The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have officially been announced and are now available for pre-order. Judging by the amount of hype online, it seems like these pure Android devices will be incredibly popular this fall alongside competitors like the iPhone X and Galaxy Note 8. However, just like those aforementioned competitors, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have a pretty hefty price tag. In fact, for a 128GB Pixel 2 XL you’re looking at $949. So, it should come as good news for those of you that tend to have bad luck with keeping smartphones safe that the Google Pixel 2 insurance is only $129. Is the extra cost on top of the price of the device worth it? Let’s take a look at the details.
For $129 you get two years of accidental damage coverage, 24/7 customer service, walk-in repair services, and unlimited expert sessions. Let’s break down each aspect. First, the accidental damage coverage. With smartphones pushing the $1000 mark, it makes sense to protect your device. After all, you take it everywhere. There is a $99 deductible but if you need to make use of the replacement service then it makes sense to pay basically $230 for a new Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL instead of the minimum $649 you would have to spend on a new 64GB Pixel 2 without insurance.
The 24/7 priority customer service could be handy for some. I’m personally the type to Google my problems and try to figure them out myself. Still, it would be handy to have 24/7 service on deck just in case my Google abilities let me down.
The walk-in repair services would also be pretty handy in case of an accident. However, I would really like to know where I can go for this walk-in repair. Will there be specific authorized retailers or is Google opening small repair shops around the world? The website didn’t really clear this up so for now I’m hesitant to say this is a valuable addition to the Google Pixel 2 insurance.
Finally, there is the unlimited expert sessions included with the Google Pixel 2 insurance. Again, for someone like me who likes to Google my issues and tinker with my device on my own; this might not be the best value. For someone who would rather have the support of an expert: this is a great addition. If I was buying a Pixel 2 for my wife, for example, I would definitely get the insurance. My days of being in-house, on-call tech support would be over!… But, realistically, probably not.
So, is the Google Pixel 2 insurance worth it? Well, that comes down to your own personal usage and how you value a dollar. Personally, even though I would probably not make use of the priority customer service, walk-in repair, and expert sessions; I would still buy the Google Pixel 2 insurance. Having the peace of mind knowing that a replacement device would only cost me about $230 when you factor in the cost of insurance and the deductible makes the insurance worth it in my mind. Of course, $129 could buy a really nice case and screen protector. In fact, you could get a nice case, a screen protector, and go out for a great dinner.
$129 isn’t exactly pocket change but the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are flagship smartphones with flagship price tags. Having the Google Pixel 2 insurance might be worth it simply for peace of mind. What do you think? Is smartphone insurance worth the cost or is it just another cash grab?
