Google’s abysmal Pixel 9 trade-in offers: $700 for a $2,200 phone in mint condition?!
So Google has finally introduced the new Pixel 9 series – we get a Pixels 9, Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Folds. And you can read all about it on PhoneArena.
Judging by the looks, the new Pixels 9 Phones are meant to be Google’s shot at premium glory, with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a top flagship.
Coincidentally, the prices of Google’s new models are also “premium”, as they are now on par with the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24 series, challenging Apple and Samsung more directly than ever before.
However, unlike Samsung, Google’s trade-in offers (that is, you return your old phone and get a discount on the new one) seem kind of… pathetic. Which makes me wonder… Does Google want to sell phones or not?!
But let me go into a little more detail.
If I want to buy the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google will give me $700 for my Pixel Fold (originally worth $2,200)
If you like the shiny new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which costs a whopping $1,800, you might be thinking about trading in your old phone to offset the crazy price. Sounds like a good idea, right? Well, Google’s trade-in offers might make you think again…
Currently, Google is only offering $760 if you trade in a Pixel Fold for the new foldable Pixel. And in Europe, you only get $630 for a PixelFold – even if it is in new condition.
If you’re coming from a Galaxy Z Fold 5 (another $1,800 foldable), Google will generously knock $540 off the price of your new Pixel, which is… insane. And for the iPhone 15 Pro Max? About $720, which seems pretty fair considering the rest.
The story with the Pixels 9, Pixel 9 ProAnd Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t vary too much. If you want to check the exact trade-in amounts for your device, just visit the Google Store website for your specific region.
What I’m saying is, we’re talking about top-of-the-line phones here, and Google is giving us a pittance if we decide to trade them in.
It is not that Google has not tried to make the new Pixels 9 Phones look appealing. They have sleek designs and new premium features (like an ultrasonic fingerprint reader). But when you compare Google’s trade-in offers to those of the competition, Google’s offers don’t look serious.
Samsung doubles Google’s trade-in offer for a Galaxy Z Fold 5; you’ll pay more if you trade in Google’s own Pixel Fold
Samsung will give you $40 more for Google’s own Pixel Fold and more than double that for trading in a Galaxy Z Fold 5 — that’s $1,200 versus Google’s $540.
Samsung will give you $40 more for Google’s own Pixel Fold and more than double that for trading in a Galaxy Z Fold 5 — that’s $1,200 versus Google’s $540.
Besides that GalaxyS24 The series and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 have been out for a while, which means you can get one of them at a discount. What I mean is: if you’re looking for a new phone, why go for a Pixel when you can get a better deal from Samsung?
I really wonder if Google is actually trying to sell phones… Sundar Pichai & Co. have never been great at trade-in value, but it seems like they’re not even trying at this point.
Let me remind you that you used to get a pair of premium Bose headphones or a Pixel Watch (both valued at up to $400) when you bought a Pixel 6, 7, or 8. The free gifts have been a pretty big incentive to buy a Pixel phone over the past few years. You get nothing when you buy a Pixel 9 Pro, which shows a clear change in strategy.
I’ve sold more Pixel phones than some Google stores: Google has to work much harder to get iPhone and Samsung users to buy a Pixel 9
That’s the point… Google wants to play with the big guys now, and that’s fine. However, nobody is buying Pixel phones unless they’re a techie or have a techie in their life who convinces them to switch.
I know this because I’m the techie in the family (I know, that’s SO cool). I convinced my cousin and my uncle to get a Pixel phone, and the truth is, without me, they probably wouldn’t have even known the Pixel existed.
So Google wants to sell more Pixel phones, so it needs to ramp up its trade-in activity as soon as possible. The new Pixels are now as expensive as iPhones, and that means Google needs to make offers that actually encourage people to upgrade.
Let’s face it – most iPhone and Samsung users aren’t going to jump ship unless they get a great deal. And right now, there are pretty much no “deals” from Google.
While Google is offering $240 to trade in an iPhone 12, BestBuy wants to give you a Pixel 9 for free if you give them the same iPhone. That’s pretty crazy!
Imagine you are a Samsung user and have a galaxy Z-Fold 5 – a phone you spent $1,800 on not too long ago. You check Google’s trade-in offer and see that Google is only giving you $540 for your $1,800 Fold. You’re insulted. You click away. And buy a Fold 6… And Google continues to lose potential customers to Samsung and Apple…
Once again it is a pity, because the new Pixels 9 Phones really look like the best Pixels ever. Especially the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. I mean… these phones deserve to be considered serious contenders in the smartphone market.
Anyway… Google, if you’re listening, it’s time to wake up. Some of your trade-in offers are borderline offensive, and if you want to sell more Pixels, something needs to change. Soon. So best thing to do is… now.
