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Google Pixel 3a: How to Get It on Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Even AT&T

Google's new phones are more accessible than any pervious Pixel.

Google

Google announced the release of two mid-range smartphones this week, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL for $399 and $479, respectively. The 3a handset duo are by far the most affordable phones Google has ever released. Adding to the good news for Google, Pixel 3a reviews note the mid-range phones meet the standards set by their flagship counterparts. The best news that arrived during their Google I/O debut on Tuesday is that the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are now available from more carriers than any other Pixel before them.

The Pixel 3a and 3a XL make good on Google’s guiding principle to put a combination of software, hardware, and artificial intelligence in the palms of as many people as possible. They pack the same software that powers the Pixel 3 and 3 XL with a few hardware downgrades, like using “Dragontrail glass” instead of the sturdier “Gorilla glass” and opting for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 instead of the snappier Snapdragon 845.

All of the carriers the Pixel 3a and 3a XL will be available on.

Google

Here’s how to get your hands on the Pixel 3a on every cellular carrier, even the ones Google isn’t partnering with.

Google Pixel 3a and 3 XL on Verizon

Verizon has partnered with Pixel since Google launched its first handset back in 2016. Users can purchase both phones on the carrier by either paying the full retail price or opting for the monthly payments. Both include a one-time activation fee of $40, but you can cut that down to $20 if you buy the phones using Verizon’s site or the My Verizon App on iOS or Android.

For the 3a monthly option, there will be 24 monthly payments of $12.50, which comes out to $300. whereas the 3a XL is available for 24 monthly payments of $15.83 a month, adding up to $379.92. Both of these options are cheaper than buying out the phone and don’t come with any interest charges.

Verizon

Google Pixel 3a and 3 XL on T-Mobile

For the first time ever, T-Mobile customers are able to shop for a Pixel phone through the cell carrier. Much like Verizon, shoppers can opt to pay off the phone immediately or sign up for a year’s worth of monthly payments.

T-Mobile charges 24 monthly payments of $16.67 for the 3a and 24 monthly payments of $20 for the 3a XL. These both come out to be the full retail price for the phone and come with interest payments if users don’t have what T-Mobile considers “awesome credit.” But interested customers can trade in their old phone to get a big discount on the one-time payment option if they don’t want to deal with interest.

Here’s a list of all old phones T-Mobile is taking for credit:

T-Mobile

Google Pixel 3a and 3 XL on Sprint

The Pixel 3a and 3a XL will also be the first time Sprint offers a Google phone. Both phones can be purchased for a one-time payment, paid off in full over six months, or they can be leased with the carrier’s “Sprint Flex 18-month lease” option. All of these options include interest payments that are determined by the purchaser’s credit score.

The 18-month Flex plan lets customers pay $11.07 per month for the 3a and 14.40 per month for the 3a XL. The catch is, at the end of the payment period, customers need to return the phone and upgrade to another device plan.

All of these plans can be made cheaper if users switch from their current carrier to Sprint. Here are the following discounted rates:

Sprint

Google Pixel 3a and 3 XL on Google Fi

Naturally, Google will be offering deals for its new phones on its wireless carrier division. Customers can pay for them upfront or opt for a year-long payment plan of $16.63 per month for the 3a and $19.96 per month for the 3a XL. Google requires customers to show their credit, so interest could apply for some shoppers.

Just like T-Mobile, Google is offering trade-in deals for up to $610 of credit if you turn in Pixel, Apple, Samsung, LG, Huawei, or Motorola devices. Visit Google Fi’s store to get an estimate for how much your old phone could net you.

Google Fi

Buying a Pixel 3a or 3a XL on the Google Fi store could also let you save $100 on your monthly cellular bill. The terms are listed above.

Google Pixel 3a and 3 XL on US Cellular

Finally, Google announced that US Cellular would also begin offering its Pixel 3a and Pixel 3 models. However, the company has yet to update its cite to offer 3a or 3a XL deals. Interested customers should visit the company’s locations to learn more.

Get the Google Pixel 3a and 3 XL on AT&T — or Anywhere Else

Smartphone owners who don’t use any of these carriers can also get their hands on Google’s budget Pixel. All they have to do is buy an unlocked model of either device on the Google Store and slot in their SIM card.

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