Repairing or Replacing my Pixel XL

[Bramton1]

So I have the Pixel XL 128 GB. Had it for two and a half years. The battery is crap. It was typically dying when the percentage got down to the 30s. Now once it gets below 50 percent, all bets are off. At first I thought it was a calibration issue. So I rooted it, in hope I could calibrate using apps. Then I learned that the calibration apps don't really do anything. So I installed AccuBattery, which estimates my battery is only working at 40 percent efficiency. Time for a new battery.

But that's not all. The phone speaker doesn't always work. Restarting would bring it back, for a little while. The headphone connection would drop out. Restarting would help, for a little while. Would also freeze randomly, especially when charging. So I wiped the phone completely, and the freezes, speaker, and headphone problems went away. For a few weeks. Now they are back. Calls are a crapshoot. Restarting helps. My audio or video files won't play. Restarting helps. My phone won't recognize when headphones are plugged in. Restarting WON'T help. And still the random freezes, especially when charging.

My belief is that a defective battery is the main culprit, and replacing the battery will fix all those problems. As it's extremely easy to crack the LCD screen when removing the cover, I'd rather pay to have the battery replaced. Found a place nearby that is a Google certified repair shop. $80 to replace the battery. Even if they crack the screen, they'll replace it at no cost. So I've thought this is the way to go.

But my wife is worried the problem is more than the battery, and replacing the battery will give me a messed up phone with a new battery. We have the Total Mobile Protection, and I wonder if it would be better to just pay the replacement deductible of $149.

Any suggestions? Anyone have a phone replaced through Asurion (Verizon's insurance provider)? What was the experience like? What quality was the replacement phone? Would it be the exact same model?

Thanks in advance to anyone who tried to help me out.

 

[ITGrouch]

My Pixel XL died late last month and I had a warranty plan with SquareTrade. After I paid the 100.00 deductible, and sent the phone to them for evaluation, they informed me that it would cost more to repair the phone than it was worth, so they refunded me the price I paid for the phone less the deductible. I purchased a new 128 GB Pixel XL on Amazon and a two year warranty from Assurion last week for around 300.00 and change and pocketed the remainder of my refund. I do not need the latest and greatest new phone these days, since I am retired, and do not want to take on any unnecessary debt.

I never get extended warranty coverage from a cellular company because they are a ripoff. You pay for the coverage every month included in your bill and you still have to pay a pretty steep deductible. I would check to see what your 149.00 deductible will get you. Read the fine print on the policy document carefully. I have purchased warranties from Assurion in the past and they were always fair and easy to deal with.

Good luck to you .