The Pixel 9a is Google's latest affordable smartphone. While it shares quite a few features with its more expensive siblings - such as Tensor G4 chipset - the Pixel 9a is a lot more affordable. it starts at $849, compared to the minimum of $1,349 you'll pay for a standard Pixel 9.
Pixel 9a plans
The Pixel 9a is available on mobile plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. The three providers all offer the choice of 24-month and 36-month repayments. A 24-month term means you own your Pixel 9a faster, while a 36-month term lowers your monthly cost.
Note: Our team is currently working on adding Optus' Pixel 9a plans to the WhistleOut database.
36-month Pixel 9a plans
24-month Pixel 9a plans
Follow these links to compare plans for the rest of the Pixel 9 family:
If you're looking to get your Pixel 9a on a plan, there are a few solid telco deals around.
Vodafone: Vodafone is offering a $250 discount on the Pixel 9a if you take it up on a plan 24- or 36-month term. This is applied across the life of your plan, so this works out to be a saving of $6.95 per month on a 36-month term. You'll also save $10 per month on plans fees for the first 12 months and bonus data for the life of the plan. Vodafone's offer is available until withdrawn.
Optus: Optus is also offering a $250 discount on the Pixel 9a on a plan with a 24- or 36-month term. This also works out to be a $6.95 per month saving on a 36-month term. Optus' postpaid plans include discounted access to Optus Sport and access to Optus SubHub to save further on eligible subscriptions. Optus' Pixel 9a deal is available until May 25.
Telstra: Telstra is offering (you guessed it) a $250 discount of its own on the Pixel 9a, the discount is eligible on its 12-, 24-, and 36-month repayment terms. This also works out to be a $6.95 per month saving on a 36-month term. Telstra's plans include three months of Telstra Device Security. Telstra's Pixel 9a deal is available until May 19.
What is the price of the Pixel 9a in Australia?
The Pixel 9a starts at $849 in Australia. That's the same price as last year's Pixel 8a. If you want a 256GB model, you'll pay $999, however, which is a $50 price rise.
Here's complete pricing for the Pixel 9 family:
Phone | RRP |
---|---|
Pixel 9a (128GB) | $849 |
Pixel 9a (256GB) | $999 |
Pixel 9 (128GB) | $1,349 |
Pixel 9 (256GB) | $1,499 |
Pixel 9 Pro (128GB) | $1,699 |
Pixel 9 Pro (256GB) | $1,849 |
Pixel 9 Pro (512GB) | $2,049 |
Pixel 9 Pro (1TB) | $2,399 |
Pixel 9 Pro XL (128GB) | $1,849 |
Pixel 9 Pro XL (256GB) | $1,999 |
Pixel 9 Pro XL (512GB) | $2,199 |
Pixel 9 Pro XL (1TB) | $2,549 |
Pixel 9 Pro Fold (256GB) | $2,699 |
Pixel 9 Pro Fold (512GB) | $2,899 |

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Pixel 9a features

Pixel 9a design
The Pixel 9a has had a bit of a refresh in terms of design. It's a little bigger, now featuring a 6.3-inch display. The screen still has a 120Hz refresh rate, and Google says it's 35% brighter.
Google has removed the camera bar, giving the Pixel 9a a bit more of a streamlined look. Water resistance has also improved, going from IP67 last year to IP68 this year. Similarly, Google says the Pixel 9a is more scratch resistant than last year's model.
Pixel 9a camera
The Pixel 9a has a 48MP primary lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. While the primary camera has a lower resolution than last year's model, it has a larger sensor behind it and a wider aperture. There's also a macro mode, marking the first time this feature has been available in one Google's A-series devices.
The Pixel 9a has access to every AI camera feature available to other Pixel 9 phones. These include previous features like Magic Editor and Best Take, as well as newer ones like Add Me.
Add Me is meant to help take group photos. If you don’t have someone else to take a group photo, one person can take it, and then swap out with someone else who will take a second photo. These two images will then be combined into a single shot with everyone.
Pixel 9a battery
The Pixel 9a has a 5,100mAh battery. That's over 600mAh larger than what we saw in the Pixel 8a last year. The Pixel 8a had a much improved battery compared to previous A-series Pixels, so even more capacity here is promising.
Pixel 9a processor
The Pixel 9a uses the same Google-made Tensor G4 processor as the rest of the Pixel 9 family. Google says the Tensor G4 offers 20% faster web browsing, 17% faster app launching, and better battery efficiency when compared to the Tensor G3 found in the Pixel 8 series.
Pixel 9a 5G
The Pixel 9a naturally has 5G connectivity. You can use WhistleOut's coverage checker tool to see whether 5G is available in your area. You just need to enter your address when searching for a new phone plan.
The map below show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. You can use the drop-down menu to choose between telcos.
Note: Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
Pixel 9a eSIM
The Pixel 9a has eSIM support as well as a physical SIM card slot. eSIM (an electronic SIM or embedded SIM) is a rewritable SIM card that’s built directly into the phone. It never leaves your phone. Instead, you simply download a "software SIM" from your provider of choice.
Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro Fold | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Display | 6.3-inch Actua | 6.3-inch Super Actua | 6.8-inch Super Actua | 6.3-inch Actua / 8-inch Super Actua |
Resolution | 1080p+ | 1280p+ | 1344p+ | 1080p+ / 2076p+ |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz - 120Hz | 1Hz - 120Hz | 1Hz - 120Hz | 60Hz - 120Hz / 1Hz - 120Hz |
Rear Cameras | 50MP + 48MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 48MP + 10.5MP + 10.8MP |
Front Camera | 10.5MP | 42MP | 42MP | 10MP + 10MP |
Processor | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 |
Storage | 128GB - 256GB | 128GB - 1TB | 128GB - 1TB | 256GB - 512GB |
Water-Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IPX8 |
Battery | 4,700mAh | 4,700mAh | 5,060mAh | 4,650mAh |
RAM | 12GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB |
5G | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 + mmWave |
Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Thermometer | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Price | From $1,349 | From $1,699 | From $1,849 | From $2,699 |
See plans | Plans coming soon | See plans | See plans |
Pixel 9a plan providers
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are all selling the Pixel 9a. Here's a breakdown of the major benefits each provider offers.
Telstra Pixel 9a plans
Telstra's Pixel plans are the priciest on the Australian market, but they do pack in a fair amount of extra benefits.
Telstra lets you pay your Pixel off over 12, 24, or 36-month periods. Each Telstra plan comes with unlimited data. This means once you use up your allowance your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps instead of you being charged for excess data.
Optus Pixel 9a plans
Optus' Pixel plans come with solid data inclusions and a couple of bonus perks. Its top-of-the-line plans also have unlimited international calls to selected destinations.
All of Optus' mobile plans are contract-free, and devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months.
Like Telstra, Optus' postpaid plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, your plan is slowed to 1.5Mbps.
Vodafone Pixel 9a plans
Vodafone Pixel plans are the cheapest when you choose the 36-month repayment period and they also come with the best bundling options.
If you have a Vodafone mobile plan, you can get most of the telco's internet plans - NBN, 5G home internet, and 4G home internet - at a discounted rate.
Vodafone customers also save when bundling multiple postpaid mobile plans. You'll get a 5% discount on your total mobile bill for each plan on your account after the first. This discount maxes out at 20% and doesn't include handset repayments.
Vodafone postpaid plans have unlimited data. When you go over your plan allowance, you'll be capped at 2Mbps. Vodafone also has the best offer for taking your Aussie number overseas. Its $5 a day roaming lets you access your full plan inclusions overseas.
How to choose the best Pixel 9a plan for you
Here's what you should keep in mind when comparing Pixel 9 Pro Fold plans:
- How much data you need. Knowing how much mobile data do you use means you'll avoid paying more than necessary. There's no point in getting the plan with the largest data allowance if you only use 30GB a month.
- Repayment period. Decide whether you want to pay off your phone over a shorter 12-month period but pay more per month or opt for a longer repayment period like 24 and 36 months and lower your monthly bill.
- International roaming and other perks. Consider what international roaming inclusions you want your plan to come with and if there are any other perks you value such as free streaming subscriptions, discounts and more.
If you're having trouble deciding or want more information, you can compare all of Google's Pixel devices here.
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