14 DAY TRIAL // Google has decided to deal with a problem that’s been plaguing a small number of Nexus 6P phones by replacing them with the newer Google Pixel XL.
Even if Nexus 6P was a great device, a limited number of users have reported a boot-loop problem that’s not solvable even by reflashing the device. The issue arose in December 2016, after a Nougat update, but Google says that few people were affected.
The company also made it clear that a hardware problem causes the boot-loop error, so it’s not something that can be corrected. We have to keep in mind that Nexus 6P is the last device built by a third-party company, more precisely Huawei. Google's latest Pixel line differs in this regard.
Return your damaged device even outside warranty
What makes Google’s decision interesting is the fact that Nexus 6P owners can send in their bricked devices, and receive a brand new Google Pixel XL instead, even if the warranty expired. Not all regions are treated the same, and not everyone is guaranteed to get a Pixel XL replacement.
According to a post on Reddit, users have been receiving Pixel XL replacements for a few days now, but not all of them. For example, in the UK, devices have been replaced with a Nexus 6Ps, which means that they still had it in stock.
Also, in Canada, users are getting Google Pixel XL 32 Gb even if they sent a Nexus 6P 128Gb in service. It might not be the best deal, but at least they are getting a new phone.
Some aspects remain unclear. For example, there is no information regarding the status of the replacements and if they are refurbished, and the warranty status is also disputed. Some say that the warranty is extended, other says it’s not.
In any case, if you are affected by the boot-loop problem, you can send your device and odds are you’ll get a replacement. Google probably wants to make this issue to go away, and this is a great way to do it. It's also important to mention that the deal is offered for phones purchased from Google's store.