The Nexus 4 Does Have LTE, It’s Just Not Switched On (Updated)

Following that iFixit teardown of the Nexus 4, it looks like LG and Google did kit out their new flagship with LTE after all—at least, there's a Qualcomm multi-band LTE chip in there—it's just not active. But why whack in a 4G chip and not bother to use it?

There are a couple of theories. The first is network restriction: perhaps one or more mobile carriers have called dibs on an LTE-equipped version to be "released" at a later date. Another theory, as suggested by Ars Technica is that LG's just left the chip in there as a throw over from the Optimus G, on which the Nexus 4 is based, to reduce manufacturing streams. That's possible, but why put a chip in there that costs you extra cash if you weren't going to use it?

On the bright side, perhaps now we'll have a reason for people to actually root stock Android. Maybe, just maybe, someone will be able to activate that dormant LTE chip and gift the Nexus 4 with 4G. That really would make Google's flagship absolutely killer. (Update: As eagle-eyed readers have pointed out, an LTE chip is of limited use without an LTE radio. Maybe someone can hack that together, too...?)[iFixit via Ars Technica]

The Nexus 4 Does Have LTE, It’s Just Not Switched On (Updated) Our newest offspring Gizmodo UK is gobbling up the news in a different timezone, so check them out if you need another Giz fix.