[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] manky1295:
So apparently Google sent me a pixel 2 XL without a "valid operating system". Got this message on the very first boot. In my particular case i bought the devices(2) in the US as a gift for my parents and did not open one of the box until i came back to India (stupid me,never should have trusted google ). Talked to the US customer support. They told me that the device has to be returned in the US only and Google India can't help me. For the life of me , i cannot understand how did this particular device pass the QC. The issue was reported by all major media groups in the first week of November i bought the devices on the 4th of December how did it slip from QC after a month of the issue being reported. I am devastated,now all i have left is a $849 brick lying in my house.

I tweeted this issue to them and they replied me the following in DM "We understand your concern. However, please note that we'd be unable to offer warranty assistance if the device is being used outside the original country of purchase. You can get in touch with our team directly when you're back in the country of purchase or ask a friend/family member (in the country of purchase) to do so on your behalf. Hope it gets sorted."

Google wants to compete with Apple but if they can't get their after sales service right then i don't think they will ever succeed to take over Apple's market share. Mobile phones, as the name suggests, are supposed to be used wherever you travel to. If the device has some problems during your travels then the device should be serviced in that very place(If the phone is sold in that place.). Since that is how they are intended to be used. No matter how much you hate Apple but you have to give them credit for one thing, they know how to keep their customers happy. They give international warranty on there phone.

Look what their warranty states for phones sold in the US and India "This Limited Warranty is only valid and enforceable in locations the Phone is sold and will apply only if you purchased your Phone from Google or its authorized resellers." What i inferred from this was that the phone is being sold in India through its authorized resellers hence i will get a warranty in India. But if you look at their warranty for pixel 2 sold in the Singapore: "This Limited Warranty is only valid and enforceable in Singapore and will apply only if you have purchased your Phone from Google or its authorised resellers. This Limited Warranty can be redeemed anywhere in Singapore where the Phone is offered for sale." This clearly states the location where the warranty is applicable unlike the statements for US and India refer: https://support.google.com/store/troubleshooter/3070579?hl=en#ts=7168940,7544605 .

When Google is asked about international warranty they give you the "laws are different for different countries " argument. Hey Google, how is Apple able to do it?, "i will search the web for you". Ya right.

Why can't they just give me a replacement in India itself? Simple for everybody. Now i have no plans to go to the states so i will have to ship the device from India to US to a friend's residence. I have no idea how much custom duties i will have to pay to get it past the US customs (May be someone can give me some info in this regard down in the comments).

Overall, frustrated and disappointed, Here's the link to the error message: https://i.imgur.com/0pzDznf.jpg