The rumoured Google Pixel phones, said to launch in two sizes – 5″ or 5.5″ – are expected to launch on October 4th. While Google has offered them previously through the Google Store outright, last year we saw wide carrier adoption of both Nexus phones, this trend could continue with Telstra looking at stocking at least one of the Google Pixel phones.
There’s not much information about which of the phones Telstra will offer, though it’s likely the XL model currently known by the codename ‘Marlin’. Just as the Nexus 5X was a Telstra exclusive last year, the phone will also be exclusive to Telstra , with no option to purchase on contract through Optus or Vodafone – but you should still be able to purchase it outright through the Google Store.
Pre-orders for the phone will go live on the 4th of October – the date that is rumoured for Google’s announcement – with the phone going on-sale on October 20th.
From the sounds of things, Telstra is devoting extensive resources to the launch of the phone, with plans to treat the phone as seriously as an iPhone launch – think marketing, hype, the whole 9 yards.
It won’t be cheap though, with early plans looking to launch the phone on their $95 per month plan. The current $95 Go Mobile plan currently includes unlimited standard national calls and text and 6GB of Data – though this could change for the launch of a premier Google Phone.
Telstra does usually offer their handsets on a range of plans though how much you pay in handset repayments per month on a ‘cheaper’ plan could be a deciding factor for people.
The pre-order and launch dates could give us insight into the plans Google has for launching their range of Pixel phones in Australia. An October 4th pre-order followed by an October 20th launch would be earlier than we’ve so far seen for Nexus phones, but at this stage we just want to get our hands on them.
Would you order a new Google Pixel phone from Telstra for $95 per month?
