Keen for a Pixel phone but can't quite stomach the cost? If you're shopping in the US, Google will sell you a refurbished older model at a hefty discount over buying new as part of its new Google Certified Refurbished Program, which launches today. The refurbished phones will be sold for "up to" 40% less than a new model.
Available models range from the 2021 Pixel 6 through to 2022's Pixel 7 Pro. "We're constantly updating our selection of devices, so check back soon if you don't see a generation you're interested in now," Google said in its announcement. Whether more recent models like the Pixel 8 Pro or excellent Pixel 8A will be offered remains to be seen.
Read more: Is It Safe to Use a Used Phone?
It's unlikely that older models, such as the Pixel 5, will be offered through the refurbished service as they no longer receive security software updates. This means that while the refreshed hardware may still be good to use, the software won't be. The Pixel 6 range is guaranteed to get security updates until at least the end of 2026, while the Pixel 7 range will receive updates into 2027 and 2028.
The brand new Pixel 9 Pro is a bit too recent to be offered as a refurbished model.
Andrew Lanxon/CNETGoogle says all phones coming through its refurbished scheme are thoroughly checked and repaired using genuine Google components. All phones also come with the same one-year warranty that a new Pixel phone would receive, which should give you a lot more peace of mind over buying a random used Pixel on eBay.
Buying used is a great way to put fresh hardware in your pocket on the cheap, especially if you're not bothered about having the absolute latest, greatest technology. Phones that are a generation or two old often still provide a stellar overall experience but can be picked up for a huge discount over a brand-new flagship. Better yet, it keeps older models out of landfill.
Google's refurbished program is available only in the US at launch, but whether it expands to more countries remains to be seen.