'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
How to get Google's new Pixel 9a for free
If you've been eyeing the new Pixel 9a but you're not sure if it's time to upgrade, a new offer from Google Fi might help make your decision a little easier -- for both new and current customers.
Google Fi, the company's wireless service that runs on the T-Mobile network, is offering the device free for new customers and with a $200 discount for existing subscribers (provided you add a line or make a change to your plan).
Also: The best Google Pixel phones to buy: Expert Tested
If you're considering a new phone, the Pixel 9a is available at the right time. ZDNET's Kerry Wan spent some time with it and called it "a stellar phone investment in today's -- and the foreseeable future's -- unpredictable economy." It might not be the most feature-packed phone, he wrote, but it's one of the better phones you can buy for under $500, especially with the added AI features and seven years of software updates.
How to get a free Pixel 9a
To get the free device, you must be a new Google Fi customer (or at least have had your last day of service with Google Fi more than 180 days ago). You'll need to activate your Pixel 9a on a full-service plan (data-only SIMs don't qualify) within 30 days and keep your account active for 24 months.
Also: Here's how you can get a Google Pixel 9 and Pixel Buds A-Series bundle for free at T-Mobile
Of course, as is often the case with wireless promotions, there are some caveats.
If you purchase the phone outright, you're not getting the device free upfront, as you'll have to pay for it. You will receive a credit of up to $499, split over your next 24 monthly bills. That works out to about $20.80 a month.
If you purchase the phone through financing, your monthly credit will offset your monthly payment, but you'll need to sign up for a Google Store credit card if you don't already have one.
Also: I wasn't planning to upgrade, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL changed my mind
With either option, if you cancel service at any time before the 24 months are up, you lose all your remaining credits.
Head to the Google Fi page to take advantage of the offer.
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.