Is Google Play Pass Worth Your Rands?

    Robert Cerff / 14-01-2022 / News & Tips

    Google Play Pass is Android’s answer to a one-stop gaming shop.

    After first launching in the USA in 2019, it is now available in most countries, including right here in South Africa.

    If you enjoy playing games on your phone or utilising helpful apps, Google Play Pass seems like the ideal option, but is it really worth it? Let’s find out.

    The Cost Factor

    The app offers curated access to a collection of Google Play content for a monthly or a single yearly fee, with the option to add additional devices and up to five family members at no extra charge.

    To sign-up, your device needs to run on Android 4.4 or higher, with Google Play Store on version 16.6.25 and above.

    Subscription gives you flexible payment options to suit your needs. You can choose a month-to-month option for R42.99, which you can cancel at any time, or pay R385.99 per year and save 20%.

    With the app you can install a range of premium apps and games, as well as free content with the full versions unlocked, meaning you won’t have to pay for in-app purchases.

    What’s more, Play Pass allows you to enjoy an ad-free experience not just for premium games and apps but free content as well.

    Close To 1 000 Apps and Games Available

    But what exactly are you getting with Google Play Pass?

    According to the search engine giant, nearly 950 games and apps – a list that is constantly growing every month.

    Although Google doesn’t publish a list of all the content available, you can browse through the options on the Play Pass section in the Play Store or check out the Play Pass “about page” on Google’s website. Both places give you a good idea of what you can get as a subscriber so you can decide if it suits your needs.

    Some of the recently added games and apps include, Delight Games (Premium Library), Space Marshals 3, Aftermath, AudioLab Audio Editor Recorder & Ringtone Maker, PicLab - Photo Editor, and much more.

    Should you subscribe?

    Considering all of the above, is Google Play Pass worth your money? If you use a lot of app content, especially premium content, the answer is yes. By subscribing, you won’t have to pay the full price for each game and app you download, and you bypass in-app purchases. Ultimately, you will have hundreds of options at your fingertips for less than R50 a month. And if you choose to open a Google Play Family account, your family or friends can also have full access for the same monthly or annual fee. That means plenty of content for everyone to enjoy and the possibility of splitting the cost.  If you’re still not sold, you can try out the one-month free trial before you spend any of your hard-earned money, and if it isn't for you, make sure to cancel before the charge hits your account!

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