When considering a trade-in with your Google Store purchase, it’s essential to tread carefully, as it could lead to unforeseen costs. Google has recently increased the trade-in value for certain devices exchanged for new phones in the Pixel 9 series.
This means that in some instances, you may receive a better trade-in offer from Google than directly from the phone’s manufacturer. In the U.K., a limited-time promotion runs until July 8th, enhancing trade-in values by £200 to £400.
For instance, if you trade in a Galaxy S23 Ultra when purchasing a Pixel 9, you could get up to £517 in credit. In contrast, Samsung offers £449 for the same device, and they do not accept the Galaxy S10 Plus at all.
The discrepancies are similar for iPhone models, where Google provides significantly higher trade-in values compared to Apple. Trading in an iPhone 14 Pro Max could result in a reduction of £657 off the purchase price at Google, compared to only £470 if traded at Apple.
However, buyers must remain vigilant. PCS Wireless, the company managing the trade-ins for Google, evaluates the devices.
If your phone’s actual value is found to be below 75% of the estimated trade-in value, it will be returned to you without any credit applied. If it falls between 75% to 99%, you will receive a lesser credit and be responsible for paying the remaining balance for your new device.
Unfortunately, there is no appeal process for these evaluations, adding an additional layer of risk, especially if you are trading in devices like the Pixel 5 or others that may have depreciated. Engaging in a trade-in can offer enticing benefits, but it’s vital to understand the risks and conditions before proceeding.