New Delhi: Google has announced a new upgrade plan for Pixel buyers in India and it feels like a big shift in how premium phones are sold here. Many Indian buyers, including me, often like EMI plans and flexible ownership options, so this move clearly targets that mindset. The company said the goal is to make Pixel phones more accessible and easier to upgrade for value focused users in the country.
In an official post published on December 19, 2025, by Mitul Shah, Managing Director, Devices and Services, Google India, the company wrote, “We’re continuously working to make our Pixel phones accessible to more people in India. We also know the importance of serving value-conscious buyers, and so today we’re introducing the Google Pixel Upgrade Program.” The post adds that the program is “designed with convenience and ease-of-mind at its heart.”
How the Google Pixel Upgrade Program works in India
Under this new program, Pixel buyers in India can own an eligible Pixel 10 series phone through a 24 month no cost EMI plan that starts at ₹3,333 per month. Google clearly states that buyers need to use participating partners like Bajaj Finance or HDFC Bank Credit Cards and must remember to enroll in a 24 month plan. After making nine EMI payments, and before paying the 15th EMI, users become eligible to upgrade to a newer Pixel model.
When the user is ready to upgrade, they can trade in the current device through Cashify. Google explains that as long as the phone powers on and has no unauthorized repairs, Cashify will credit the user’s bank account with an amount equal to the remaining loan balance. That money can be used to close the existing loan, and then users can start a fresh 24 month plan for the new Pixel. This looks like a cycle based ownership structure where users can keep moving to newer Pixel phones without feeling locked in for too long.
What else users get with this program
Google is adding some extra benefits as well. The company mentions an exchange bonus of up to ₹7,000 for users who trade in their older device under this program. Apart from this, Pixel buyers will also receive trial subscriptions depending on the model. Google says these trials may include up to a year of Google AI Pro, six months of Fitbit Premium and three months of YouTube Premium. The idea seems to be to let users experience the full Google ecosystem while they use their Pixel phone.
For Indian smartphone buyers, especially premium device users, this program feels very relevant. Many people now prefer planned upgrades instead of keeping one phone for too many years. I know several friends who upgrade their device almost every year and this kind of structured upgrade plan could make that easier without sudden big payments.
A focused India strategy from Google
The language in Google’s announcement hints at a sharper India focus. The company repeatedly mentions accessibility, value consciousness, ease of ownership and convenience. By backing the program with big financial partners and using a known trade-in service, Google is clearly trying to address trust and practicality for Indian consumers.