Skip to main content

Google can't keep up with Pixel and Pixel XL orders, expect shipment delays

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Visit Google’s online store, and, apart from one or two storage and color options, the company’s Pixel and Pixel XL are currently sold out. Even though that means there is plenty of interest for Google’s pair of smartphones, thus increasing the demand, it seems as if shipments might take longer than expected to arrive at customers’ doorsteps, 9to5Google reports.

According to several buyers, their orders still appear as either “Pre-ordered” or “Pending,” even though some estimated delivery dates were listed as early as this week. As a result, some folks, including the outlet, turned to financing through Project Fi in the hopes of getting a Pixel or Pixel XL sooner.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case, as 9to5Google found out firsthand when contacting Project Fi support, which stated that the “shipping department is running 3 weeks behind.” As a result, the new ship date was set to November 18, even though the listed shipping date is still set for later this week.

Related: Check out our reviews of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Eventually, Google released an official statement on the matter, saying that the number of pre-orders have “exceeded our expectations.”

“We’re thrilled to see the excitement for our new Pixel phones, and frankly pre-order demand has exceeded our expectations. We’re working to restock our inventory as soon as possible.”

The situation should stabilize itself as Google ramps up production of both Pixel phones, but for the time being, customers will have to bear with the growing pains of wanting a very popular phone. After all, previous Nexus phones encountered similar issues when first available. Furthermore, now that Google heavily pushes the Pixel and Pixel XL as phones that should be uttered in the same breath as Samsung’s flagship, one begins to understand why the shipment delays exist.

Editors' Recommendations

Williams Pelegrin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…
Here’s every color that will be available for the Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 7a in Snow leaning on lamp post.

What is there left to say about the Google Pixel 8a at this point? We've seen the phone's design in numerous renders and hands-on photos, its specs are all but confirmed, and we have a good idea of when it'll be announced. Well, one of the phone's last remaining details has now just been spoiled: the colors in which it will be available.

On April 12, Android Headlines published multiple official-looking renders of the Pixel 8a. The renders confirm the phone's design, which we've been seeing for months, including its rounded corners and dual rear cameras. For the first time, though, these new renders reveal the official colors the Pixel 8a will come in. There are apparently four to look forward to, including Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Mint.

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8
A person holding the Google Pixel 8, showing the back of the phone.

The Google Pixel 8 is a well-received Android-based smartphone. However, there are reasons why you might not choose it and opt for something else. Perhaps its 6.2-inch display does not meet your requirements, or its camera system does not match your expectations. It could also be possible that you would prefer a phone released in 2024 instead of one launched late last year.

If you’re not interested in buying the Google Pixel 8, several alternative phones may be more suitable for your needs. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 has the same-sized display as the Pixel 8 but with better internals. Alternatively, you could consider the OnePlus 12R, which offers a bigger display and better internals at a lower price. And that's just scratching the surface.

Read more
Whatever you do, don’t buy the Google Pixel 7a right now
Google Pixel 7a in Snow in hand.

Google I/O 2024 is just a month away. We expect Android 15 to be shown off, and some hardware, too. In previous years, Google has used I/O to show off the latest for its Pixel A-series device. This year should give us the Google Pixel 8a, and we might even get a peek at what’s coming with the next-generation Pixel Fold 2.

The Google Pixel 7a launched last May, so it’s almost a year old now. At the time, while the 7a was mostly solid, the higher price made it a bit of an awkward recommendation, considering its specs and close positioning to the higher-end Pixel 7.

Read more