We’ve been receiving reports all day about the Nexus 4 16GB selling out in some of our reader’s Google Play Stores, but thought it might have been a fluke. Sure enough, our page monitor updated us to its change in status, with our own listing in the Play Store now showing Google is “out of inventory”.
We know how this typically plays out. Whenever an older device — especially one that was recently the subject of a clearance sale — disappears from the Google Play, it’s likely never to return. With rumors of the Nexus 5 on the horizon, it’s entirely possible Google/LG was simply clearing out old stock before the arrival of the next flagship, and this is the last we’ll see of the Nexus 4 16GB.
Still, we were hoping the Nexus 4 would remain in the Play Store for another year as a low-cost Nexus option for Android users on a budget (maybe with more storage). Slap a plastic back cover on the back, offer it in a few colors and watch as the kids eat this up. Hey, if Apple can do it — why not Google?
Also, many of you noticed that the Nexus 7 (2013) 32GB LTE is also showing as “not for sale at this time”. Different verbiage than the Nexus 4, and one that doesn’t even suggest to “check back soon”. Given the Nexus 7 LTE is brand new to the Play Store, we’re anticipating stock to replenish again. Nexus 4? Can’t be too sure.
[Nexus 4 16GB on Google Play | Nexus 7 (2013) LTE on Google Play]