Trade-ins are a key part of modern smartphone purchases, and Google is making a pretty big change for Pixel buyers with the arrival of instant trade-in credits through the Google Store.
With the launch of the Pixel 10a, as spotted by the folks at Droid-Life, Google now applies trade-in credits to the cost of your device at the time of purchase. So instead of paying the full price upfront and getting reimbursed later, Google Store purchases towards Pixel phones now apply that trade-in credit right away, and only charge you more if the device fails a later inspection.
On some further digging, we found that Google had confirmed the change on a support page that was recently updated:
Instant trade-in is currently available to a limited number of users, and only for one trade-in per user. If you’re eligible, you’ll find the trade-in value applied as a discount at the checkout page.
After you checkout, send in your trade-in device. The final trade-in value is determined by the condition of the device we receive. If the condition matches your description, you’ll keep the full value.
Notably, Google says that this is available to a “limited number of users” with the page elsewhere suggesting that this might be a US exclusive – shocker, I know.
If you’re in the US, you may also be able to use instant trade-in. Through instant trade-in, the trade-in value is provided as a discount to your order.
It’s unclear if this “limited number” is solely based on region, or if there are other factors taken into consideration.
When buying a Pixel 10a using this new trade-in system, your total bill at the time of purchase lowers to match the trade-in value you’re getting. And, as far as we can tell, this applies to all Pixel phones currently for sale at the Google Store, as well as the Pixel Watch. Again, though, that may vary by region or user.
Google further explains the new process saying:
- You’ll receive your new item and a trade-in kit.
- You can track your Google Store shipments.
- If you don’t receive your trade-in kit when you get your new item, contact customer support.
- The trade-in estimate for the item that you have expires 30 days after you get your new one.
- Important: If you send your item more than 30 days after you get your new one, you’ll be charged for the amount of the trade-in credit that was received throughout checkout. Refer to trade-in program terms and conditions.
- Ship your trade-in item.
- Important: If you don’t send in your trade-in device within 30 days, your original payment method will be charged for the difference in value.
- After your trade-in item is received, it’s usually checked within 5 business days. You’ll get an email with the results.
- Any differences between the info that you provide and your device’s actual model and condition can impact the device’s final trade-in value. This can result in a charge. Refer to the trade-in program terms and conditions.
- If the trade-in value credit exceeds the value of your Pixel, the excess amount is provided as Google Store credit. Refer to trade-in program terms and conditions.
While new for Google, this is how Samsung applies trade-in credits too, and has for a while. When buying a new Samsung device, you’re only charged for the total cost of the phone minus the trade-in value, with any changes in value charged after the device is in hand.
It’s a risk on Google’s part, certainly, but this is a really nice perk for buyers. Having to pay less upfront just makes the whole process a bit easier, so it’s a change we’re glad to see Google making, at least in the limited scope it exists today.
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