, with estimated shipping of 6 weeks, I WAIT for all this time.

Unfortunately I had I problem with my credit card, and I was with no internet access and could not fix it in 5 days. MY PURCHASE WAS CANCELED ! It was not my fault, I was traveling on holidays and could not access my account or email, so it was canceled with no way it came back. I tried to called them, but the call "suddenly" hang up after talk with some people.

I am extremely frustrated to stay without cell phone after all this time waiting and with a purchase done. It was extremely disrespectful with a consumer. Your product is very good but it doesn't worth so much disrespect.

Andrea Bianchi

By AndreaOP on 22 Jan 2013

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