By
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor
Last updated

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.

36-month Pixel 9a plans

Google Pixel 9a 5G 128GB Plans

Google Pixel 9a 5G 128GB
#1
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$96.19/mth
Min. cost $872.84
Link not supplied
#2
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$96.19/mth
Min. cost $872.84
Link not supplied
#3
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$106.19/mth
Min. cost $882.84
Link not supplied

Google Pixel 9a 5G 256GB Plans

Google Pixel 9a 5G 256GB
#1
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$100.36/mth
Min. cost $1,022.96
Link not supplied
#2
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$100.36/mth
Min. cost $1,022.96
Link not supplied
#3
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$110.36/mth
Min. cost $1,032.96
Link not supplied

24-month Pixel 9a plans

Google Pixel 9a 5G 128GB Plans

Google Pixel 9a 5G 128GB
#1
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$107.29/mth
Min. cost $872.96
Link not supplied
#2
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$107.29/mth
Min. cost $872.96
Link not supplied
#3
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$117.29/mth
Min. cost $882.96
Link not supplied

Google Pixel 9a 5G 256GB Plans

Google Pixel 9a 5G 256GB
#1
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$113.54/mth
Min. cost $1,022.96
Link not supplied
#2
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$113.54/mth
Min. cost $1,022.96
Link not supplied
#3
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26
$123.54/mth
Min. cost $1,032.96
Link not supplied
Looking for a different Pixel 9 model?

Follow these links to compare plans for the rest of the Pixel 9 family:  

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: 

Pixel 9 pricing
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

Editor's Pick: The best NBN 500 plan

Dodo's NBN 500 Unlimited plan is our pick for the best NBN 500 plan for September.

Dodo
Dodo
FTTP, HFC
Editor's Pick

nbn500 Unlimited Plan

  • nbn® 500/48 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99

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 models compared

Pixel 9 Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro XLPixel 9 Pro Fold
Display 6.3-inch Actua 6.3-inch Super Actua6.8-inch Super Actua6.3-inch Actua / 8-inch Super Actua
Resolution 1080p+ 1280p+1344p+1080p+ / 2076p+
Refresh Rate 60Hz - 120Hz 1Hz - 120Hz1Hz - 120Hz60Hz - 120Hz / 1Hz - 120Hz
Rear Cameras 50MP + 48MP 50MP + 48MP + 48MP50MP + 48MP + 48MP48MP + 10.5MP + 10.8MP
Front Camera 10.5MP 42MP42MP10MP + 10MP
Processor Tensor G4 Tensor G4Tensor G4Tensor G4
Storage 128GB - 256GB 128GB - 1TB128GB - 1TB256GB - 512GB
Water-Resistance IP68 IP68IP68IPX8
Battery 4,700mAh 4,700mAh5,060mAh4,650mAh
RAM 12GB 16GB16GB16GB
5G Sub 6 Sub 6Sub 6Sub 6 + mmWave
Protection Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Gorilla Glass Victus 2Gorilla Glass Victus 2Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Thermometer No Yes YesNo
Price From $1,349 From $1,699From $1,849From $2,699
See plans Plans coming soonSee plansSee 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

  • Widest 5G coverage in Australia
  • Access to the Telstra Plus perks and rewards program

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

  • Discounted streaming services through SubHub
  • $5 for 5GB of roaming data when overseas 

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

  • Bundling options
  • Access to Vodafone's $5 international roaming

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:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 

Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1
Dodo
Dodo
All Fixed Line nbn®
Editor's Pick

nbn50 Unlimited Plan

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.
$57.99/mth
Min. cost $57.99
#2
amaysim
amaysim
All Fixed Line nbn®

NBN50

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro offer), then $85/mth. Ends 04.10.26
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
#3
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®

Value Plus NBN 50/20

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month.
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
#4
TPG
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn50 Unlimited Plan

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply.
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
#5
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®

Value nbn - Unlimited

  • nbn® 47/18 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
#6
Superloop
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®

Extra-value nbn50/20

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
#7
iiNet
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn50 Liimitless

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
#8
Belong
Belong
All Fixed Line nbn®

NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
#9
Kogan Internet
Kogan Internet
All Fixed Line nbn®

Silver Unlimited

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
#10
Flip
Flip
All Fixed Line nbn®

Unlimited Family nbn50

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$68/mth
Min. cost $68

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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