Nexus One - US customers already receiving handsets, but what about the rest of the world?
Google launched their new smartphone, the Nexus One yesterday and US customers who ordered the same day should already be taking delivery of their new phone via next day delivery. For those outside the US wondering about availability of the device here’s some answers to the questions that we’ve been getting regarding when, where and for how much?
Availability
Google is currently shipping the phone to just 4 countries. The US (obviously), the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Singapore. Frustrating as it may be if you’re living outside of one of these 4 countries you won’t be able to access Google’s web store even though the phone is likely to work in your country. If you’re after a Nexus One handset and do live in one of these countries then you can order today and have the phone shipped via courier. There’s a charge for shipping to the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore (around $30) and you’ll may also have to pay some tax to the courier when the phone arrives depending on what country you live in.
Google have said that they will be shipping the phone to other territories from spring this year. They haven’t given any more specific information than that, but it’s in their interest to roll out as quickly as possible so we assume they will be trying to do this as soon as they can. For those in other territories who really can’t wait for the official Google launch we’ve put together a post about how you could get your hands on a Nexus One early.
Will it work with my carrier?
The Nexus One is a GSM phone, the predominant standard across Europe, Asia and the many other countries outside the US. There’s been a lot of talk in America about network compatibility because Verizon Wireless operate a large CDMA network there and also because the Nexus One will not support AT&T’s 3G network. Customers outside the US shouldn’t have as many compatibility problems but if you’ve got any concerns, drop us a reply in the comments.
How much will it cost?
Google is currently selling the phone unlocked and without a SIM card for $529.99. If you’re on a GSM network and want to replace your existing phone you can simply buy a Nexus One and start using it with your existing plan. You’ll have to pay for shipping, a country specific AC adaptor ($19.99) and possibly some tax as we outlined in a previous post.
The subsidised version of the handset for $179.99 is currently only available in the US with a 2 year T-Mobile contract. Google have said that they will be offering a subsidised version of the phone in Europe through Vodafone beginning in spring this year. Until then the only option for non-US buyers is the full-price unlocked phone for $530.
Google have also said that customers of Vodafone and T-Mobile wanting a subsidised Nexus One will qualify for an upgrade price, dependant on the type and age or their current plan. For non-US customers this option will also be available from spring 2010.
Update: Comments below from UK customers show that Google has been a little slow providing notification of shipping once their orders have been placed. This has been our experience as well. We placed orders on the 5th January and didn’t receive shipping confirmation until early in the morning on 7th. The tracking note shows that the order was actually picked up by the DHL on the 6th and arrived at 11:15am on the 8th.
Update: UK price details confirmed.
