Google's big, bold, and beautiful new Android phone is today being released in the UK. The Samsung-built Galaxy Nexus was announced to be launching on November 17th a couple of weeks ago, but some carriers and retailers have since had to bump back their release date for it. Never fear, though, the official Google Nexus Twitter account informs us Phones4U will have the Android 4.0 smartphone in stock at 8AM today, with Vodafone, O2, and Three getting their shipments in at the same time or a few days later. Naturally, we're only talking about the GSM, non-LTE version of the Galaxy Nexus with this UK launch, though the LTE-equipped variety should be making its way stateside right about now so as to complete its highly anticipated debut on Google's home turf.
As it turns out, the Oxford Street Phones4U store will be the only one to have the Galaxy Nexus on launch day today, but O2 and the other carriers are taking orders now and will be able to ship one to you very soon indeed. You know, in case you don't want to encourage this silly practice of exclusive single-store launches. Google tells us the Galaxy Nexus will be available "pretty much everywhere" in the UK from Monday, November 21st.
Comments
Well that was 5 minutes ago then.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:05 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You’ll notice I got the post in with a minute to spare. :)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:07 AM EST reply Recommend (18) Flag actions
How long have you known without telling us? Or can you not tell us that?
Do you have a review unit?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:17 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
I Got some latest news about Google Nexus smartphone here
http://www.shaileshtripathi.in/2011/07/nexus-4g-revealed-dual-core-15ghz-cpu.html
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:28 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
LUKY *UKS!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:27 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Hah. Man, you got so much more Android phones than we got here. Sheesh. And you still whine..It’s just a matter of time anyway.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:14 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yes! Can’t wait to read a review!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:11 AM EST reply Recommend (6) Flag actions
I’m jealous on this side of the Atlantic. Who knows when Verizon is going to launch the thing…
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:11 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
At least you have the new Google Music ;)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:57 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Very vague but still promising.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 2:11 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Mattias Duarte said it would be available in November, so that narrows it down to within the next two weeks. :-)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:14 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
While I certainly hope so, he nor Google have any control over Verizon selling it whenever they want. If they decide to postpone it, they have the right to do that, in which case I have the right to poop on their lawn.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:20 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I would be very surprised if Google had no say in the release. I realize the device will be on vzw’s network, but these Nexus phones are a different breed.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 1:24 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Verizon: Always late to the party…
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:16 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Yeah they need to hurry up and get on the LTE train too!!!… Oh wait.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:55 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
When can we expect a review, Vlad?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:19 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I think Josh will review this one ;-)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:30 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
He will indeed. Review units have been a tiny bit impossible to obtain early, so we’re working to write the comprehensive review this phone deserves. It’ll be with you the moment it’s ready.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:45 AM EST reply Recommend (18) Flag actions
Will you be doing a retail unit hands on?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:04 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I hope Josh can be objective =D
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:38 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Josh Topolsky’s reviews are ALWAYS objective, being an android user himself, i think he expects a lot more from his devices, and therefore his criticisms are not to be perceived as sleights or disses against any platform, but just holding up to a higher standard, that frankly everyone, whether they are ios users or android users, should be open to.
either way,
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:21 AM EST reply Recommend (20) Flag actions
In the future I think Google will have one giant whitespace wifi network covering the states and they’ll sell this thing for 299 unsubsidized and everyone will make calls using Google talk.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:21 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend (6) Flag actions
Hah. What a wonderful dream.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:54 AM EST reply Recommend (16) Flag actions
You forget the part where they change their name to something more friendly… like Omni Consumer products, and set about creating a new city out of the ruins of Detroit.
It’s gonna happen…I had a vision!!!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:57 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
And the green android, will have a mutilated cop inside of him, his brain programmed to serve and protect… but they cant program his heart… and he will always be murphy.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:23 AM EST reply Recommend (7) Flag actions
I can’t wait to read the review! And maybe a head to head battle against iPhone 4s.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:23 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
We need a review!!!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:27 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Posted 1 minute before launch!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:28 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
WANT! too bad I’m not from UK : (
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
cannot wait to buy it.
VLAD, please review it~!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:36 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I assume Phones4U are only offering it on contract. That seems to be the only option I see on their site.
I’ll never forget the time I got laughed out of a Phones4U shop in 2006 for even suggesting I might be interested in a smartphone. Not a great organisation.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:44 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
They’ve always seemed like the downmarket version of CPW to me. For a long time they didn’t even have real phones to try in their shops.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:05 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
where i live CPW has only just got live phones in store, like 2 weeks ago.
Cornwall is the worst place for latest tech
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 6:54 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Except, seemingly for my local Phones4U shop. Nearly bust an artery yesterday when they told me they wouldn’t have it until next week… >:(
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:47 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Looks like it’s only the Oxford St one.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:05 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
rescricted distribution = bigger queues / hype.
makes sense.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:17 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
well, I needed an excuse to go to London…
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:42 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Just ordered through O2. arriving tomorrow – nothing on website and live chat on site not helpful – rang up and sorted.. quite excited, first step in to the android waters
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:02 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
What price/tarrif?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:32 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
£79.99 upfront
£47 a month (18months)
900mins/unlim txt/500mb data
O2
not great really but… the world we live in..
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 10:58 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
£47?!
you got ripped off bad.
i get the same txts/mins/data for £30 on my nexus one
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 6:55 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That’s weak Google a U.S. company launches the phone overseas and doesn’t even give us a release date yet.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:07 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You can blame Google, but its Verzion’s fault. I cannot wait to get my hands on one as soon as i figure out how to get a gsm version in the US.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:28 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
I’ll blame Google. This is their Nexus phone, it should be available for T-Mobile/GSM right now. This launch is a total cock up.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 11:48 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
America gets all the Google Betas and the UK get left with nothing. Give us this one at least.
Anyway, mine’s arriving tomorrow ;-)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:32 AM EST reply Recommend (5) Flag actions
Oh boohoo. I live in Scandinavia, and even though our broadband is among the best in the world, we still have to wait ages to get access to stuff like Netflix, Google Music, Hulu, etc.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:05 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Nothing to do with Google. The phone is sold by Samsung to the carriers. Google has no involvment in the sales process. The only time they were was with the original Nexus One.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:10 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
How are you coming to this insane conclusion?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:22 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
well google is american, samsung is korean… so they figured they’d do it halfway-ish between the two :P
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:25 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Which operator gives the best deal for Nexus?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:24 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
3 are offering:
2000 mins
3000 Texts
Unlimited Net
5000 3 to 3 Mins
for 40 quid a month, I thought that was pretty good PLUS 3 have HSPA+ Netowrk!
Fastest in the UK.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:34 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
They only do 24 month contracts, though.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:50 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
MF Doom, homie.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:39 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Thanks for the info! I’m currently with Vodafone but it looks I’ll have to change to 3 :)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 6:21 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That’s pretty good. I ordered mine today for a £33.50 a month tariff (reduced from 41). 900 minutes, unlimited texts and 1gb of data. I wanted to stick with Orange though because I’ve heard that Three have quite bad coverage and terrible customer service! That may have changed since I heard that but was still too scared to change :P
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
A launch somewhere means reviews will be coming soon. Plus Matias said Verizon in November, so this is all good.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Does the UK include Ireland?
I wish we’d never fought and died for our independance now. Look. Look at this terrible beauty what’s been borned. ;-(
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:45 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Very poetic.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:06 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I just laughed out loud.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:48 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Tech fan of the year, no question. I shake your virtual hand.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 6:25 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Jeez, Ireland has already sold it’s soul to Google in tax breaks and letting them into universities.. They’ll be far worse than the Brits ever were:)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:12 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I think Apple is technically an Irish company, too…
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:08 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Where can I buy it unlocked? Seriously I’m thinking of getting on a plane right now just to get the phone faster!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 5:14 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
From Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-16GB-Smartphone/dp/B005XYU45E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321529519&sr=8-1
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 6:32 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yeah but I was kind of wondering where to buy it Now, not on December 2nd..
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:25 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You can’t buy it unlocked anywhere at the moment.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:00 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I ordered mine this morning at 9:30am (GMT) from O2 upgrades – £149.99 – on an 18 month contract. 300mins talk/unlimited texts + 500mb internet @ £37 p/m.
They wanted £250 upfront for a 12 month contract @ £37 p/m
Should arrive tomorrow via courier I’m told!
Wootabix!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 6:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung came into work today to showcase the Galaxy Nexus. Had about a ten minute play with it. I won’t give a crazy in depth analysis of my hands on, but here is my general opinion:
ICS is awesome. The phone is also very pretty and feels rock solid. Personally I prefer my GSII, I can’t really give a reason why at the moment.
Also had a cheeky sneek peek at the Galaxy Note. It’s huge and has a very nice screen. It looks a bit cheap. However, it does look ridiculous and I find the fact it has a stylus embarrassing if anything.
On the plus side they gave us all freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:14 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I realise that was full of typos. Sorry.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:17 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Where do you work? Verizon? GIMMMMMIE A RELEASE DATE :(
VERIZON WHY U NOT LET ME SHOVEL MONEY AT U!?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 10:28 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I’m from a UK network :)
Posted on Nov 19, 2011 | 9:37 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
FML! Was so stoked to get it today and then read this just before heading to the store (where they had said previously they’d have it in stock today!), well gutted!
Well I’ve ordered it in store today he said they have them in stock so might come tomorrow, I hope so..
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:21 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Handtec selling it for £424.99 exc VAT. Gotta get me summa-dat!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:44 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Excluding VAT? For the love of god, let’s not start doing the American thing of stupidly listing prices without tax.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:54 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Mine is arriving on Tuesday apparently
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:06 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
… i wish i was in london right now
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:12 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I cant wait to get mine tommorow!!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:23 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
what does “pretty much everywhere” mean? “pretty much everywhere” in the UK…or worldwide?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:25 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Just went to Orange, O2 and Three shops near Charing Cross in London and those guys don’t even know it has been released. I was told they will have it in a week or so…
Where can I order one? (except Phones4U)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:37 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Don’t you just hate it when you go to phone shops and you know more about phones than they do?!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:01 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Oh and what’s wrong with Phones4U? Nothing I hope as I ordered with them earlier! There is also www.buymobilephones.net and Carphone Warehouse. Although on the advert on the back of this paper I have here it says that Phones4U have a 2-week exclusive for multi-carrier outlets.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:08 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
There might not be anything wrong with Phones4U, I just wanted to buy it directly from the operator.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:17 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So we know Verizon has the carrier launch for the US, but can we still go to Best Buy when it comes out and just get the unlocked HSPA+ model for a no-contract price? That’s what I want to know.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 8:49 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Now THAT is a commercial. We need to see more android commercials like this.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:30 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
I couldn’t agree more.. This is the first Android commercial that actually shows the phone doing something and isn’t a high speed motorcycle chase followed by a robotic box holding up a phone or a woman doing combat with a cyborg.
This is one is people using the phone and showing what the software can do. Nothing about how thin the phone is, nothing about how many cores the processor has. Beautiful.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 11:12 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Because it’s not a Motorola commercial! This was a Google/Samsung commercial. I think it has a lot to do with the manufacturer, just like the differences in quality of hardware and software amongst Android phones.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:22 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Wired UK has their full review up:
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:38 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Oops, link omitted. Wired UK has their full review up
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:39 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Not knocking you here as you are only the messenger, but I have to say that is a pretty poor review!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 11:23 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yeah, it’s terrible. If you’re going to knock the camera, post examples. If you’re going to comment on battery life, run some kind of test (e.g., playing a video) and compare it to other phones. And so on.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 11:43 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I’m crying with laughter at their comments section. They’re going apish*t!!.
People are literally throwing baby-like tantrums at the reviewer. It’s hilarious. What’s wrong with these people? It’s like he’s just been convicted of mass murder.
One exchange is brilliant where a commenter refuses to believe that they (a respected publication) would be given a phone to review before the official launch. He just won’t accept that it could happen, so refuses to believe the review has any legitimacy. He must be a 12 year old.
This place is like the Eton Debating Society in comparison.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 11:34 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yeah that entire page is a cluster. The Verge is a godsend.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:30 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I may be an iPhone user, but, I really like this Android Phone, I hope it does well so Apple can kick into gear next year and come out with a new phone that will be able to compete with these LTE loving wonders.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:50 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Ha! She’s eating an Ice Cream Sandwich at 0:43!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 10:12 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 10:16 AM EST reply Recommend (6) Flag actions
Bet it tastes good. Om, nom nom, nom nom.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 10:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Bet, Google is not planning to release that. If they, it would be massively awesome. It would have killer feature like NFC, touch to share…….:-)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:26 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
She’s cute.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:28 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
“Google tells us the Galaxy Nexus will be available “pretty much everywhere” from Monday, November 21st." Can I assume “pretty much everywhere” includes the U.S.???
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 10:48 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
We can only hope it does.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 11:42 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Finally… a commercial for an android phone that highlights it’s features!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 11:48 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Ordered mine from O2 this afternoon.. after 6 attempts online and on the phone, now the order is pending “referral for checks”.
It’s almost like they don’t want to take my money!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:06 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s funny that a store called Phones4U got the exclusive first launch. In the US, a store with a name like that would be in the sketchy part of town and they would sell mostly Metro PCS and various pre-paid phones, and a few bongs for some reason. Online, it would be an Amazon merchant that people are reluctant to do business with, but do it anyway because they claim to have the product they’re looking for.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 12:25 PM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
That’s not safe…
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 2:22 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
the advert smells like apple. ahh well, all the stuff smells like apple… but… just like.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:53 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
At last a commercial for an android phone that doesn’t suck. Showcases the brilliance of the phone and ends, iPhonesque :p
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 6:31 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
With it had a slightly smaller screen, about 4" is about the right size for me.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 7:32 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Is it a default that the phones are unlocked or does one have to request it?
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 9:21 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Lol, eBay is already lighting up with international auctions. Tempting for sure if you have AT&T…
Around $800…
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 10:19 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Let’s hope today’s the day….. (::sigh::)
Posted on Nov 21, 2011 | 12:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
best of luck
Posted on Nov 24, 2011 | 9:21 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
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