Introduction
Refurbished Pixel phones from the last few years can offer huge savings with nearly the same performance as new models . In 2025, unlocked Pixel 6, 7, and 8 devices can be found well below their original price (e.g. $139 for a Pixel 6, $198 for a Pixel 7, and $324 for a Pixel 8) . For comparison, Google’s own store lists certified-refurbished Pixel 6 at $339 and Pixel 7 at $429 , while third-party refurbishers (Back Market, etc.) often have even lower prices. By contrast, the newest Pixel 9a retails around $499. In short, refurb Pixel 6/7/8 typically cost 50–70% off the new price , making them attractive budget alternatives if you don’t need the very latest model. Importantly, these older Pixels still deliver flagship quality cameras and performance for everyday tasks, so the performance vs. cost trade-off is quite favorable.
Price savings: Refurbs are 20–50% cheaper than new. For example, Back Market lists an unlocked Pixel 6 (128 GB) at only $139 (vs $599 new) and a Pixel 7 at $198 . Even a Pixel 8 (original $699) is about $324 refurbished . A recent US Mobile blog notes refurbished Pixel 7/8 often go for $300–$400, vs. $499 for a new Pixel 9a.
Performance retention: These Pixels use Google’s own Tensor chips and plenty of RAM (8+ GB), so everyday speed and camera quality remain excellent. In practice, you trade only the newest features (e.g. the latest AI tricks on Pixel 9 Pro) for a much lower price.
Battery/bundles: Refurbs usually include a warranty (often 6–12 months) and have been tested, but batteries can degrade. Many refurb sellers (and Google’s certified program) test battery health. Even if the battery is weaker, replacements are easy and cheap (see below).
Overall, if you value savings and can accept a slightly older OS version now or soon, refurbished Pixel 6/7/8 units can be great deals in 2025.
| Model | Launched | Official Support Ends | Build Durability | Common Repair Parts | Est. Lifespan (with care) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6 | Oct 2021 | Oct 2026 (5 yrs) | IP68 water/dust; Gorilla Glass Victus front, Gorilla Glass 6 back | Battery, screen, rear camera | 5–6 years |
| Pixel 7 | Oct 2022 | Oct 2027 (5 yrs) | IP68; Gorilla Glass Victus front (Aluminum body) | Battery, screen (and rare GPU heat) | 5–6 years |
| Pixel 8 | Oct 2023 | Oct 2030 (7 yrs) | IP68; Gorilla Glass Victus front (new metal frame) | Battery, screen (stronger adhesive) | 6–8 years |
- Official support: Google guarantees 5 years of OS & security updates for Pixel 6/7 (recently extended from 3 to 5 years ), and 7 years for Pixel 8 and later . This means Pixel 6 stops receiving updates around 2026, Pixel 7 around 2027, and Pixel 8 around 2030. (After updates end, you can often keep using the phone, but it won’t get new Android versions or patches.)
- Durability: All three have strong build quality (IP68 water resistance and Corning Gorilla Glass fronts). The Pixel 6 even uses Gorilla Glass Victus on front . Pixel 7 and 8 use Gorilla Victus as well. Metal frames and glass backs make them sturdy, but like any phone the screen can crack if dropped. IP68 helps against spills. Over time, the back glass is also replaceable.
- Batteries: Capacities are large (Pixel 6: 4614 mAh , Pixel 7: 4355 mAh , Pixel 8: 4575 mAh). Expect 3–4 years of good battery life before noticeable aging; fortunately, batteries are easily replaced (see next section).
- Common failures: In practice, the most frequently replaced parts are the battery and screen (and occasionally the rear camera/module). Pixel 6 specifically was noted to need battery or screen repair most often . Pixel 7 had few widely reported hardware flaws beyond that. Pixel 8 is new but has very strong glass, though its battery is glued down (making DIY a bit tedious).
- Estimated lifespan: Realistically, if you keep the battery healthy (or replace it after 3–4 years) and avoid accidents, each can easily physically last 5+ years. However, software support effectively limits “recommended” lifespan: plan on about 5–6 years of use for Pixel 6/7 (i.e. until a year past end-of support) and up to 7–8 years for Pixel 8. After that, lack of updates or hardware obsolescence (slow performance) would encourage upgrading.
Repairability and Parts
These Pixels are moderately repairable. iFixit gives Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 a 6/10 repairability score and Pixel 7 a 5/10 (higher is easier). None are “glue bricks” – you can open them with basic tools, but you must remove the screen to replace the battery (Pixel 8 is easier because Google made the back removable).
Screen replacement: Cracked screens are fixable. iFixit sells DIY screen kits with OEM parts. Estimated costs (including tools) are about $140 for Pixel 6, $147 for Pixel 7, and $167 for Pixel 8. By contrast, official repairs run $210–240.
Battery replacement: Worn-out batteries are cheap to replace yourself. iFixit kits (genuine Pixel battery + tools) cost only $50 for Pixel 6/7/8 . Google charges $130 on Pixel 6/7/8. So DIY battery fixes save $80–90 each . Note: Pixel 8’s battery is firmly glued, so allow extra time, but it’s still replaceable.
Other parts: Replacement cameras, speakers, USB ports, etc. are also available (Pixel has modular components). iFixit and parts sellers carry genuine backs, cameras, etc.
iFixit scores: Pixel 6 and 8: 6/10 ; Pixel 7: 5/10 . The slightly lower score on Pixel 7 is due to tighter fit and more adhesive, but any reasonably patient DIYer can do it. Overall the phones avoid extreme difficulty – many users report successfully swapping batteries and screens.
In summary, repairability is good. Essential parts (screen, battery, back glass) are readily available, and often cheaper via DIY kits than official service. This improves longevity: you can replace a tired battery or cracked screen yourself at modest cost. Even if you don’t DIY, third-party repair shops can handle these models at reasonable prices thanks to available parts.
Google’s Pixel Support Lifecycle
Google makes Pixel lifecycles very transparent. Every Pixel model has a guaranteed update period tied to its launch date:
Pixel 6 & 7 (and 6 Pro/7 Pro, 6a/7a, Fold, etc.): 5 years of OS and security updates from launch. (Originally these were 3 years OS + 5 years security, but Google extended them in 2024 so both OS and security run 5 years .) E.g. Pixel 6 (Oct 2021 launch) gets updates through Oct 2026, and Pixel 7 (Oct 2022) through Oct 2027. This covers Android versions up to 16 or 17 for Pixel 6 and
beyond Android 14 for Pixel 7.
Pixel 8 and later (8a/Pro, 9 series, etc.): 7 years of updates . Pixel 8 (Oct 2023) will be supported until Oct 2030. This is unusually long in the Android world and well beyond most competitors.
Google even publishes a table of launch dates and update schedules (see their support page ). The key takeaway: Refurb Pixel 6/7 still have several years of official support ahead (5 years from launch), and Pixel 8 even longer (7 years) . After those dates, security patches stop, but by then the hardware will be 5–7 years old anyway.
Pixel 6/7/8 on US Mobile
All unlocked Pixel phones work with US Mobile’s network. We are fully unlocked, SIM/eSIM-friendly carrier. Any modern unlocked phone (like Pixel 6/7/8) supports the required GSM/LTE/5G bands . In practice:
Compatibility:
Pixel 6, 7, and 8 are fully compatible with US Mobile’s Light Speed, Warp, and Dark Star network offerings. These phones support all the necessary 4G LTE and 5G NR bands used across our infrastructure. We also include essential features like VoLTE/HD Voice and eSIM, which make activation simple and reliable. Any smartphone released after 2013 should be compatible, and community reports confirm that Pixel devices activate smoothly across all of our network tiers, including the new Dark Star network—designed to offer premium, prioritized access on select towers for heavy data users.
5G support: Each Pixel has 5G-capable modems (Pixel 6/7 have Sub-6 5G plus mmWave on some variants; Pixel 8 adds more bands). We also support eSIM, making bring-your-own-device (BYOD) swaps very easy.
Plan savings: One big benefit is pairing a low-cost refurbished Pixel with our budget plans. We offer no-contract prepaid plans as low as $15/month for 5 GB of data (unlimited talk/ text) . Or you can use even cheaper “Pay by the Gig” plans (2 GB for $10, 5 GB for $15, 10 GB for $20, etc). Since you’re buying your own phone, you avoid carrier financing or activation fees. Inshort, a refurbished Pixel + US Mobile BYOD plan can cut both your phone and service costs dramatically.
BYOD advantage: At US Mobile unlocked phone are more than welcome. In fact, it is the status quo. By bringing your own Pixel, you keep insurance/warranty optional and free up cash since there’s no device payment. This combos well with our cheap unlimited options (starting around $20/month) and award-winning coverage – a budget-conscious user can get flagship performance at a fraction of usual cost.
In summary, Pixels 6/7/8 are fully compatible with our network and 5G. Using one with our affordable prepaid plans lets you “buy once, pay low monthly” – maximizing savings by avoiding high device and plan prices at the same time.
Current Pixel 9 Series Deals (US Mobile)
For those considering a newer Pixel, we are running very strong Pixel 9/9a/9 Pro XL deals right now. Highlights (as of early 2025):
Pixel 9: Now $399 (50% off the $799 price) when you activate on US Mobile . Or buy at full price ($799) and get a free Pixel 9a.
Pixel 9a: Now $399 (20% off the $499 price).
Pixel 9 Pro XL: Now $699 ($400 off $1099) – and they’ll throw in a free Pixel 9a if you buy at full price.
These offers make even the new Pixel 9 lineup extremely attractive through US Mobile. But if you don’t need Pixel 9’s bleeding-edge features, the refurbished Pixel 6, 7, or 8 (at $139–$324) plus a cheap US Mobile plan can be an even greater value.
Pixel 9, 9a, & 9 Pro XL Deals
Summary
Refurbished Pixels 6, 7, and 8 are compelling buys in 2025. They’re much cheaper than new (often 50–70% off) while still offering flagship experiences, and Google’s long update policy means several years of security/OS updates . Their hardware is quite durable (IP68, Gorilla Glass), and common issues like battery wear or broken screens can be fixed cheaply . iFixit rates their repairability as mid-high (5–6/10) , so DIY fixes are feasible.
Amplify your savings by pairing a refurbished Pixel with US Mobile’s BYOD-friendly, low-cost plans – you get Google phone quality on award-winning 5G coverage for a fraction of the typical budget. All together, a renewed Pixel 6/7/8 can easily last 5+ years and be a smart, economical choice for 2025, especially if you’re on a tight budget or looking to reduce e-waste by reusing proven hardware.
