Although the Google Play Store also offers eBooks and audiobooks, it is mainly used for downloading apps and games on an Android smartphone. But what if I tell you it can now be used for one more purpose: purchasing your favorite smartphone?
New Shop Devices section in the Google Play Store
A new portal named "Shop devices" has been added to the Google Play Store. You can check it out by tapping on your profile icon in the top-right corner and then selecting the Shop devices section. From here, you can purchase some of the latest Google devices like the Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and more.
Do you like Google's move of selling phones through the Play Store?
4 Votes
Samsung phones are available for purchases as well
Shop devices section in the Google Play Store. | Image by Android Authority
Interestingly, for some users, certain Samsung products are also reportedly listed in the Shop devices section. Previously, users were given the option to place an order for the Samsung Galaxy device they are interested in through the Play Store's Play Points program. But now, the Galaxy phones are directly present for purchase in the Shop devices section.
These are all the devices that are currently available for purchase through the Google Play Store:
Once you have decided which smartphone you are getting, simply select it and then check out via the Google Store. You will reportedly get 10% Google One cashback. Furthermore, if you have any Google Store credit, you can use it in the purchase of both Google and Samsung devices.
The app looks like a total mess
Comment about Play Store getting new Shop device section. | Image by Reddit
Contrary to what the Big G would have expected, most users are apparently not liking this new addition. Under a relevant post, a user commented that the Google Play Store looks like a complete mess in its current form. Another user mentioned that there is already enough bloatware in the store, and the company is making things worse by adding a new portal to purchase hardware devices.
Keep the Play Store only for downloading apps
I am also on the same page as those users who believe that Google shouldn't add any more bloatware to its Play Store. I really miss the Play Store, whose only purpose was to serve apps and games and not to sell audiobooks or smartphones. The Galaxy Store looks better to me currently, as it is currently only hosting apps and games and not any other type of bloatware.
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Anyway, Samsung devices in the Google Play Store are likely being displayed on the basis of region. That's because I live in India, and I checked it out on my Pixel 10, and the Shop devices section was only showing Google smartphones and watches.
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Aman Kumar is a news writer at PhoneArena covering Google Pixel phones, Android features, AI-powered smartphone tools, and mobile tech news. Before joining PhoneArena, he spent over five years writing about consumer technology for publications like MakeUseOf, How-To Geek, and Guiding Tech. His current daily drivers are the Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus, while his red iPhone SE (2nd gen) remains a personal favorite. Aman also appreciates bold smartphone experiments and still considers the Nokia N-Gage one of the industry’s most iconic designs.
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