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Google should really offer a Pixel upgrade program
July 05, 2025
I doubt I’m the first to tell you thatsmartphones are getting expensive. Shocking, I know. But it’s a fact we’re all coming to terms with, and companies are starting to see the difficulties of increased prices. That’s why I’m surprised Google has yet to create a Pixel upgrade program.
If you don’t upgrade your phone too often or buy from different online stores or carriers every time, you might not be aware of the benefits of buying from companies like Samsung or Apple. Say what you willabout the pricesof their phones, but both companies provide easy ways for loyal users to get their hands on the latest and greatest devices.
On top of that, you may trade-in your old Samsung, Apple, or Google phone to save even more on your monthly payments.
Let’s use a real-world example. Say I own aPixel 3and want to purchase theGalaxy S10e. Samsung will give me $200 to trade in my Pixel 3, bringing the overall price of theS10edown to $549.99 (from $749.99). This means I’ll pay $22.92 per month for the phone through theSamsung Upgrade Programwhile also guaranteeing I’ll be able to trade in for theGalaxy S11ewhen it’s announced next year.
Theoretically, once you become aGalaxy SorNoteowner and are okay with trading in your device every year, you’ll be a Galaxy owner for the long haul. Apple has a similarupgrade programthat allows owners to upgrade tothe latest iPhonesevery year.
You really only have one upgrade perk (aside from store credit) if you buy from the Google Store:a lackluster trade-in program. We’ve covered this before, but Google really gives Pixel users the shaft if they want to trade in their old phones for thenew hotness. Trading in a well-working Pixel 3 only gets you $185 — that’s $15 less than what Samsung will give you to upgrade, and $15 less than what Samsung takesfor busted-up phones.
Alternatively, if you trade in one of last year’s iPhones for money towards your new Pixel, Google will give you hundreds of dollars more towards your trade-in compared to what it gives out for Pixel phones. It’s just… odd.
We know people are holding onto their phonesfor longer periods of time. Smartphone costs are going up, and phones areso goodnow that people don’t feel the need to upgrade every year, every other year,or even every five years. An upgrade program, where loyal users would benefit from remaining loyal, would ensure people stick within the Google ecosystem while continuing to pay for new Google hardware every year.
I can’t say I’m an expert in upgrade programs and I certainly don’t know what financial drawbacks a decent Pixel upgrade program would take on the company. But I’ve been a Pixel user sincephone #1, and I’m still paying nearly full price for Pixels without getting the benefits other users are getting.
Let’s just say, those Galaxy trade-in programs are looking better and better with every passing year.
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