It is quite clear now that with the Pixel and the Pixel XL, Google is doing things differently. Much has been made about the fact that in spite of not being ‘made by Google’, the two smartphones are ‘phones by Google’. Likewise, much has been made about the name change (from Nexus to Pixel) and the bigger-than-expected marketing push that Google has been undertaking with promoting the two smartphones.
It is also becoming increasingly clear that Google plans to continue a concerted effort post sales – once you have actually purchased one of the two devices. The latest example of this is that Google has announced that they have teamed up with uBreakiFix as a means to help with the issue of aftercare. As a result and according to the press release on the matter, owners of the Pixel or the Pixel XL will be able to visit any of the 250 uBreakiFix retail locations to get their phones repaired, when the need arises.
The repairs will be dealt with as walk-in repairs and will look to have the repair turnaround done as quickly as possible and generally on the same day. In addition, Google will be providing uBreakiFix with the original parts so any repairs done on the Pixel or the Pixel XL, will be using those original parts – which is likely to be reassuring to those who are concerned about using third-party repair centers. While uBreakiFix will be able to undertake a number of repairs with the two Pixel phones, it does seem they will be offering special prices for screen repairs. According to the details, the Pixel screen will be repaired at a cost of $129.99, while the Pixel XL screen will cost a little more with repairs priced at $149.99. The announcement also does detail that if you are not able to get to any of the 250 stores (which are located in 187 cities in the US), there will be a mail-in option available to Pixel owners. Although it is also worth knowing that uBreakiFix is in the process of expanding their retail network and does note in the announcement that by the close of 2016, there should be 275 locations in operation nationwide.