The global hunt for that elusive Nexus 4 remains an equally exciting and frustrating prospect for fans wanting to enjoy the stock Android rendition on a powerful but affordable smartphone.

And some time this January, one U.S. vendor will try to fill in the great void that Google and LG inadvertently created by carrying the hot handset. According to TmoNews, T-Mobile is set to distribute Google's signature smartphone starting this month.

"The Google Nexus 4 comes preloaded with JellyBean 4.2, Google Now, 360 Degrees Photo Sphere, Wireless charging capabilities, an 8MP camera with HD video recording, a Qualcomm quad-core processor and an amazing 4.7-inch HD screen," said the TmoNews report.

T-Mobile's partnership with Google should provide another gateway for buyers to get a hold on Nexus 4, which remains in back-order status at Google Play store. But the question begs if Google and LG have stocked up sufficient units to deliver not only via the usual channel but also through the new opening, thanks to T-Mobile.

Attempting to check Nexus 4's current inventory state, forum members on XDA Developers utilised the handset's serial numbers to deduce that so far Google and LG have collaborated for the production of roughly 400,000 units as of December's end.

Citing a conversation thread on XDA community, The Verge reported that Nexus 4's production started at 70,000 units in October, picked up a bit the next month to roll out 90,000 units and accelerated to 210,000 units by the peak of the holiday season in December.

Obviously, however, the 370,000 Nexus 4s that LG was able to ship out in the three months comprising the last quarter of 2012 fell short of the heavy demands that the hit Android phone has generated since its debut.

Judging by the numbers, it is safe to say that Nexus 4 drought will remain in effect in the immediate months ahead, Business Insider said in a report. The problem actually lies on Google's erratic supply chain, which the internet giant has admitted in statement issued last month.

This issue only highlighted the reality that Google remains unprepared for a head-on collision with Apple in the hardware business sphere. While it appeared that Apple was all prepped up to pepper millions of iPhone 5 in as many locations around the world, Google was grappling to meet demands that were was under the one million mark, Business Insider noted.

So getting a Nexus 4 is still an uncertain project for many who have been waiting for weeks to test drive the gadget. Notwithstanding T-Mobile's entry to the supply picture, buyers remain in limbo on when actually they will unbox the Google smartphone.