If you believe the latest Nexus One leak, the Google phone will most likely end up as another failed iPhone killer, an also-ran in the smartphone wars and the biggest disappointments from the company since they started cutting Adsense revenues.

First off, the January 5 launch is almost set in stone. Google has sent invites (see here).

The Nexus One according to the leak will sell for $530 unsubsidized or $180 with a 2-year contract. The available plan that will set you back $79.99. There is no plan swap. Existing customers will have to sign up for another plan to take home the Nexus One. Many subscribers will have no choice but to purchase the $530 unlocked phone. Non-U.S. residents could purchase the phone. Hefty punishment for any cancellation in subscription.

The absolute lack of savvy is so unlike Google. Honestly, the only good thing about the phone to me is the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the AMOLED screen and, possibly, the 5MP camera. The rest including Android 2.1 is well within the kill zone of the iPhone’s death ray. The Nexus One is bound to be the best Android phone without QWERTY when it comes out but an iPhone competitor it doesn’t sound like from what we’ve heard so far.

[via gizmodo]