Is this a typo? Mint Mobile is currently selling the Google Pixel 9 for less than the Pixel 9a

The Google Pixel 9a in Iris compared to the Pixel 9 in Peony.
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The Pixel 9a finally arrived yesterday, but there's one Google Pixel 9 deal that makes the midrange device seem almost superfluous. Buy the flagship from Mint Mobile with one year of the Unlimited plan and you'll get a straight $400 off the device AND 50% off the wireless. It's as simple as that. 

Comparing the Google Pixel 9 vs the Pixel 9a, the base model flagship is pretty much superior in every way. You're taking a slight hit in the battery size, but the Google Pixel 9 boasts more RAM, better cameras, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. 

Google Pixel 9 128GB:$799$399, plus 50% off one year of Unlimited at Mint Mobile

Google Pixel 9 128GB: $799 $399, plus 50% off one year of Unlimited at Mint Mobile

Why buy the new Pixel 9a when you can save a whopping $400 on the base model Google Pixel 9 at Mint Mobile today? Sure, you have to bundle with one year of wireless to receive the savings, but Mint is also carving 50% off its Unlimited plan for a limited time, which means you could get a great phone AND a full year of wireless for a single payment of $579 (or $49 per month using affirm). Compare that with the Pixel 9a's starting price of $499, and the choice is easy. 

✅Recommended if: you want an excellent Android phone with long software support, AI features, and some of the best cameras around; you live in an area with good T-Mobile coverage; you don't mind paying for a year of wireless in advance. 

❌Skip this deal if: you're happy with your current phone plan; you can get a better Google Pixel 9a deal through your wireless carrier.

Let's break down some of the numbers so you can see why this isn't your run-of-the-mill wireless deal. For starters, the budget-friendly Google Pixel 9a starts at $499 while this Mint Mobile promo knocks the price of the superior Pixel 9 down to $399. The Unlimited annual plan won't break your budget either, as the deal knocks the price of the wireless down to a mere $180. 

In other words, this offer gets you an excellent Android phone and a full twelve months of unlimited, T-Mobile-powered wireless for $579, or just $80 more than buying the Pixel 9a unlocked. You can also use affirm and pay $49 per month for the phone-wireless combo. If that's not an incredible Pixel 9 deal, I don't know what is.

Patrick Farmer
eCommerce Editor

After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.