Just yesterday we reported that the Google Nexus 4 was available in India via retailer Flipkart and now LG India has officially released the smartphone in the country. LG India has priced the 16GB variant of the smartphone for Rs. 25,999 (approximately $475).
LG Electronics India, Managing Director, Soon Kwon noted "LG Electronics is pleased to partner Google on the release of the Nexus 4 in India. We added the best of our talent to our strength, and the result is a feature-packed smartphone that packs superb hardware under a slim hood. With LG Nexus 4, consumers would be delighted by the perfectly balanced combination of style, function and power."
LG released the Nexus 4 in partnership with Google in Nov. 2012. The smartphone was initially released in the U.S., Europe and other select markets around the world. The Nexus 4 hits the Indian shores nearly six months after its debut.
However, the Nexus 4 sports a heftier price tag in India when compared to other countries. The reason for the higher price in India is due to no subsidy from Google for India sales. In the U.S., the 8GB variant is sold for $299 (around Rs. 16,250) and the 16GB model retails for $349 (around Rs.19,000).
Earlier this year, speculations were rife that the delay in Nexus 4's launch in India was allegedly due to a disagreement between Google and LG over the smartphone's pricing for the Indian market.
With the Nexus 4 sporting a hefty price of Rs. 25,999 for the 16GB version, it remains to be seen if the smartphone will do well in India. Moreover, rumor has it that only the 16GB version will be available and the 8GB model may not see the light of day in the country.
Those interested can also place pre-orders for the Nexus 4 (16GB) at Flipkart for Rs. 25,990 and Spice-owned Saholic for Rs. 30,000.
Google is yet to offer the Nexus 4 via its Google Play Store, but the smartphone will be sold online, via major retail stores and select LG exclusive brand shops.
