Google will PAY iPhone users to switch to its Pixel 3a (but you’ll have to trade in your device)

Google is so serious about enticing iPhone users to switch to its new Pixel that it’s offering to give would-be defectors $100 in store credits.

After the official announcement of its new Pixel 3a, the company has launched a competitive trade-in program that offers users of other smart phones trade-in values as high as $610. 

As noted in a report from BGR, if those customers were to spring for the larger of the two new Pixel models, they would still be left with about $100.

For reference, the new Pixel 3a is retailing at $399 while the Pixel 3a XL will go for $479.

According to Google, the trade in value will depend on the model of phone, condition, and will have some differences between carriers. 

CNET reports the trade-in value for an iPhone 6 with 16GB of internal storage will net customers around $250 for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, bringing the Pixel 3a price down to just $149 — a near unbeatable deal among other major Google competitors. 

As noted in the CNET report, while the maximum value would come from the iPhone XS Max — a trade-in credit of $610 — Google’s offer is less likely to appeal to those customers. Current retail of the phone — Apple’s most expensive in its current line of iPhones — is a whopping $1,100 for the lowest GB version.

The Pixel 3a is the mid-tier market version of Google’s Pixel 3 which runs at about $700.

Google’s offers are aggressive enough that even if non iPhone customers were to buy an iPhone SE, which are currently being sold by Target for around $125, they would still still receive a net of $125 off on a new Pixel, reports CNET.

For customers with older phones looking to avoid the hefty price of Apple’s newest iPhones — the more ‘affordable’ XR costs $700 — its offer could be exactly the push they need to make the leap to Android device.

So far, the Pixel has been well-reviewed by a number of tech journalists for its inclusion of a high-end rear-facing camera and an OLED display — the same displays featured in iPhone’s current most expensive models.

In a review from The Verge, the Pixel 3a is given a stamp of approval for customers shopping in a mid-level price range.

According to The Verge’s Executive Editor and smartphone reviewer, Dieter Bohn, Pixel is the proverbial best in its class phone for customers shopping in today’s mid market.  

‘If you want to buy a new smartphone that costs between $300 and $500, you should buy a Pixel 3A or Pixel 3A XL. It is the best phone in that price range, and it’s actually competitive with more expensive phones in one very important way: the Pixel 3A has a great camera,’ writes Bohn in his review. 

Bohn also notes, however, that the Pixel 3a does fall short of phones in the higher price range in one key category, however: speed.

That speed difference, he says, amounts to about a second to delay when opening up apps. The main difference being the chip used to power the phone, said Bohn. 

Iphone users aren’t the only ones who be able to take advantage of Google’s deals. The company will also accept phones from Huawei, Samsung, Motorla, and LG as well as older models of Pixels.

WHAT ARE THE NEW FEATURES IN GOOGLE’S PIXEL 3A & 3A XL?

Google has unveiled its Pixel 3a and 3a XL devices, revealing for the first time the 5.6-inch and 6-inch models coming to the lineup.

And, it confirmed rumors that it would be bringing back the headphone jack.

Pixel 3a will come in three colors —Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish— starting at $399. The larger version will cost $479.

Google’s built-in HDR+ technology will give Pixel 3a owners access to camera features such as Portrait Mode, Super Res Zoom, and Night Sight for low-light settings.

And, with Google Photos, users will have unlimited storage.

The phone comes with a fast-charging 18-watt charger that will give you seven hours of battery life in just 15 minutes, Google says. The firm is also boasting 30 hours of use on a full charge.

It will also allow for voice and ‘squeeze’ commands, and comes with new AR directions that will show Maps users exactly where to go using arrows overlaid on real streets.

Google has unveiled its Pixel 3a and 3a XL devices, revealing for the first time the 5.6-inch and 6-inch model coming to the lineup