Is the Google Pixel Pass Worth the Subscription Price?
This week, along with the announcement of the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google also unveiled the Pixel Pass , a program that brings together a subscription package and the aforementioned Pixel 6 (or Pixel 6 Pro) under one roof. If you’re trying to decide if this kit is right for you, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What is Pixel Pass and how much does it cost?
Pixel Pass includes Google’s internal subscription services: Google One, Play Pass, and YouTube Music Premium. It also comes with an extended warranty and discount on cellular from Google Fi. (Users can opt out of Google Fi and use their carrier, though.) The bundle starts at $ 45 per month for the Pixel 6 and $ 55 per month for the 6 Pro. Users can subscribe to the package through Google Fi or through the Google Store (if they opt out of Fiber coverage). It is possible to exchange an old device, but users can only sign up for a Pixel Pass from a Pixel phone.
Pixel Pass is essentially a mixture of two similar Apple programs from Google: Apple One and iPhone Upgrade Program. Apple’s and Google’s offerings could cost roughly the same, or, depending on the details, Apple’s offerings could be much more expensive. Apple One packages range from $ 15 to $ 30 a month, and the iPhone Upgrade Program ranges from $ 35 a month (128GB iPhone 13 mini) to $ 74.91 (1TB iPhone 13 Pro Max), which means the “package” will work. $ 50 to $ 104.91 per month.
Cons of Pixel Pass
Pixel Pass may have some disadvantages depending on the user’s priorities. They basically boil down to how people want to spend their money and how attached they are to a particular phone.
As mentioned above, Pixel Pass is only available to users who have purchased one of the two new Pixel phones . It does include regular updates, as does the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program. However, if you’re not interested in using a Pixel phone, this requirement is a hindrance. For example, popular Android phones from Samsung or OnePlus do not participate in this program.
In addition, customers should consider what these regular updates entail. As with similar programs, you essentially rent a Pixel phone, which you can then easily exchange for a new one when the time comes. After paying for the phone, it will become yours just like any other phone. However, you then need to decide if you want to stay with the plan and get a new Pixel phone or cancel the plan.
The last drawback is a matter of preference. Some users may not want or need all of Google’s subscription services. In fact, the Pixel Pass may cost some people more per year than what they would pay for the Pixel 6 separately or for one or two separate subscriptions. For example, while they may enjoy using the Play Pass, they also prefer Spotify over YouTube Music.
Pixel Pass pros
Individually, all of the services included with the Pixel Pass are over $ 39 per month, plus a new Pixel phone that starts at $ 599 for a base Pixel 6. Here’s a breakdown:
- Play Pass (Google’s premium gaming service): $ 4.99 per month.
- Google One: From $ 1.99 per month, this is Google’s cloud storage and technical support program. However, the 200GB data plan that comes with Pixel Pass usually costs $ 2.99 per month.
- YouTube Premium: $ 11.99 / month including YouTube Music. This is the premium version of YouTube that strips out all ads and allows you to download and stream videos from YouTube Music, which is similar to Spotify or Apple Music.
- Google Fi: Custom plans start at $ 20 per month, with Google network coverage and a variety of coverage and data options. Pixel Pass only covers the $ 5 monthly discount on Google Fi plans, not the entire price.
If you use Google’s subscription package regularly, Pixel Pass is a great way to save money when buying a new phone. It also makes things more convenient – instead of a few small recurring payments, you can get everything in one amount, including the monthly payments on your phone. The inclusion of the price of the Pixel 6 itself makes this program a very affordable option as it may be easier for many people to pay a lower monthly fee than $ 600 or more for a new phone.
Another factor for some users is the extended warranty: the price of phones that can be exchanged for a product always depends on their condition, so it is difficult for those who are prone to accidents to get a good deal. Pixel Pass makes it easy to repair your Pixel, and all users can take part in regular updates to new Pixel models, even if they’re a little rough with their phones.
Regular updates are also important for those looking for them. Google’s Pixel phone line is constantly evolving to keep pace with the latest iPhones from Apple . In fact, there is no other such program for Android users other than the update program that their individual carrier may have.
Who is the Pixel Pass for?
Pixel Pass is primarily aimed at people who love the entire Google ecosystem, who want to buy a new Pixel phone and want a convenient subscription system similar to the Apple One and the iPhone updater. If you already enjoy using Google’s subscription services, you can easily get discounts on all of them by upgrading to Pixel Pass. For everyone else, this is probably a pass.