Google and Foxconn reportedly investigating how a Pixel 3 XL got listed for sale before official launch in October

Google and Foxconn, which reportedly has been roped-in to produce both the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL smartphones this year, are involved in internal investigations and discussions after a Ukrainian seller listed the Google Pixel 3 XL smartphone for purchase for a price of $2,000. Since the start of August, detailed leaks of the smartphone have started to come in volumes, mostly from a Ukrainian source who writes in Russian. Debatably, the leaks of the smartphone have been the most expansive ones because not only the images, but even the camera samples of the smartphone have been released. 

In comparison, leaks of neither the 2018 Apple iPhone lineup nor Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 were as detailed as they are for the Google’s device. According to 9to5Google, a Ukrainian blogger got his hands on a near original looking Google Pixel 3 XL device. The leak was impressive because it showed the Pixel 3 XL as well as the accessories in the retail box. The same blog reportedly shared a hands-on video footage with the Pixel 3 XL earlier this month. Mysteriously, the video came with a watermark for a Telegram handle, possibly to attract buyers for stolen Pixel 3 XL units.  

This Telegraqm handle directs users to another Telegram user who is selling stolen Pixel 3 XL units and that too for a whopping $2,000. The smartphones are said to be in limited quantity. As per a translated message, the seller of the Pixel 3 XL says, “Remains only 3 pcs. Google Pixel 3 XL I answer immediately to the most popular questions, the price is $2000 Payment is possible via PayPal or Bitcoin. 

The second is preferable because PayPal has a horse commission for international transfers. Dispatch is made from London via DHL or FedEx. Regarding the purchase, please contact [removed] Also I remind you that there is a large amount of Google Pixel 2XL at a good price. Please!” It is not known how said Pixel 3 XL units were acquired. It is also unknown how many units have been sold till now. 

The most interesting thing which is claimed about these pre-launched phones is that these phones couldn’t be remotely deactivated by Google. Also, the leaks till now have shown only the ‘Clearly White’ variant of the smartphone. It is possible that all the different leak sources could have bought the phone from this particular dealer. If this is the case, we can expect more leaks in the coming weeks.