Google begins selling certified refurbished Pixel phones in Japan at up to 45% off
In short
Google started selling certified refurbished Pixel devices through its Japanese Google Store online on October 7, offering previous-generation models at up to 45% off their launch prices. The lineup listed by one outlet as of 10:45 that day covered five models, with the cheapest, the Pixel 8a, available from 55,900 yen. The refurbished units carry a one-year limited warranty and customer support like new devices, and stock is described as limited.
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Google began selling certified refurbished Pixel devices on its Japanese Google Store online on October 7, offering previous-generation models at up to 45% off their launch prices on that store. The company calls the offering the Google certified refurbished program, according to three of the outlets covering the launch. Sales are limited to the Google Store online in Japan. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The lineup listed as of 10:45 on October 7 comprised five models: the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, according to ASCII.jp. The cheapest of these, the Pixel 8a, was available from 55,900 yen, that outlet said. Certified refurbished devices are units returned to the manufacturer that are reconditioned and sold as equivalent to new, ASCII.jp reported. Keitai Watch and Impress Watch said the units are inspected for battery, appearance, display and internal components, and that Google's authorized service providers use only genuine parts where replacement or repair is needed. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Each device ships with the latest Android software and a compatible charging cable, with packaging that is free of plastic, according to Keitai Watch and Impress Watch. Both outlets reported that the devices carry the same one-year limited warranty and customer support as new units, that orders through the Google Store include free shipping and returns, and that the devices remain eligible for regular software updates and Pixel Drop feature releases. [ 2 , 4 ]
Stock is limited and some colors or storage capacities may sell out, Keitai Watch and Impress Watch said. ASCII.jp noted that the lineup and stock situation change, and advised readers interested in a specific model to check the sales page periodically. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The launch gives Japanese buyers a lower-priced route into Google's Pixel lineup through the company's own store rather than third-party resellers, with a manufacturer-backed warranty. It also extends Google's certified refurbished program, already used elsewhere, to the Japanese market. Because stock and model availability are described as variable, the practical effect for buyers depends on what remains listed.
Key facts
- Google began selling certified refurbished Pixel devices on its Japanese Google Store online on October 7. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Prices are up to 45% off the devices' launch prices on the Google Store. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Sales are limited to the Google Store online in Japan. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The lineup listed as of 10:45 on October 7 was the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. [ 1 ]
- The cheapest listed model, the Pixel 8a, was available from 55,900 yen. [ 1 ]
- Refurbished units come with a one-year limited warranty and customer support equivalent to new devices. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Devices ship with the latest Android software and a compatible charging cable in plastic-free packaging. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Google said stock is limited and some colors or storage capacities may sell out. [ 2 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Google launched a certified refurbished Pixel program in Japan, selling through the Google Store online only. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The devices are previous-generation Pixel models sold at up to 45% off their launch prices. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Units pass quality checks covering battery, appearance, display and internal components, with genuine parts used where repair is needed. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Each device includes a one-year limited warranty, customer support, the latest Android software and a compatible charging cable. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Stock is limited and may sell out depending on color and storage capacity. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Devices remain eligible for software updates and the Pixel Drop feature releases. [ 2 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- How many refurbished units are available in Japan and which colors or storage capacities will sell out. Both outlets that describe the stock situation say only that it is limited and varies, without giving figures.
- The starting price of 55,900 yen for the Pixel 8a. This figure appears in one outlet only; the other documents give no model-level prices.
- Whether the program will be extended to other Pixel models or to physical retail channels. None of the documents state future plans beyond the current Google Store online listing.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Lineup listed as the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL; Pixel 8a from 55,900 yen. [ 1 ]
- ASCII.jp reports the start of certified refurbished Pixel sales in Japan. [ 1 ]
- Keitai Watch reports the sales start, adding inspection, warranty and shipping details. [ 2 ]
- ITmedia reports the launch of the certified refurbished program in Japan. [ 3 ]
- Impress Watch reports the program's Japanese launch and terms. [ 4 ]