Get a Google Pixel 9a and Pixel Buds A-Series on T-Mobile – here's how it works

Is summer approaching, and you feel stuck with your old, broken, slow phone? You don’t have to for long. With this T-Mobile offer, you can get a new phone just in time for your vacation. 

Also:  T-Mobile is giving away the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for free – here’s how it works

Now, at T-Mobile, you can get a Google Pixel 9a and a free pair of Pixel Buds A-Series when you open a new line or trade in a qualifying device.

After you open a new line or make a trade-in, you will have to pay the sales tax and fees associated with both items. Then, your phone is paid out through a 24-month billing cycle. Therefore, you would be locked in with T-Mobile for two years. So yes, we understand T-Mobile isn’t giving you an entirely “free” phone. But, T-Mobile is offering a way for you to obtain a new pair of earbuds and a Pixel 9a up front without the full payment of both. This is often the case with other carriers as well.

According to T-Mobile’s terms, the Pixel Buds A-Series are truly “free” while supplies last via participating locations only, thanks to a $100 off instant discount. However, you will still need to pay tax on the full retail price due at sale, and the Pixel 9a and Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds must be purchased in the same transaction online. You also can opt to purchase the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with the Pixel 9a for $100 off those earbuds, but they won’t be free since they retail for $230. 

The Google Pixel 9a was released in April. It’s meant to be a lighter version of their flagship phones. It usually retails for $499, so it’s a budget-friendly device.

Its display has gotten an upgrade from its predecessor, the 8a, as well, as it went up to 2,700 in brightness. Therefore, reading long documents or emails has gotten a lot easier.

The 9a received the same processor as its more expensive siblings, the Tensor G4 chipset. With it, the phone performs most tasks with ease and speed. And if you’re worried about the smaller phone’s battery life, it surprisingly holds up well.

ZDNET phone reviewer Kerry Wan tested it and said he was very pleased with its battery life.

Also: I replaced my Pixel 9 Pro XL with the 9a for a month – and it was pretty dang close

“I’m more hopeful about the Pixel 9a’s future because of its battery and endurance. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the longest-lasting Pixel phones I’ve tested, with a 5,100mAh capacity that sets a new record for Google. The 1-2 extra hours I’ve squeezed out of the Pixel 9a compared to the Pixel 8a (4,492mAh) have been admirable, especially with my camera-heavy workflow,” he said.

Plus, the phone pairs well with the Pixel Buds A-Series. They may be an older model of the earbuds, but they would still make great everyday essentials for the bus, the beach, or the gym. 

This T-Mobile bundle with the Google Pixel 9a and the Pixel Buds A-Series is a great way to cash in on bundle savings for summer, especially if you’re worried about incoming rising costs and tariffs. If you want a new device, consider this deal from T-Mobile. 

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.

How I rated this deal 

Because this deal has a few stipulations, like locking into a two-year contract, it might not be for everyone. However, it includes a new phone and a free pair of earbuds, so we gave it a 4/5 Editor’s Deal rating.