People looking for the new Nexus 5 might have to wait a little longer. According to CNET, the black, 16GB version of the Google Nexus 5 sold out in the Play Store. There is no word yet on when the company will have them back in stock, and the product page only states: “We are out of inventory. Please check back soon.”
Other versions are still available for purchase, although those supplies are limited, too. Customers can still purchase the white 16GB version and the 32GB models in both colors, but shipping could take up to five weeks. The 32GB black version leaves the warehouse in two to three weeks, while the white 32GB phone will be shipped on November 26.
Google customers encountered similar problems with the Nexus 4, which came out around this time last year. Google underestimated the demand for the Nexus 4 and it sold out 15 minutes after going on sale in the UK, as reported in a ZDNet article, so it comes as no surprise that the Nexus 5 sold out. This also isn’t the first time the Google Nexus 5 sold out this month. Just a couple of hours after hitting the Play Store for the first time, CNET reported that shipping times had gone up and the “out of inventory” message had appeared on a few models.
Considering also that the new smartphone updated many aspects of its predecessor, including the release of Android 4.4, or KitKat, issues of limited supply would be expected. The improved operating system makes changes to the interface, along with features such as the ability to say “OK Google” to open the Google Now search app. A larger, higher-resolution screen and a more lightweight design, along with the improved OS and the relatively inexpensive price through the Play Store, make the Nexus 5 an in-demand product.
The smartphone, which starts at $349 on the Google Play Store without a contract, is unlocked for consumers to activate on carriers like Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Currently the Nexus 5 can only be purchased through the Play Store, but it’s also available for pre-order at various carriers and retailers. According to the International Business Times, Sprint has it starting at $150 with a contract (also available through Amazon and Best Buy), and it’ll be available on T-Mobile on November 20.
Are you disappointed that the cheapest version of the Google Nexus 5 sold out so quickly? Are you willing to wait for the Nexus 5 to go back in stock so you can get an unlocked version, or will you go for a cellular contract?
Image Source: Flickr.
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