Own Google's first Pixel or Pixel XL? You could claim up to $500.

Finally, Google makes it right with owners of faulty first-gen Pixel phones.
 By 
Marcus Gilmer
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Google is finally making things right with owners of first-generation Pixel and Pixel XL phones who had to deal with a pretty major defect in their devices.

The tech giant faced heavy backlash — and a lawsuit — for knowingly selling early versions of their Pixel and Pixel XL phones that contained faulty microphones (among other issues). Now they've finally set up pixelsettlement.com, a site that allows owners of those phones to claim up to $500 in compensation.

Getting that cash depends on when you purchased your phone. If you bought a first-generation Pixel or Pixel XL phone that was made before January 4, 2017, you're eligible. But if you exchanged your faulty Pixel for one that was "manufactured after January 3, 2017 or refurbished after June 5, 2017," you're not eligible.

Got that? Good.

There's also the matter of how much money you're entitled to. The agreement has broken claimants down into four groups to determine their refund:

  • $20 to people who have the affected phones but did not experience any issues.

  • Reimbursement for anyone who paid an insurance deductible for a replacement Pixel or Pixel XL as a result of the issue.

  • $500 for anyone who experienced the defect on multiple Pixel phones.

  • And, finally, $350 for anyone who experienced the defect on one Pixel phone, but with a caveat: "unless there is not enough money left to make those payments, in which case the rest of the fund will be distributed to them on a pro rata basis."

So, there you have it. You can finally collect money on a defective 3-year-old phone that you've probably long since replaced.

At least, if there's enough money to go around.

[via CNET]

Topics Google

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Marcus Gilmer

Marcus Gilmer is Mashable's Assistant Real-Times News Editor on the West Coast, reporting on breaking news from his location in San Francisco. An Alabama native, Marcus earned his BA from Birmingham-Southern College and his MFA in Communications from the University of New Orleans. Marcus has previously worked for Chicagoist, The A.V. Club, the Chicago Sun-Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.

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