Are UK Operators Sourcing a Google Phone Alternative?
There’s no doubt that the Google Nexus One is a decent alternative to the iPhone, but there are some issues with it, that are making European and UK operators in particular look at alternative products even before the full release in Britain.
In the US sales figures haven’t been as high as expected (only a reported 80000 sold in January) and the Google after sales care has been widely criticised, as they don’t have online retail customer service experience, yet are selling he handset online. This has led to consumers finding it difficult to get responses to queries with emails reportedly taking days to get any kind of response.
With Google insisting the Nexus can only be made available to sell online through their store, even Google’s UK network partners Vodafone appear to be looking for another alternative handset. Vodafone will be offering the Nexus One free with long term contracts-around the same price as their iPhone contracts- in the UK. But with sales of the Goggle handset extremely sluggish so far, a plan B phone might be in the offing.
The ready made alternative to the Google Nexus One would appear to be the HTC Bravo, which has a very similar spec to the Nexus One. Both phones run on the newest version of the Android O/S, both have 5megapixel cameras, 3.7 inch colour touchscreens and Snapdragon processors that are more powerful then the one in the iPhone.
Coincidentally Taiwanese Manufacturer HTC who make the Bravo also make the Nexus One for Google, but their Bravo handset is expected to come in somewhere between £50 – £60 cheaper than the Google handset.
The HTC model also has the advantage of being sold in-store over the counter to customers, rather than only being available online like the Nexus. Vodafone are said to be extremely interested in the device along with O2, while T-Mobile have already been reported as going to stock the device and offer it free on a £20 per month contract over 2 years.
HTC are expected to unveil the Bravo at the Mobile World Congress starting 15 February in Barcelona. There is some speculation that the phone could reach the UK even before the Nexus One does, although it is more likely it will be launched a week or two later.
If you were thinking about investing in a Goggle Nexus One, it could be worthwhile waiting and checking out the full spec of the Bravo after it is unveiled next week as everything indicates it will be a serious rival to the Nexus One and better still… cheaper!
