Prices Keep Getting Cheaper on the Google Pixel 3a

Article Summary

Although it's lacking a few flagship features like wireless charging and a fast processor, the Pixel 3a offers incredible performance for a mid-range smartphone price. Released earlier this month, the prices have already dropped with select carriers.

The Pixel 3 is Google's best and fastest smartphone ever. However, as flagship smartphones are prone to do nowadays they are priced high at $999 and up. Enter the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Both devices drop wireless charging and water resistance, and the processor is a bit slower. There are a few more minor differences, but what really stands out is the price tag; starting at only $549 Cdn. almost anyone can pick up a premium Google smartphone.

Nearly every major mobile carrier in Canada offers the new mid-range smartphone on simple, two-year plans. However, paying it off over 24 months can result in paying far more than $549 (or $649 for the Pixel 3a XL). For example, buying the slightly larger Pixel 3a XL from an Ontario carrier can easily cost you over $100/month.

When it was launched, Fido offered the best plan on the Pixel 3a. Trade in any old phone with a value of at least $25 and they would give you the Pixel 3a for $0 down with Medium smartphone plan pricing. Koodo and Virgin Mobile have followed suit, and some regional carriers have competitive pricing too:

• Koodo has the Pixel 3a for $0 down on Tab Medium
• Fido has the Pixel 3a for $0 down on Medium plan pricing (no trade-in needed anymore)
• Virgin Mobile will give you the Pixel 3a for $0 on Gold plan pricing with minimum $25 trade-in (find out your phone's value at vm.ca/tradein) 
• Freedom offers the Pixel 3a for $0 down and $15/month MyTab on top of $55/month plans
• Videotron has the Pixel 3a for $0 down on 7+2GB Premium plans

All plans mentioned above are around $70/month in main regions (cheaper in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec). 

Koodo has the best deal here. While it looks the same as the Fido offer, right now Koodo has a limited time promotion that credits your account $10/month for one year when you sign up for a plan $50 and up. That means you can get a Pixel 3a for $0 upfront and $70/month, unlimited talk and text, and 4GB of data. With credit that plan will only cost you $60/month for the first year. 

Customer care reps in the store will help you move all your data over to the new device. Sadly these deals aren't available for the larger Google Pixel 3a XL. Most offers on that model require Large tab plans which can cost $30-$40 more per month.

The Google Pixel 3a XL offers much of the same hardware as the smaller Pixel 3a, but features a larger 6.0" screen and huge 3,700 mAh battery to last you all day.