On a ‘first’ looks basis it:

• It is a premium handset – probably one of the best in class – at a great price
• Is the first to run Android KitKat v4.3 – this version is much better with memory use and requires less customisation by handset manufacturers. It is updated by Google – not the telco carrier
• Is one of the first using the Snapdragon 800, 2.26GHz processor – and that rekindles the debate over 32 versus 64-bit and what more do you need under the bonnet. It is the same processor as used in Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 3.
• 2300 mAh battery - 17 hours talk time, 300 hours standby, and Qi wireless charging built-in. LTE hotspot use will drain it in half that time.
• Wi-Fi AC, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 and 6 band LTE
• 5”, 1920x1080p – 455ppi, IPS protected by Gorilla Glass 3 is higher than Apple 5S and Samsung S4
• The Sony based 8MP camera has optical image stabilisation

On the not so glowing side reviewers often mention

• Lack of memory expansion – buy the 32GB. Apple does not have an SD slot either and cloud storage is always an option
• Utilitarian design – no faux leather or bamboo here
• Sound volume is lower than expected – but the quality is good
• Most would have liked a higher megapixel camera but the picture quuality is good

It is almost as if Google said to OEM manufacturer LG – this better be the best-specified phone on the planet. But LG quietly put a little more specification into its excellent G2 so have a look at that too before you decide – it too will be upgradeable to KitKat.

Telstra’s Nexus 5 on the $60 Every Day Connect or Business Plan has a $9 handset repayment per month (24 months), with $600 worth of included calls and MMS, unlimited SMS and 1GB of data, all to standard Australian numbers (excluding use overseas) each month. Min cost over 24 months is $1656 ($69/mth) and 2-minute standard call is $2.38, excess data $0.10/MB.

Google sells it on its Australian Play Store for AU$449 but stock will not be available for 2-3 weeks.

iTWire’s David Swan has previously covered the device so click through if you want his opinion.