Vodafone lack of phones.

[Shokk]

Is it just me, or is anyone else a bit annoyed at Vodafone's lack of phones?

No LG v30 no pixel 2 etc.

Sorry state of affairs when I have to look in carphone warehouse for choice.

[jonspittle]

I've also noticed this when I upgraded to an S8 last month I was holding off for the LG v30 and noticed it wasn't anywhere, plus once the Pixel 2 was released it's not listed either, a bit strange when 3rd parties stock them so I don't quite understand the reasons behind it.

[jeffkinn]

The reason is quite simple - not enough demand. Vodafone has long adopted a policy of only ranging phones that have a very wide appeal and will sell in large numbers. They won't invest in stocking phones that will sell very slowly or in small numbers.

Apple and Samsung devices can be taken for granted - beyond that it becomes more difficult. They haven't stocked HTC devices for a couple of years and I don't think have ever ranged Google Nexus or Pixel devices.

Independent dealers such as CPW source their handsets in a different way, can rely on small margins and hence give a wider choice of handsets.

[hrym]

The other factor is the cost of network-branding the firmware.   This is a debatable benefit, but brings a degree of added functionality such as wifi calling on some devices and (in theory at least) ensures the best network connectivity.

CPW will indeed give you a wider range and their devices are sold without branding.  Although this may deny you certain network features, it usually means you'll get OS updates quicker.

[Shokk]

The pixel 2 and LG v30 are flagship phones.

Some of the best in 2017, not everyone wants a s8 or iPhone.

[jeffkinn]

Flagship doesn't mean they'll sell many of them to their 19 million customers. As a client I regret many of their ranging decisions, but as a businessman I understand it.

[Shokk]

I find it strange (I'm no businessman) that any desision that drives customers into the arms of others good business sense.

Simply put, as a customer.

If Vodafone don't provide me with the products I want, I'll go else where.

I like the service they provide and have my mobile, fibre, and phone contracts with them.

But the phone range is terrible, it really lets them down.

[jeffkinn]

It's a question of costs and benefits. The cost of testing, ranging, customising and stocking phones that will only sell in small numbers will/could outweigh the profits lost from customers who'll go elsewhere. This will also take into account customers who'll got o CPW etc. but will stay with Vodafone as a network.

[Shokk]

Customers would buy these phones.

Some of the best phones of 2017.

It's just strange I can get the phone I want ,with the carrier I want from car phone warehouse.

But not Vodafone.

[jeffkinn]

That's because CPW etc source their phones in a different way, don't have to personalise them and, most importantly, they don't have to invest billions of pounds in creating a mobile network.