New Zealanders are getting their first chance to buy a cellphone running on Google's Android operating system, albeit through an unconventional channel.

Upstart Australian electronics electronics company Kogan International has worked with a contract Chinese manufacturer and Google to create the Android-powered "Agora", just the second Google phone in the world to be released after HTC's G1, which was launched for US carrier T-Mobile.

The Agora can be unlocked to work with any SIM card, Kogan tells NBR, meaning it is not tied to any telco. In theory, that means the Agora could be activated - at least on an unoffical basis - in any market with a WCDMA/HSPA network (like Vodafone New Zealand's),  and Kogan will actively market it to New Zealand customers, and those further afield.

A standard version of the Agora, at a keenly priced $A299 ($NZ350) will feature a full QWERTY keyboard, central navigation key, 2.5-inch touchscreen, microSD slot, and 3G connectivity.

A "Pro" version ($A399/$NZ467) adds a 2mP camera, Wi-Fi and GPS.

Both models will ship from January 29, with Kogan now taking orders via its website.

Like all Android phones, the Agora will come with Google apps like Gmail, Search, Google Calendar, Google Maps with Street View and YouTube pre-loaded.

Internatl memory is a scant 128MB, with a microSD slot provided for expansion.

Both models will be around the size and weight of a typical BlackBerry at 108 mm x 64 mm x 14.8 mm and 130g.

The more high-profile Motorola is the only other cellphone maker to hint at releasing an Android phone on the local market, during the second half of 2009. Struggling Motorola is set to place a big bet on handsets running on Google's OS.

Melbourne-based Kogan Internation was founded by Rushlan Kogan - still just 25. The company taps Chinese contract manufacturers to build Kogan-branded consumer electronics products in a wide range of categories from LCD TVs to Blu-ray drives and now Google phones.

Kogan still has just 10 employees. Last year it turned over $A8 million. This year turnover will hit $A20 million, Mr Kogan says.