For once it makes sense to buy the LG Nexus 4 through T-Mobile, instead of directly through Google Play
Lots of people have been knocking T-Mobile’s pricing strategy for the LG Nexus 4, complaining that it’s much more expensive to purchase the phone through the carrier, rather than directly through Google itself. And for a long time that was true – until now.
When the Nexus 4 was originally released, T-Mobile charged a full retail price of $549.99 for the 16GB version, even though it was available from the Play Store for only $349.99. However, T-Mobile has recently dropped the price of the device, and – when considering the free accessory that the carrier throws in – it actually makes more sense to purchase the Nexus 4 from T-Mobile, instead of the Google Play Store. Let’s take a closer look.
T-Mobile’s latest price drop brings the total cost of the 16GB Nexus 4 down to $408.00, and T-Mobile also throws in the official wireless charger for free (that’s a value of $59.99). T-Mobile also offers free 2-3 day shipping, and if we consider that the national average for sales tax is around 9%, our total price for the Nexus 4 is about $444.72, give or take a few bucks depending on your local sales tax rate.
Now let’s take a look at Google’s pricing:
16GB Nexus 4: $349.00
Wireless charger: $59.99
9% sales tax: $36.81
2 day shipping (it usually takes 3 days, given Google’s extra day for order processing): $13.99
Total price: $459.79
In other words, you’re actually saving $15.07 by purchasing the phone and wireless charger directly from T-Mobile!
Granted, this assumes you actually want the official wireless charger. This also assumes that your sales tax will be close to 9% (the national average). If you don’t want the charger, you’ll save money by purchasing it from Google Play. But if you want the full wireless experience – including wireless charging – then this option from T-Mobile does make sense. Or if you want the white version of the phone, you’re pretty much stuck with T-Mobile, since it’s sold out on Google Play.
There’s no telling how long this price cut will last, or how many free chargers T-Mobile has left, so if you want this deal, I’d jump on it now. Otherwise, if you’d prefer to wait for the next Nexus or even the Moto X, just ignore this.
[T-Mobile]
