This image, captured from the homepage of Google Inc. shows Pixel 1 smartphones.
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — Google Inc.’s Pixel 1 smartphone, released back in 2016, is regaining market attention thanks to its free unlimited Google Photos storage function.
It’s now easy to find a used Pixel 1 online at secondhand marketplace platforms like Joonggonara or Danggeun Market. Most of the phones put up for sale on used goods marketplaces are sold instantly after being uploaded.
On the back of such popularity, new Pixel 1 phones are now selling for around US$700 on Amazon.com.
The primary reason behind the Pixel 1’s surge in popularity is today’s high inflation situation. Google Photos has more than 1 billion users worldwide, and to use the service, consumers need to pay 2,400 won (US$1.73) per month.
In particular, after Google turned its previously free high-quality upload service into a paid feature last year, the Pixel 1 is enjoying stronger popularity.
Some experts, however, have pointed out that consumers considering the Pixel 1 need to adopt a prudent approach, as there is a chance that Google could change its free-of-charge policy given that the Pixel 1 was released long ago.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
