Google Store is live in India and people are getting crazy exchange value for their old Pixel phones
Google's official online store is finally here in India, and it's about time. Basically, you no longer need to wait for Flipkart restocks or hunt through third-party sellers, because you can now buy Pixel phones, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Watches straight from the source — Google. It's a clean, no-fuss experience, just as the company intended. And with the India store now live, there's a lot to be excited about — especially the crazy exchange deals. Let's get straight to the point.advertisementOne of the biggest highlights of the launch is the generous exchange offers on older devices, especially Pixel phones. If you've been thinking about upgrading to the latest Pixel 9, now might be the perfect time. The new Pixel 9 is priced at Rs 74,999 on the Google Store. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 — which is still a solid phone — is currently selling for Rs 44,999 on Flipkart. But if you already own a Pixel 8 and want to switch to the newer model, you'll be glad to know that Google is offering a flat Rs 35,000 off when you exchange your Pixel 8, provided it's in good condition. That's nearly half the price of the new phone knocked off right away. And also keep in mind — that's Rs 35,000 for a phone that is 1.5 years old and is selling for Rs 9,999 more in brand-new condition. The Pixel 8 exchange deal is pretty solid.advertisement
By the way, this offer isn't just limited to Pixel phones either. Even an iPhone 15, when traded in, can fetch you the same Rs 35,000 discount on the Pixel 9. Clearly, Google wants as many people as possible to make the switch.Now, if you're not after the flagship and happen to be using a Pixel 8a, which is retailing at around Rs 37,999 on Flipkart, you can still benefit. Google will knock Rs 28,000 off the price of the upcoming Pixel 9a when you trade in your 8a. That's a pretty sweet deal considering the 8a is just a generation old. The exchange programme also works well for phones that are even two years old. For instance, exchanging a Pixel 7a for the 9a can get you Rs 20,000 off. Going from a Pixel 7 to a Pixel 9? That brings a discount of Rs 31,550 — which is actually more than what some people paid for the Pixel 7 when its price dropped to around Rs 37,000 in the final months of its cycle.However, not all exchange values are as tempting. Trading in a Pixel 6 for the Pixel 9 will only get you a Rs 10,000 discount. That's not much, considering the price people paid for it when it initially launched. But there's a catch — the Pixel 6 was never officially launched in India. In fact, for most Indian buyers, Pixel phones started to matter only after the Pixel 6a came into the picture. That was Google's true re-entry into the Indian smartphone market.advertisementSo it makes sense that Google values the 6a more than the 6 when it comes to exchange offers. If you own a Pixel 6a and want the new Pixel 9a, you're still looking at a Rs 15,000 discount. That's more than what the Pixel 6 gets, simply because the 6a was officially available in India and likely has better resale potential.In short, if you own a Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, or Pixel 8 series phone and are eyeing the new Pixel 9 line-up, now's a great time to upgrade. The exchange values are among the best we've seen from Google so far.The new store also brings in some added benefits for buyers in India. There's a new Pixel Price Promise in place, which aims to ensure price transparency. If you happen to find a better price for the same product on the Google Store or from an authorised partner during your return window, Google will refund you the difference.And to make the experience even better, Google is promising improved after-sales support. Products bought from the official store will come with full warranty coverage, 24/7 customer service from trained experts, and even same-day servicing in select Indian cities.
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