Over the past year several Google Play Edition devices have ended their run on the Google Play Store, devices included the likes of HTC One (M7), Xperia Z Ultra, Moto G and even the LG G Pad 8.3, and now its the end of the road for Samsung’s Galaxy S4. The Google Play Edition of this smartphone is no longer available for purchase from the Google Play Store, it had already been out of stock for quite some time now.
There are no major differences between a Google Play Edition device and its counterparts. GPE devices offer stock Android experience as opposed to the custom skins that OEMs throw on top of their devices, and they’re also the next in line for new Android updates after Google’s own Nexus smartphones and tablets receive them.
Customers who are looking for a stock Android experience and quick updates in a package that’s not carrier locked and can be purchased outright can go with Google Play Edition devices.
Only the HTC One (M8) GPE is available for purchase from the Google Play Store. All of the others have disappeared, including the Samsung Galaxy S4. The other devices being sold through Google Play Store right now include Nexus 9, Nexus 6 and the Nexus 5.
No word as yet from Google when new GPE devices will be added to the online store.
Filed in . Read more about Galaxy S4, Google Play Edition and Samsung.