LG Nexus 4 Release Date: What to Expect

As October 29th fast approaches, many Android enthusiasts and average consumers alike are waiting for the official details about the LG Nexus 4, Google’s new Nexus phone, and its release details. And while all the details remain stored away in the minds of Google executives, it’s time to take a look at what we expect from the upcoming LG Nexus 4 release date.

Over the past month, the LG Nexus 4 has leaked out like crazy, to the point where the phone is so out in the open that it’s not going to offer much of a surprise when it arrives on October 29th at Google’s launch event in New York City.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs. LG Nexus 4.

The LG Nexus 4 is expected to feature some high-end specifications including a 4.7-inch HD display, quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and a new version of Jelly Bean called Android 4.2. It’s also expected to come in two storage options, 8GB and 16GB, with a design that is a bit heavier and thicker than the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the previous version of the Nexus smartphone.

So, the features, we think we know. We also think we know some tidbits about the devices release date, though, the full picture remains unclear.

However, based on past launches, gut feelings and some leaks, we can make some predictions about the LG Nexus 4 release date and what those awaiting the new Nexus phone should expect from it.

Let’s take a look.

LG Nexus 4 Release Date as Soon as October 30th

Initially, we were expecting a same day release of the LG Nexus 4, which would mean that it would launch and be released on October 29th. However, a Carphone Warehouse listing that emerged today suggests that the phone will ship out a day later on October 30th. That could mean that orders for the device will start one day after on October 30th or it could mean that there is a one day pre-order.

That listing is for the UK, but we don’t expect other markets to be too far off.

Worst case scenario, from here, looks the Nexus 4 shipping out the day after Google announces it and for those that have waited to place an order for it, that’s a very good thing.

Carriers at the Start

It appears that the device, at the very least, will made available for Vodafone or O2 in the United Kingdom starting on October 30th. So, it would seem that there will indeed be carriers for the Nexus 4 at the start and not just the SIM-free unlocked version. However, it’s unclear just how that will play out for the United States.

Sprint and Verizon, the two carriers of the Galaxy Nexus, could presumably carry the device again and it’s also possible that the device may just arrive unlocked for AT&T and T-Mobile, which are both GSM networks.

If Sprint and Verizon do carry the device, don’t expect it to arrive until later this year. We’ve heard that French carrier SFR won’t be getting it until December, so it’s possible that American carriers could see it arrive later this year as well.

Two Color Options

Thanks to a screenshot leak, we now know that the new Nexus phone, which has generally just come in black, will evidently be coming in two color options this time around. The Galaxy Nexus arrived with just one color option, a blackish-gray.

This time though, it seems the LG Nexus 4 will be available in both black and white which should please those that want something other than the standard hue.

Multiple Retailers

Carphone Warehouse may be the only retailer that leaked its Nexus 4 details but we don’t expect it to be the only place to buy the Nexus 4 on release day. In addition, we should see other retailers offer up the Nexus 4, possibly even including the Google Play Store which now offers both the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7 tablet.

It’s also possible that we’ll see individual carriers offer it through their online and physical retail locations but thus far, details haven’t emerged.

At the very least, expect multiple points of purchase.

Easy Time Finding One

Unlike the iPhone 5, we don’t expect this phone to hit back-order immediately after being announced and put up for sale. It didn’t happen with the Galaxy Nexus and it likely won’t happen with the Nexus 4. Even more, the Nexus is facing some serious in-house competition this time around from the likes of the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note 2 and Motorola Droid RAZR HD & RAZR HD MAXX.

Read: Can the New Nexus Phone Compete with the iPhone 5?

That being said, those who wish to find one on release day should be able to find one easily.

Arrival of Android 4.2

Numerous leaks have all but confirmed Android 4.2 as the Nexus 4’s on board operating system and the Nexus 4 release date should also mark the release date of Android 4.2.

At the event, Google may outline roll out timelines for the Android 4.2 update for other devices but it will very likely be the Nexus 4 that runs Android 4.2 exclusively for a short while.

The software is rumored to have new features including a new Quick Settings feature and a new Gmail application but thus far, most of its other contents remain a mystery and likely will until October 29th.