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The Google Pixel 8 series has been receiving a lot of positive reviews since its launch a few days ago. This time, not only is the hardware getting a good response, but so are the software tricks that incorporate AI and advanced camera processing into the mix.
Of course, Google is offering some benefits that make the deal even better for buyers, like a free Pixel Watch 2 or Pixel Buds Pro, depending on the model you choose. In fact, when it comes to trade-in deals, Google is showering more love on generations-old iPhones than its flagships. last year’s
Google’s Pixel 8 trade-in deals… are bad
Naturally, potential buyers aren’t happy, especially #TeamPixel loyalists with a Google phone in their hands. The trade-in deals at Google’s own storefront are actually worse than at outlets like Best Buy. A quick look at X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit tells a story of bitter Pixel owners with some choice words for Google.
The fans’ anger is not unjustified. Google is offering a maximum trade-in remuneration of $420 for the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which is just a year old and is on sale with a sticker price of $899 before taxes. Also, keep in mind that the trade-in value will almost certainly be low unless your old phone is in pristine condition, with all accessories and boxes intact.
For comparison, the Google Store is offering more, exactly $440, for the iPhone 11 — a four-generation-old phone that wasn’t even a flagship to begin with. For the iPh0ne 14 Pro, which competed with the Pixel 7 Pro, Google is offering up to $750 in trade-in value. This means you’ll only spend $150 for the Pixel 8 Pro.
It’s only natural that Pixel loyalists will be disappointed. A similar story extends to Samsung. For the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google is accepting up to $650, while the Galaxy S21 series can get a maximum trade-in reduction of $430. That’s still more than what you’ll get if you trade in your Pixel 7 Pro from Google.
The situation is even more brutal for older Pixels. The Google Pixel 6 Pro will only run you $400 in exchange benefits, while a comparable Apple phone from the same year, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, can save you up to $650. Here’s a look at the exchange value of the phones that the Google Store currently has listed:
| Pixel 7 Pro – up to $420 Pixel 7 – up to $325 |
iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max – up to $750 iPhone 14 – up to $550 |
Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G – up to $650
Galaxy S23/S23+ 5G – up to $550 |
| Pixel 6 Pro – up to $400 Pixel 6 – up to $325 |
iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max – up to $650 iPhone 13 – up to $500 |
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G – up to $520 Galaxy S22/S22+ 5G – up to $400 |
| Pixel 5 – up to $300 | iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max – up to $500 iPhone 12 – up to $480 |
Galaxy S21 Ultra – up to $430 Galaxy S21/S21+ – up to $350 |
| Pixel 6a – up to $300 | iPhone 11 – up to $440 iPhone XR – up to $350 |
You don’t treat your customers like this
A solid argument floating around online is that Google is trying to attract people from the iPhone and Galaxy community by offering deals on its phones for trade-in. This seems logical. After all, Google has been making positive progress with its market share recently.
Counterpoint Research says Pixel sales grew 67% globally in the first quarter of 2023. In Japan, sales grew to such an extent that Google overtook Samsung and now captures about 9% of the market, trailing only Apple.
But selling your phone at a low price in your home market can have very bad effects. The US is still the primary driver of Pixel sales and the primary source of revenue generation from a software spending perspective. Leaving loyal fans eager for an upgrade with a poor trade-in experience may turn them in the other direction.
The situation seems worse when one considers the fact that many of the upcoming features, especially those using advanced AI and camera tricks, are exclusive to the Pixel 8 series. This may make the Pixel 8 more attractive, but it’s a double whammy for owners of older Pixel phones, who are already saddled with poor trade-in offers.
