Ah, the yearly phone update. Manufacturers such as Google, Samsung, or Apple release new mobile phones each year. This means that the phone that you buy today is not the hottest piece of hardware after a (maximum) of one year of usage.
That is a problem for users who always want the latest mobile device in their hands.
Google is testing what it calls the Pixel Upgrade Program in India. Announced on the official Google India blog, it sounds like a good deal on first glance: buy a new Pixel device, meet some requirements, and get future Pixel devices automatically while sending back your old devices.
This ensures, according to Google, that you have the latest and greatest Pixel device in your possession at all times.
Is there a catch? Yes, there is one. Google explains how the program works, and here are the caveats:
- It is only available for no-cost 24-month EMI (Equated Monthly Installments) plans.
- You need to buy the phone using credit cards from Google’s official partners Bajaj Finance or HDFC Bank.
- You start a new EMI plan for each new Pixel device you get.
Between the ninth and fifteenth EMI, Pixel-users become eligible to upgrade. They need to trade the current Pixel device through Google’s partner Cashify. Provided that it “powers on and is free of unauthorized repairs”, an amount equal to the remaining loan balance is credited to the user’s bank account. This can be used to close the original loan.
From there, users need to start a new 24-month plan for the brand-new Pixel device.
| Pros | Cons |
| Always have the latest Pixel device. | Long-term renting, owning only if you make all 24 payments. |
| Predictable costs. | Paying premium for (potentially) underwhelming upgrades |
| Bonus, e.g., free periods for Google AI Pro or YouTube Premium, restart with each phone. | Limited to EMI and two banks. |
Whenever a customer trades the old device in, the cycle begins anew. It is identical to a never-ending rent, with the benefit of getting the newest Pixel device each year.
Would I use it, if it would be rolled out worldwide? No, I would not. I do not buy in installments or on credit, and do not need the latest device each year. It may be different for others, who want or need the latest all the time.
What about you? Would you be tempted to join such a program to get the latest Pixel device each year? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
Complete waste of money. I would understand a program that would upgrade your phone every three years or so. At least you will feel some accumulated changes in performance and UI. But every year? What is the point except for showing off?
The only reason that comes to mind is a big jump in technology that benefits you significantly. But that does not happen every year.
Not interested. I don’t own a Pixel phone primarily because it’s a Google device which we all know, only wants to bombard you with ads.
Other than that, I always read phone review sites to get different opinions before making a new purchase. Neither am I interested in the latest models. The phone I bought earlier this year is a Motorola Moto G82 which dates from 2022, primarily before it preceded all that AI crap which arrived on the scene the following year. It doesn’t receive security updates anymore, but that’s to be expected with Lenovo phones. It doesn’t bother me though because I hardly ever use it, but unfortunately, a smartphone is mandatory in the Netherlands and it’s impossible to function without one.
As for buying on the “Never-Never” (English UK expression for hire-purchase) I prefer to pay up front and not have to worry about getting into debt every month. The only exception is my credit card since I do take advantage of the interest-free period every month.