By Herman Lai, posted Dec 6, 2012 at 8:02 AM, 5,913 views,

Hong Kong Retailer To Offer Nexus 4 in Hong Kong At US$567, Same As Grey Market Offering

Those who have been waiting to buy a cheap Nexus 4 in Hong Kong would probably get upset by now, because some troubling reports are starting to appear. A poster from Wilson (a smartphone vendor) showed up several days ago that a 16GB version Nexus 4 will be selling at HKD$4398 (US$567), meaning it will be twice as expensive as Google’s online offering. In addition, LG has invited Hong Kong media to an announcement on the 11 December, it’s expecting to hear the white color version Nexus 4 to be announced as well.

Don’t get too surprised yet. In fact, similar reports also emerged in other countries in Europe. Last month, Spanish retailer The Phone House suspended Nexus 4 sales because LG’s recommended retail price was $783 (EUR 599), far more higher than offered via Google. In other words, this is not a specific case that just happens to Hong Kong, it’s also happening to every countries other than United State.

Nexus 4 has been considered as a major threat to Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi, because it could offer a high-end specs with an affordable price just like many the popular Chinese budget handsets. Since Google announced Nexus 4, scalpers have been scrambling the device from Google’s Play Store, and reselling it in Hong Kong grey market for a mark-up price. The cheaper 8GB model was about HKD$3700 (US$477) and it is already sold out, while the 16GB version is at HKD$4380 (US$565) and there’s still stocks available. Meaning the retail price of Nexus 4 from smartphone vendors is just the same as it does in the grey market. LG is expected to sell Nexus 4 in Hong Kong in the middle of December. With Google’s Play store, it is unlikely to make Nexus 4 available Hong Kong customers anytime soon, as there’re overwhelming demands for Nexus 4 smartphone around the global.

In this sense, the grey market and local retailers are the only two channels that have Nexus 4 for sales in Hong Kong but it comes with an experience price tag, whereas Google Play Store is only place that has Nexus 4 at the cheapest price but it’s not available for sale in Hong Kong. WTH?!

Editor’s Note: Some correction on the currency calculation.

Source: ePrice.hk (Chinese translated)