Nexus S UK Price-Drop Confirmed As Launch Slips To December 22

As we spotted over the weekend, Google's Nexus S has seen a price-cut in the UK, with the SIM-free Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone now coming in at £429.99 rather than the original £549.95. However, Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy UK have also confirmed this morning that the handset has been delayed a couple of days from Google's original launch plan: the UK Nexus S will now go on sale from December 22 2010, rather than from today.

The pre-pay price for the Nexus S has also been reduced, down to the same £429.99 as the SIM-free figure; over the weekend, it had remained at the original £549.95. On contract, the Nexus S is available from free with a new agreement priced at £30 per month or above.

As for in-store availability this coming Wednesday, only "key" Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy stores will have stock; all other branches of Carphone Warehouse will be taking orders via instant ship delivery, so you won't be able to walk away with a phone there and then. For more on the Nexus S, check out the full SlashGear review.

Google Nexus S unboxing & walkthrough:

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Press Release:

Nexus S From Google Now Available from £429.99, free from £30/month

The Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy are today announcing that the Nexus S Smartphone from Google will arrive in the UK in time for Christmas at a great new price.

From 22nd December 2010, the only Smartphone running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) will be available to buy from The Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy. Due to strong customer interest, limited stock will be available to buy direct at key Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy stores in the UK. All other branches of The Carphone Warehouse will be taking orders via instant ship delivery which will allow customers to pick up the phone from any store at their convenience. Customers can also order online at www.carphonewarehouse.com and www.bestbuy.co.uk. For those looking to upgrade, the Nexus S from Google will be available via direct sales on 0800 925 925.

Nexus S will be available from free with a £30/month contract, or on PAYG for £429.99 plus £10 minimum top up with O2, Orange, Vodafone and T-Mobile. In addition, the Nexus S Smartphone from Google will be available SIM free for £429.99.