At a Glance
- Amazon just sliced $100 off the already-cheap Pixel 9A, dropping the 128 GB model to $399.
- The 256 GB version also falls $100, landing at $499.
- Google’s budget phone keeps the same 6.3-inch OLED screen and Tensor G4 chip as the $799 Pixel 9.
- Why it matters: You pocket $400 versus the flagship and still get 30-hour battery life and Gemini AI tricks-no trade-in or carrier lock required.
Budget phone shoppers just caught a break. Google’s Pixel 9A, released in April 2025, already sat at the top of every “best cheap Android” list thanks to its $499 sticker. Amazon’s newest flash sale changes the math again: the 128 GB unlocked model is down to $399, and the 256 GB version matches the old base price at $499. Both deals mark the lowest prices News Of Losangeles has tracked on the site.
How the Pixel 9A Compares to the Flagship
Google didn’t gut specs to hit the lower cost. The 9A keeps the identical 6.3-inch OLED panel and Tensor G4 processor found in the $799 Pixel 9. Translation: you still swipe through Gemini AI features, on-device translation, and Google’s latest photo tricks without stutter.
Where the savings show:
- RAM: 8 GB instead of 12 GB
- Rear ultrawide camera: lower-resolution sensor
- Build: polycarbonate back, not glass
Where the cheaper model wins:
- Front camera: 13 MP selfie shooter, up from 10.5 MP on the flagship
- Battery life: up to 30 hours, beating the regular 9 by a couple of hours
- Price gap: $400 in your pocket
The takeaway: unless you’re a power multitasker or pixel-peeping photographer, the 9A delivers the core Pixel experience for half the cash.
Deal Details You Need
- Seller: Amazon, not a third-party storefront
- Config 1: 128 GB, unlocked, $399 (was $499)
- Config 2: 256 GB, unlocked, $499 (was $599)
- Contract: none required-pop in any US carrier SIM or run dual eSIMs
- Colors: all listed shades qualify for the markdown
- Shipping: Prime free same-day in many metros
Amanda S. Bennett notes the discount is live “while you can” wording, typical Amazon language for limited-quantity price drops. No rebate forms, no trade-in box, no bill credits spread across 24 months.
Why This Matters for Apple Shoppers Too
iPhone users eyeing a low-cost switch have a parallel option. Apple’s new iPhone 16E is also seeing aggressive promos across retailers. The Pixel 9A at $399 undercuts the 16E’s $499 launch price, but both sit in the same “premium budget” tier. If you’re OS-agnostic, the math is simple: same money, bigger battery and OLED on the Android side; tighter ecosystem integration on the iOS side.
Quick Specs Refresher
| Feature | Pixel 9A | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ OLED, 120 Hz | 6.3″ OLED, 120 Hz |
| Processor | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage tested | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 10.5 MP |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP wide + 13 MP ultrawide | 50 MP wide + 48 MP ultrawide |
| Battery life claim | up to 30 hours | up to 27 hours |
| Starting MSRP | $499 | $799 |
| Current Amazon price | $399 (128 GB) | $749 (128 GB) |
Bottom Line
If your checklist reads “great screen, clean Android, killer camera, no carrier strings,” the Pixel 9A at $399 is the deal to beat in 2025. The phone already earned a permanent spot on News Of Losangeles‘s “best phones for 2026” roster at full price; grabbing it for $100 less is the definition of a no-brainer.
Key takeaways:
- Amazon’s $100 cut hits a new record low for the Pixel 9A.
- You keep flagship-caliber OLED, chip, and AI features.
- No trade-in, bill credits, or carrier lock-in required.
- Act fast-Amazon’s steepest discounts rarely last more than a few days.
