Google is gearing up to release its Nexus 6P in October and the Google Store has already begun to take pre-orders for the smartphone.
However, unlike the Nexus 5X smartphone - which will be retailed exclusively through the Google Store - consumers in the U.S. who are hankering for the Nexus 6P will have an alternate retailer option from where they can purchase the device. Where? From maker Huawei's website.
The Google Store has already opened the preorders for the Nexus 6P smartphone and now Huawei's U.S. online store has also joined its ranks.
Huawei is retailing the smartphone directly and has end October as the shipping date. While the pricing of the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P is the same as those on the Google Store, there are a few benefits of picking up the handset directly from Huawei. We take a look at the pros and cons of purchasing the Nexus 6P directly from Huawei in the U.S.
Pros
- With most people rushing to the Google Store, the queue for the Nexus 6P may be longer. However, Huawei may not be inundated with so many orders, which means that the wait for the Nexus 6P could be shorter and you get the handset faster by comparison.
- Huawei will not be charging sales taxes in a majority of places, whereas Google charges tax in 45 states. Since Huawei's sales distribution center seems to be located in California, people who reside in most other states will not be charged sales tax. This means you save nearly $60.
Note: The Huawei online store is charging tax from Illinois-based customers, so a few more states may also have to pay sales tax.
- Huawei has a financing option dubbed Affirm, which is not provided by Google unless one signs up for its Project Fi. The interest rates vary from 10 percent to 30 percent and are hinged on your credit history and loan term.
While these factors may sway you in favor of purchasing the Nexus 6P from Huawei's online store in the U.S., consider the cons which may tilt the scales in Google Store's favor.
Cons
- Huawei is only retailing the 32GB and 64GB variants of the Nexus 6P. If you want the 128GB model then you're out of luck.
- The online store only has the Aluminum and Graphite hues of the smartphone up for grabs and if your heart was after the white color i.e. Frost then tough luck!
- While shipping may be free, it is the only option available and will take five to seven business days. So, even if you wanted to shell out extra cash to speed up the delivery, there's no way to do so.
- The Nexus Protect plan is not available as an insurance option and, therefore, Huawei's standard warranty will have to suffice.
- No free Google Play Store credit worth $50 or the 90-day Google Play Music Family Plan trial voucher.
Note: You may get these via an email once the Nexus 6P gets activated.
- Returning the Nexus 6P will be chargeable per Huawei's return policy and one will be liable to pay a $35 restocking fee.
The Nexus 6P will cost $499 and $549 for the 32GB and 64GB variants, respectively. To pre-order your smartphone from Huawei's online store in the U.S. check this link.
