Samsung launches Galaxy Nexus today

KOREAN HARDWARE GIANT Samsung is launching the Galaxy Nexus Smartphone today, which debuts Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The high profile and much anticipated handset has gone on sale with retailers and mobile operators despite the uncertainties that surrounded the launch earlier this week. Samsung stuck to its launch date but not everyone else did.

Phones 4U opened its doors at 8am today to let punters get their hands on the Nexus regardless of the fact that on Tuesday it told us, "We will be stocking the phone but can't confirm when it will go on sale," and that the launch date was "up in the air."

Phones 4U's cheapest monthly rate that includes the phone for free is £36 per month on Orange with a two year contract.

The other big name retailer, The Carphone Warehouse has told us that it won't be selling the Galaxy Nexus until 26 November.

The only mobile operator that confirmed it would be selling the phone with us earlier in the week was O2, and it has now confirmed that the Galaxy Nexus has gone on sale online and is in "some stores today" and will be in "all stores from tomorrow".

You can get hold of the phone from Three online but not in a physical shop until tomorrow, as it had delays to its stock. Meanwhile, the phone is still sitting on Vodafone's coming soon page.

Orange and T-Mobile are not selling the smartphone directly but you can still get it on a tariff with either via Phones 4U.

If you're after a SIM-free model then you'll need to be patient because stock isn't due until 23 November at Clove, 1 December at Expansys and 2 December at Amazon. A SIM-free purchase will set you back around £515. µ