In its services and repair terms and conditions, Google says it will keep devices sent in for repair if they have a non-OEM part.
Update:
Google changes repair policy after criticism of third-party parts ban Google previously said it would not return mailed-in devices using “unauthorized” parts.
Why don’t they just replace the non-OEM parts and make the repair bill larger? Keeping the device is just theft.
If you send in a phone with non-OEM parts it’s safe to assume that it’s a bit on the older side. You’re probably sending it in instead of buying a new phone because you can’t find a repair shop that will work on your device because sourcing parts can be difficult for older devices. If you’re suddenly hit with a bill that costs more than the value of a new phone, or at least a replacement, suddenly paying becomes questionable. But yeah, you’re right. It feels like theft.
Okay but there is a thing called Estimate and either the customer agrees with the bill or they need to give the item back.
Customer: my phone doesn’t charge
Estimate:
$100 USB charge board
$50 labor
$10 shipping $160 total
Actual price:
$120 Screen (OEM replacement)
$75 fingerprint reader+assembly (OEM replacement) $40 speaker (OEM replacement)
$100 USB charge board
$120 labor
$10 shipping
$465 total
I think most people would swallow the loss and use it as an excuse to upgrade. Use that same money for a new phone instead of a fixed phone