TheGoogle Pixel 9is one of the best, if not the best smartphones, the company has ever sold. Even if you set aside theflashy AI featuresGoogle is heavily pushing on the phone, it’s just a solid Android phone, from its physical construction, to how it feels to use.
All that said, that quality doesn’t come cheap. Google’s Pixel 9 series has premium prices that might not line up with the mid-range image the average person has of it. If you’re hoping to buy a new Pixel phone,Google’s Black Friday discountsare already available, but there are a few extra ways to save more money, and they should apply if there’s a sale or not. Here’s how to save as much as possible on a new Pixel.
Google really wants you to buy a Pixel this Black Friday, and it’s using Gemini to sweeten the deal
Ahead of Black Friday, Google’s hardware storefront is already host to a broad selection of slashed prices.
How to buy a Pixel for as cheap as possible
Take advantage of a seasonal sale
The best way to guarantee you’ll save money on your new phone is to use a seasonal sale like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or any other holiday sale to get a head start on savings. Google is offering sales on all of its new phones, and you’re able to get the Pixel 9,Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, andPixel 9 Pro Foldfor anywhere from $150 to $300 off.
The sale breaks down like this for Google’s newest phones :
If you’re not looking to buy the newest possible Pixel, Google is also still selling the Pixel 8a for $100 off. What’s great, though, is that these not insignificant discounts can stack with the other ways Google allows you to save money, like a phone trade-in, raising your possible savings even higher.
Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch display and a familiar design. It supports the addition of a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens to its rear camera array alongside Google Gemini and AI features.
Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro brings a new squared-off design, the Tensor G4 chip, and new AI features like Pixel Screenshots to Google’s flagship smartphone line. It’s available starting September 4th.
Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s first pass at an iPhone 15 Pro Max-style giant smartphone, with a Tensor G4 and new AI features like Pixel Screenshots. It’s available on August 22nd.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold aims to solve the original Pixel Fold’s key issues thanks to its thinner and lighter design, Tensor G4 chip and more fluid hinge.
Trade-in an older phone for credit
Most major phone makers offer some kind of trade-in program that gives you credit for a new purchase if you turn in an old device that can be refurbished and resold or recycled. These trade-in deals aren’t always generous (you can often make more money doing the hard work of selling your phone yourself), but they are frequently more convenient. Google even sends you a trade-in box to send your device in, something not all companies offer.
In the case of current Pixel trade-ins, Google is also being exceedingly generous with the trade-in credit it is offering, nearly covering the cost of a Pixel 9 if you combine your trade-in with the current Black Friday sale. Here’s how much credit a recent Pixel phone trade-in will get you:
If you’re trading in an iPhone instead, you could theoretically get close to the same amount of money back to apply to your new Pixel lifestyle. To give you a sense of how much Google will pay for an Apple device, here’s the price breakdown for theiPhone 15series:
You’ll only get the full credit on any of these devices if they’re in “good condition,” which Google defines as being able to turn on, being free of cracks, and having a screen that works properly. Still, trading in an older device is a pretty fantastic option. If you’re moving from a Pixel 8 to a Pixel 9, you’d only be paying around $159 for your new phone. Going from an iPhone 15 to a Pixel 9 would lead you to paying $169. If you’re going from a Pixel Fold to a Pixel 9, you technically won’t pay anything and Google will pay you $111. There’s no world where these trade-ins aren’t worth it at those prices.
Apply a Google One discount for cashback
Google One, the subscription service Google offers if you need extra cloud storage or want expanded AI features in the company’s apps, also includes a 10% cashback credit on purchases you make in the Google Store. If you have a Google One account, you’ll receive that cashback in Google Store credit that you can use towards a purchase you make after you receive your new phone or foldable. It’s not quite the same thing as receiving money for a trade-in, but it could be good for a case or some other kind of accessory.
How I find the best phone deals in 2024
This is how I scour the internet to find the best smartphone deals when it’s time to upgrade.
Unless you need a smartphone at launch, look for a deal
There’s always multiple ways to save money
It’s clear that Google really wants you to buy a new Pixel. The phones are the first to offer exclusive features tied to Google’s new AI models, which makes them a good entryway to what Google is at least claiming will be a big focus of its products moving forward. If you’re going to play into Google’s plans, you might as well get a deal for it. If you’re interested in buying something else, you may currently get a deal ona variety of other Android phonesfor Black Friday ora new iPhone with a free gift card.
