It was the phone that brought Android KitKat and high performance to the masses, combining a bargain price with flagship-class specs and a fast and fluid user interface. The Nexus 5 was one of our favorite phones last year and has continued to be a great choice deep into 2014, but today reports emerged suggesting that Google has axed it from its lineup. Tech Radar cites a Google spokesperson warning that production of the Nexus 5 has been discontinued and "once they are gone, they're gone." In an emailed statement to The Verge, however, Google disputes that claim by saying that the "Nexus 5 will continue to be available for sale on Google Play and through select retailers in Q1 2015."
Despite Google's protestations, it does seem like stores are presently finishing off whatever inventory they have and phasing out last year's purest Android device. Most retailers have already run out of the white and pseudo-red Nexus 5, and only have the black version still available. Google's own Play Store no longer lists the other colors and even the black variant is currently out of stock. It would be a shame to see what's still a highly competent device being taken off the market so soon — particularly since the upgrade to Android 5.0 gives the Nexus 5 a fresh breath of life and an attractive Material Design overhaul. Google's assurances should mean that the Nexus 5 will make its return to the Play Store and elsewhere, but it might be a short-lived reprieve. Without the out-of-stock 5, those who wish to buy the purest expression of Google's Android experience are currently left with only one choice: the larger and pricier Nexus 6.
Comments
By Boghog on 12.11.14 1:36pm
By whiskeylover on 12.11.14 1:43pm
This story says otherwise.
By StartsConversations on 12.11.14 1:44pm
By armando_rod on 12.11.14 1:47pm
My point is, who do we believe? A Google spokesperson that presumably had knowledge of N5 stock for replacements to a paying customer or a Google spokesperson that got the lucky chance to reply to the media?
By StartsConversations on 12.11.14 1:54pm
From your link:
Your source doesn’t claim to have official word from Google, but The Verge does.
By mondeca on 12.11.14 2:17pm
Says what? Something about Monty Python? Are you sure you replied to the right message? Or did you just want your post to be at the top?
By whiskeylover on 12.11.14 1:50pm
"I can’t take him like that. It’s against regulations."
By VoxMediaUser750143 on 12.12.14 12:25am
Too bad Apple and Google didn’t release 5+ devices, like spec-bumped versions of the year old devices…. that would’ve been nice.
By aarontsuru on 12.11.14 1:47pm
I don’t think Google really need to get better specs, just drop the price, which, IMO makes to a much better Nexus strategy.
By MrColingh on 12.11.14 6:58pm
No, it does. A nice camera & battery bump, and maybe a memory & processor bump, would be nice for 2014/15.
By aarontsuru on 12.11.14 10:50pm
The 5S is still damn good though (as is the N5).
By toomuchcoffee on 12.12.14 11:33am
The 5s is a great device. The N5 is pretty good too (battery & camera could be better though). Just saying many people would’ve killed for a 5s+ and N5+ instead of the bigger iP6, 6+, and N6.
I mean…. if you love the device, who wouldn’t love the same device that is only better?
By aarontsuru on 12.12.14 1:58pm
the N5 is still the best smart phone you can buy. esp if you are budget minded and off contract
it can’t be beat from a value perspective. I’m hoping Google makes a new N5 next year.
By Reav30 on 12.11.14 1:52pm
Yup. I just bought a used one from Gazelle for $200 and its the best money i’ve spent on a phone.
By Jose A on 12.11.14 2:24pm
Indeed! I love mine with the $30 Tmobile 5GB plan. I feel like I actually found one weird trick.
By NaJaKwa on 12.11.14 2:42pm
I’m rocking the same setup – I love the look on people’s faces when I tell them my cellphone bill is $30 and I have 5 GB of data to use. For the record, T-Mobile is greater in my area (Philadelphia region), but get too far outside the city and surrounding regions and you’re in trouble (I’m looking at you Allentown).
By TheRealJT on 12.11.14 3:19pm
Yeah, it is shite outside of cities.
By NaJaKwa on 12.11.14 3:28pm
Is that T-Mobile plan prepaid? Data only? Special offer? I’d like to get my hands on it.
By jmcneive on 12.11.14 3:42pm
It’s only available online or through Walmart.
By jmochnick on 12.11.14 3:49pm
Yes it is TMo prepaid. $30/month for 5GB data, unlimited talk and text. As an added bonus, T-Mo’s Music Freedom is included and you can stream music from the a bunch of different music apps like Google Play Music, Spotify, etc. without counting towards your 5GB data allotment.
By DnB925Art on 12.11.14 4:14pm
If by ‘added bonus’ you mean the slow erosion of net neutrality, sure.
By Trent Archer on 12.11.14 4:50pm
I thought it was only 100 minutes of talk?
By Synderesis on 12.11.14 5:06pm
A lot of what you said is false. You only get 100 minutes of talk. T-Mobile’s Music Freedom is not included.
By empty86 on 12.11.14 5:40pm
Sony Xperia Z3 compact. 4 times the battery life. More than twice the camera. The unlocked international version is packed with bands and will get updates without carrier interference. The usability is also unparalleled because of it’s size to screen ratio. And it’s all for $500 on ebay free shipping and no taxes. Yes the N5 is cheaper but it’s not worth it. Compared to the Z3C the N5 should be $200. And it isn’t.
By 5098309439048 on 12.11.14 3:47pm