Samsung Galaxy Nexus Available in Canada: How Long Will Verizon Make U.S. Fans Wait?

Samsung Galaxy Nexus fans in U.S. might be jealous of those in Canada as even though Verizon hasn't confirmed the U.S. release date, the smartphone has already hit stores in Canada, thanks to Virgin Mobile and Bell.

Virgin Mobile and Bell are selling Galaxy Nexus for only $160 with a three-year contract. However, an unlocked version of the smartphone that can run on AT&T or T-Mobile network in the U.S. can be snagged for $650.

Recent rumors claimed Galaxy Nexus will hit the U.S. market on Friday. However, Verizon Wireless has denied the rumors. On Verizon's purported equipment guide, it says Launch date coming soon. Earlier, it purportedly said that launch date was Dec. 9.

Elsewhere, a purported leaked ad of Best Buy indicated that Dec. 11 will be the launch date, but it could not be confirmed.

Verizon has not given any comment on the possibility of Galaxy Nexus being launched on either of the dates - Dec. 9 or Dec. 11. We haven't officially announced a launch date for the Galaxy Nexus, a Verizon Wireless spokesman told CNet.

Android fans are beginning to wonder if Galaxy Nexus will at all be launched in the U.S. this year. Galaxy Nexus is the first smartphone to run on Google's latest Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and Verizon would b committing a blunder if the smartphone doesn't get released during the holiday shopping season.

It is reported that Galaxy Nexus will be sold in the U.S. for $299 with a two-year contract.

The features of Samsung Galaxy Nexus are as follows:

• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 1.2GHz Dual-Core Processor
• 4.65 Super AMOLED Display
• 5MP Rear-, 1.3MP Front-facing camera
• 32GB Internal Storage
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, NFC, Wi-Fi Direct
• Face Unlock, Android Beam & More
• 3.5mm Audio Jack
• 1GB RAM
• 4G LTE (region specific)