Buying a used Pixel

[Choirgirl21]

Hi, I'd like to switch from Verizon to Project Fi and am thinking about buying a used Pixel on Swappa, but I'm a bit worried about all of the issues I've read about. So there is one that looks to be in really good shape for $225 from a business with multiple listings and very good reviews, or there is one from an individual seller where the motherboard was just replaced for $210. I'm wondering if the latter is a safer idea versus one that could still have an issue turn up and you won't have proof of purchase?
I can't afford most of the phones that work with Fi. I could so the Moto x4 straight from Google, but while I don't care much about having the newest tech, the one thing I do care about is the camera. I currently have an LG G5 that I really like. If I could afford the G7 I would just do that. Any input welcome! Thanks.

 

[Rukbat]

I'd buy from an individual. Some of these companies - even on Swappa - sell refurbs. That means that if the phone was dropped into a chlorinated swimming pool, or an ocean, they just clean it up and sell it. (Before I bit the bullet and bought a Pixel 2 directly from Google, I tried a few of the newer phones from these resellers. Didn't find one without a problem.)

If you want a good camera - fantastic dynamic range (all the other manufacturers are comparing theirs with it), go for the Pixel 2 if you can. (Even save up for it if you can.) The portrait mode leaves one thing to be desired - you don't see the blur on the screen, but it sure shows up in the picture. But the dynamic range? Google developed (or probably had developed for them) a picture processing chip so the camera takes bracketed shots and the chop combines the best parts of both - in what seems to be instantaneously to a human being. The Pixel does the same thing, but in software, so the camera is a bit slow.

 

[J Dubbs]

Hi, I'd like to switch from Verizon to Project Fi and am thinking about buying a used Pixel on Swappa, but I'm a bit worried about all of the issues I've read about. So there is one that looks to be in really good shape for $225 from a business with multiple listings and very good reviews, or there is one from an individual seller where the motherboard was just replaced for $210. I'm wondering if the latter is a safer idea versus one that could still have an issue turn up and you won't have proof of purchase?
I can't afford most of the phones that work with Fi. I could so the Moto x4 straight from Google, but while I don't care much about having the newest tech, the one thing I do care about is the camera. I currently have an LG G5 that I really like. If I could afford the G7 I would just do that. Any input welcome! Thanks.

B&H photo and video is selling brand new sealed in the box original unlocked pixels for $320 with no sales tax and the original 1 year warranty. They're also selling original xl's the same way for $412. I picked up the 5 inch version and it was brand new sealed in the box as stated. B&H is an official pixel seller so you get the full warranty. A very trustworthy and upfront place to do business with.

I never buy used phones....or any other electronics for that matter. For a few bucks more you can often get new. Peace of mind for me, and less hassles in the long run, is worth a little more money upfront ;-)

 

[sulla1965]

I've bought many used phones. Never had a serious problem with any of them. Swappa eBay have excellent buyer protection. So no real risk involved.

 

[J Dubbs]

I've bought many used phones. Never had a serious problem with any of them. Swappa eBay have excellent buyer protection. So no real risk involved.

My wife just picked up an Alcatel Idol 4s Windows 10 phone in absolute mint condition off of Swappa for $105... originally an almost $600 phone. Came with ALL packaging, an installed screen protector, and a brand new $30 Incipio clear case. Works like new ;-) she loves it.
So I agree you can get good used deals...... it just seems much harder to get them on popular Android and Apple devices. I checked out the pixel prices on Swappa, and they weren't much cheaper than I could get a brand new one for (B&H photo is selling the og pixel for $300 brand new). Plus you never know what the phone's been through no matter how good it looks, and how it was charged...... so it may last you 6 months then it's done. For a few bucks more I get a 1 year warranty doubled to 2 through my CC. Me likey ;-)