NZ Google Pixel Owners / Buyers Thread

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MaxineN

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#3436699 22-Nov-2025 15:43

CycleTourer:

I'm trying to figure out what to replace my P3 with due to the 3G switch off next month. I don't use a phone very much so secondhand will be fine. I definitely want to stay with Pixels and I want one that's as similar a size and weight to the P3 as I can get. I thought a P5 would do the job but having bought one I find that VoLTE isn't provisioned on it 😬

I'm with the Warehouse and my SIM is pretty damn old. Might a new SIM solve the problem?

Alternatively, I see on 2degrees that the P6 will do VoLTE overseas. Does that mean it'll work here? Is there anyone out there who is getting VoLTE on 2degrees with a P6? Or do I need to go up the range a bit further?

Huge TIA 😀

The 6 and up do VoLTE, VoWiFi and 5G.

Ideally you'd want a 7a because the 6 is getting long in the tooth for updates... but the 7a has it's own issues (battery swelling aside) and has I think until 2027 for updates?

Honestly you should consider going straight to a 9a or a 10 base, but as you say you don't use your phone much so maybe this is the wrong avenue for you.

Ramblings from a mysterious lady who's into tech. Warning I may often create zingers.

CycleTourer

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#3436928 23-Nov-2025 09:41

Thanks for this Max. I'm not bothered about updates -- I tend not to apply them even when they are available. As a retired software engineer I prefer the old familiar bugs to the new exciting ones 😉 plus I really don't use my phone for much beyond calls and SMS, so the vectors for attack are pretty limited.

GoogleGeek88

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#3437030 23-Nov-2025 20:40

My specific suggestion would be a Pixel 8a or 9a. Depending on how much you like a pro screen or whatever, the newer A's are pretty much the best value option given they both will get seven years of updates. So five years still to go on the 8a and seven on the 9.

You can find refurb Pixels on the JB hi-fi website, just search "pixel" and they'll pop up. They're slightly hidden from view otherwise. Or just grab a new A series of you don't mind the cost!

CycleTourer

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#3437047 23-Nov-2025 22:31

Thanks for this. I really don't use a phone enough to justify anything more than $300-400, and I don't mind older phones so long as they're in good nick. But very good to know how to find Pixels on JB Hi Fi, thanks 😀

gzt

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#3437058 24-Nov-2025 08:00

Refurb 7a for NZ $332 at Green Gadgets / updates to May 2028

https://shop.greengadgets.co.nz/products/google-pixel-7a?variant=44371219054723&country=NZ¤cy=NZD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google

Make sure you sign up for the newsletter before buying they usually provide a code for extra 5% or 10% for new customers. I've purchased a few things they've been good.

Rodimvs

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#3437114 24-Nov-2025 12:28

I upgraded from a Pixel 3 to a Pixel 9A a few months ago, purchased from Amazon AU. Jumping a few generations I certainly noticed the larger size, but battery does last 3x longer.

Mighty Ape

Shop now at Mighty Ape (affiliate link).

CycleTourer

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#3437115 24-Nov-2025 12:39

Thanks! Have just signed up. Hopefully it'll work as I'm not a new customer, but it won't hurt 😀

MaxineN

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#3439753 3-Dec-2025 12:11

MaxineN:

GoogleGeek88:

MaxineN:

GoogleGeek88:

Today's QPR2 beta 3 update for Pixels includes a fix for users in NZ unable to access 6ghz wi-fi networks.

https://9to5google.com/2025/10/15/android-16-qpr2-beta-3-pixel/

Hoping that includes hotspot ability.

I did find it bizarre how it was locked off.

I used it plenty on my 7Pro and it's right there working on my 10Pro? On 2Degrees anyway.

I know some mobile plans lock it (and stuff the telcos for doing that too) but haven't heard of Google blocking it here.

Telcos don't block hotspot capability.

And I definitely know as an ex One NZer and the plan that I'm on, using a 6ghz hotspot is not possible on a 9 Pro XL and it's not because of One NZ.

Worked absolutely fine on a OnePlus 12.

It's definitely still Google blocking 6ghz specifically which hopefully is fixed soon thanks to the above news.

Latest update does turn on 6ghz hotspots!

Edit: This might be broken? I've selected it and it continues to steer me to 2.4Ghz. Even with Shizuku and Delta to force it on.

Edit 2: Hella broken... Really Google?

Ramblings from a mysterious lady who's into tech. Warning I may often create zingers.

muppet

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#3440063 4-Dec-2025 07:44

Smashed up my Pixel 7 Pro a few weeks ago. Anyone have any suggestions for places in NZ that might do quotes?

I got one quote from a local repairer I trust, but that was $500. I just want the glass replaced, the screen is still fine thankfully.

I'm probably going to switch to iPhone in the New Year but still keen to get this repaired. Thanks.

The latest A16 seems nice and fast too btw.

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