Nexus 6P from Google Store, Project Fi being replaced by Pixel XL

What should have been a prime example of Huawei's capabilities has become an embarrassment and a liability. Though with the relative success of its latest P and Mate phones, Huawei might not be too motivated to address the issues facing owners of its Nexus 6P, much less face class actions related to it. That is probably part of the reason why Google itself has somewhat given up replacing defective Nexus 6P units over and over again and is simply shipping owners with its Pixel XL instead.

While a fine smartphone on paper, and after a brief hands-on, the Nexus 6P doesn't seem designed to last. It was beset by random battery shutdowns and bootloops, the later of which has become the subject of a class action lawsuit, along with the Nexus 5X and some LG phones. While a workaround is available, most owners preferred to hold companies accountable by sending their devices back for replacements.

Surprisingly, users have started receiving Google Pixel XLs instead of a new Nexus 6P. This could be for a variety of reasons, like shortage of supplies or simply that Google is no longer confident of the quality of the Nexus 6P. Whatever those reasons are, Nexus 6P RMAs have started to come back as new, not even refurbished, Pixel XLs of equivalent or slightly lower storage size.

There are, however, a few caveats to this seemingly generous compensation. It only applies to Nexus 6Ps purchased from the Google Store and even then not all owners are being given Pixel XLs in exchange. Some are reporting, however, that even Project Fi units are getting the same treatment.

The RMA also applies whether or not the Nexus 6P is still covered by a warranty, an admission of responsibility on Google's part. However, it only covers problems related to battery shutdowns and bootloops. Google will not honor damages to screen or from water. At the expense of beating a dead horse, neither the Nexus 6P nor the Pixel XL are waterproof anyway.

VIA: Reddit