Daksh Pandey
How does the upgrade process work?
In December 2025, Google launched the ‘Pixel Upgrade Program’ for the Indian market, which is the first-of-its-kind smartphone program for ownership and upgrades, allowing users to own high-end ‘Google Pixel Devices’ while upgrading themselves to the latest models every year through ‘affordable payments’.
As part of this scheme, customers can buy eligible Pixel smartphones on a 24-month EMI facility, with EMI starting from just ₹3,333 per month, and upgrade later to a new Pixel smartphone after a certain number of EMI payments.
This move is a part of Google’s plan to enhance its influence in the competitive smartphone market in India, as high costs are a major turn-off for many people in purchasing high-end-smartphones.
How the Program Works — Step by Step
Here is a breakdown of how the Pixel Upgrade Program works:
- Select an Eligible Pixel Model
The service currently supports selected high-end variants of the Pixel 10 lineup such as Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
These are Google’s flagship phones with the best cameras, performance, and AI capabilities, and always come with a higher price tag. Typically, these phones would demand a hefty initial down payment, which would range from ₹70,000- ₹1,50,000 or more in the Indian market. This upgrade program will dispense with all that.
- Purchase Using 24-Month No Cost EMI Offer
To enroll, customers need to purchase their required Pixel phone from a partnered retail store using the 24-month zero-cost EMI option through the financing partners Bajaj Finance Ltd. and HDFC Bank.
“No-cost EMI” means that the consumer will not be charged additional interest (minimal interest, which will be essentially subsidized) on the purchase; thus, the financing option will be similar to paying the retail price of the smartphone in 24 instalments.
Similarly, if a product, say a tablet, costs ₹80,000, this can be paid in installments like this: ₹3,333 per month x 24 months (along with taxes).
- Sign up for the Upgrade Program Within 30 Days
Once the purchase is completed through EMI, customers can opt for the Pixel Upgrade Program in the first 30 days of purchase via a platform supported by Cashify, who in turn, is the Google partner for handling buyback, trade, and upgrade processes.
Cashify also plays the role of the facilitator in the exchange process for upgrading devices by assessing and exchanging them without any hiccups.
- Pay at Least 9 EMIs
After the customer has enrolled, they need to make at least nine EMI payments for the device. After this, they qualify for the opportunity to upgrade to the latest Pixel device.
This is crucial, ensuring that Google and partners are not compelled to contribute towards an early upgrade before getting back a decent value for the device.
- Upgrade Between Month 9 and Month 15
Between the 9th and 15th payments, a customer has the opportunity to trade in his or her current Pixel smartphone to obtain a new one.
Cashify will then facilitate the process of exchange and transfer the remaining EMI loan balance to the customer’s bank account, thus closing the existing loan with no charges of pre-closure.
This allows a smooth transition from the existing EMI scheme to a 24-month free EMI scheme for the upgraded hardware.
- Begin a New 24-Month EMI Scheme for the New Device
Once the trade-in of the older smartphone is completed, along with the pay-off of the loan, the customer embarks on a fresh no-cost EMI term of 24 months for the new Pixel smartphone.
More Features & Benefits
Aside from its simple financing structure, the Pixel Upgrade Program offers many more advantages in terms of value-added services. These are the following:
- Assured Buy
Google, in partnership with Cashify, offers an assured buyback guarantee. This ensures that the previous Pixel smartphone will be accepted for an upgrade, no matter what the condition of the device, so long as it turns on and functions properly.
This is important as it removes worries of wear and tear issues, scratches, or older batteries, which normally lower the value when you decide to trade in your gadget.
- Exchange Bonus
Customers who exchange their devices at the time of enrollment in the plan can also avail of a trade-in bonus of a maximum amount of ₹7,000 from Cashify.
The benefit thus offered could help lower the total cost of EMIs or could be treated as a discount on the purchase.
- Complimentary Service Trials
New Pixel buys through the program offer free subscriptions to Google services such as:
Google AI Pro
Fitbit Premium
YouTube Premium
Google One Premium (2TB) – varying by the model bought.
These services create value for the consumer beyond the hardware, and these services expose the consumer to the value of the premium digital experience of Google.
Why Google Launched This Program in India
Second, Google’s decision to introduce the program in India appears to be strategically sound. This is for several reasons:
- The India Market Is One of the Fastest-Growing Smartphone Markets
India is one of the largest smartphone markets globally, and it is also one of the markets that buy new smartphones less often, due to budget considerations. Google thus enables people to enter the Google ecosystem easily, thanks to the low EMIs and annual upgrade services that Google offers.
- Encouraging Faster Device Refresh Cycles
Conventional upgrades normally take between 2-3 years or even longer among many consumers. The upgrade program initiated by Google seeks to encourage annual upgrades, hence boosted hardware sales as consumers will be using upgraded products.
- Rivalry Among Other Prestigious Brands
Brands like Apple have long been offering similar schemes (such as the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program offered in certain countries) which keep consumers engaged within a particular ecosystem. Although Apple does not have its similar program available in India, the Google program serves a similar purpose, which caters to the Indian market.
- Boosting Pixel Market Share
Although Google’s Pixel series has received good reviews in the Indian smartphone market, the search engine giant has always trailed other participants in the country’s market, including Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. The program may work as a catalyst in increasing sales in the country.
Financial Mechanics Unveiled
In order to appreciate the impact of this program, let us take a closer look at the financial aspects by breaking it down in this manner:
No-Cost EMI Protection
If a Pixel costs, say, ₹80,000, instead of paying the whole amount, an agreement can be reached to pay ₹3,333 per month (including taxes)
The no-cost EMI service implies that the customer pays only the retail price.
This is usually done as the funding partner (either Bajaj Finance or HDFC Bank) arranges this loan in such a way that the effective interest rate is zero when calculated over this period, which is then subsidized or absorbed by Google.
Between 9th to 15th
After the buyer has paid the first nine Equated Monthly Instalments, they are eligible for an upgrade at any time until the payment of the 15th EMI. This will take place during
Cashify credits the remaining amount of the loan into the customer’s bank account for closing the old loan.
It means that there will be no cost to be paid before closure. The customer does not incur any cost before
Then, the customer embarks on a new EMI cycle for the latest model.
Essentially, it allows the consumer to pay for not more than a fraction of the existing device before upgrading to the next one, thus shortening the time-to-upgrade cycle from 24 months to 9 months.
Cash Back and Exchange Value
Two important aspects of
Apart from the guaranteed buyback, members will also receive an exchange bonus upto ₹7,000, to be redeemed at the first trade-in at the initial enrollment with their current device purchase.
Comparison with Other Upgrade Programs
This article will try to compare the Pixel upgrade offer with similar programs around the world, including India.
Apple iPhone Upgrade Program (Non-India)
Typically, the upgrade program offered by Apple
24-month financing and AppleCare+ are included.
Facilitates upgrades after a fixed number of payments, usually 12.
Requires device trade-in to settle existing plan.
Google’s program is similar but adapted for the Indian market and comes with financing partners and buyback guarantees from Google itself.
Carrier Upgrade Plans (India)
Some Indian airlines provide upgrade opportunities in association with mobile services. These are usually encompassed in the following:
Contract lock-ins (e.g. 24/
Hidden Fees or “Early Termination” Fees
Among other
Few hardware options begin_with_S
Its program is more device-oriented (non-carrier-based), giving more liberty and high-end varieties that may not be available when utilizing carrier plans.
Public Offering by Manufacturer
Other companies with their own line of Android smartphones include
Trade-in incentives Seasonal funding agreements Yet, in most cases, there is a lack of systematic annual upgrades and guaranteed buyback, which makes Google’s scheme rather unique in Indian circumstances. The Indian Express Who Stands to Benefit Most? The Pixel Upgrade Program is most appealing to: 1. Tech Enthus Those users who have a preference for being on the newer hardware releases and AI functionality will now be able to upgrade more often without spending the full amount. blog.google 2. Budget Conscious Buyers The scheme benefits people who cannot afford to make a heavy down payment by allowing them to pay through EMIs. This makes flagship Pixel phones more affordable. The Times of India 3. Pioneers in the Use of AI- With more subscriptions to Google AI Pro, Fitbit Premium, and YouTube Premium, users are able to experience the depth of Google’s software ecosystem. Gadgets 360 Potential Disadvantages and Considerations Although the program is very attractive, there are a number of issues that require consideration: 1. Involvement in EM Even when EMIs are zero-cost loans, customers will have to pay instalments every month for two years. This is an economic liability which some people may find very stressful if their incomes vary every month. The Indian Express 2. Upgrade Window Limit The customers are given only 6 months to upgrade their devices, during which time they are in the 9th to 15th month of usage. This means if users fail to upgrade during this time, they can only wait for their old device to pass through its life cycle and wait for the 24th month Gadgets 360 3. Market Dynamics & Resale Value The guaranteed buyback rate makes upgrading much easier, but the user could pass up the actual resale value if the device is still in good condition. The Navbhar 4. Eligible Devices Limited In this case, only phones in the pixel 10 series are eligible. This indicates that those who are using earlier versions or third-party phones are not eligible to enroll in this program until they switch to one of the eligible devices. The Indian Express Long-Term Strategic Impact On a broader note, this initiative might bring a paradigm shift in the way Indian consumers buy upscale smartphones: 1. PACE – Accelerating Smartphone Upgrade India has a relatively larger average replacement cycle for smartphones. Upgrading every year might become the new trend for the premium category of buyers. blog.google 2. Reinforcing Google’s Ecosystem Engagement Google enhances its ecosystem through bundling services with hardware products, thereby possibly boosting subscription and data services use. Gadgets 360 3. Competitive Pressure on Rivals Competitors could offer similar financing options and upgrade programs in order to maintain market share – which could ultimately be an advantage for consumers. The Indian Express Abstract The Google Pixel Upgrade Program represents a major change in the marketing and financing of high-end smartphones sold in the Indian market. With the infusion of innovative financing options, guaranteed buyback value, upgrade options, and additional software benefits, Google aims to make high tech more affordable while retaining customers within the ecosystem. blog.google For consumers, the clear gainses are lowered up-front pricing, an annual update on the latest technology, and bundled functionalities. For Google, this can enhance consumer engagement, increase sales, and consolidate its strongest market in the world in one of its most crucial markets for smartphones. The Times of India Given the fact that the program is set to run until the middle of 2026 and could extend beyond that, it definitely marks the beginning of a new way in which phones are bought and sold or even upgraded.
