Google has a pretty good repair program for its Pixel devices. The brand doesn't have many physical locations worldwide to handle repairs, but it partners with third-party repair locations to provide service where it's needed. Customers can also send in their devices to Google for repair. I've done this before, and it was a pretty painless process. In fact, they just sent me a refurbished replacement, which I was okay with.
A good way to upgrade
However, sometimes stock isn't available, and it looks like that's the case for someone who was trying to get their Pixel 9 Pro Fold serviced. According to a post on Reddit, someone sent in their Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it appears as though they will be getting back a Pixel 11 Pro Fold instead (via Android Authority).
Perhaps what makes this even better is that the user sent in a 256GB model and is getting a 512GB model in return. Even more remarkable is that the user claims the phone wasn't under the initial warranty or an extended service plan that was purchased. However, Google didn't do this out of the goodness of its heart.
The user did say it was under an "extended warranty," which is where Google's coverage comes from. Google saw that its Pixel 9 series phones had some natural flaws and offered its users extended coverage up to three years.
This included the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. During the initial announcement, Google was vague, stating only that it "determined that a limited number of Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices may experience issues that affect functionality of the device." And because of this, the warranty was extended.
So, if you have a Pixel 9 phone, you might want to check with Google if you're seeing any issues. This is quite an upgrade, but it's not unheard of. If a company doesn't have stock of a certain model, it has to provide something. In this case, it looks like Google just skipped the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10, and went straight to what came out this year.
Again, this could be a one-off. So don't send in your Pixel 9 phone and expect the same thing to happen. A lot of circumstances have to line up for this to happen. However, it does highlight a curious bit that maybe Google doesn't have Pixel 10 Pro Fold replacements in stock either.
Things were different back then
We know that a ton of these devices weren't being made at the time, especially the earlier models, because Google wasn't really in the game back then. It was still refining its offerings, and the market wasn't really eager to buy Google's foldables.
However, it's been gaining ground over the past couple of releases. However, Samsung is the undisputed king in the US when it comes to foldables. The Z Fold 8 really took the world by storm, with reviewers and consumers praising its form factor.
But, it's only a matter of time before Google refines this product to a point where it gains more attention. We don't know if they can overtake Samsung, but the competition is getting better, which is good for everyone.