Forget pricey flagships — the Google Pixel 6a just hit $99 at Best Buy

Google Pixel 6a playing video with Black Friday badge near it.
(Image credit: Future)

I haven’t bought a flagship phone since the iPhone 6 Plus, and considering how today’s top smartphones easily cost over $1,000+, I’m unlikely to buy one anytime soon. That’s why Best Buy’s early Black Friday deal on the Google Pixel 6a has caught my attention. It’s down to the bargain basement price of $99, which is unbelievable given how it’s still a formidable mid-ranger. It’s one of the best early Black Friday phone deals I’ve found so far.

AT&T customers can snag the Pixel 6a for $99 with an activation through Best Buy, while those with Verizon will pay a smidgen more at $120. Both deals are incredible when you consider how it launched at $449 in 2022. This calculates to a 77% discount off its normal price.

Google Pixel 6a: was $449 now $99 @ Best  Buy

Google Pixel 6a: was $449 now $99 @ Best  Buy
Why spend thousands when the Pixel 6a can be fetched for under $100. It's a mid-range phone packed with strong features like its excellent dual cameras, Pixel software features, and a premium design.

Don’t let its ultra low cost fool you though because the Pixel 6a can still tangle with some of the best phones around right now. For example, it has exclusive features you won't find on Android phones from other manufacturers — like the ability to remove objects and people with Magic Eraser, as well as an interpreter mode that translates conversations you have with someone in another language.

There’s also the incredible dual-cameras on the back of the Pixel 6a, a 12.2MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide. Photos under good lighting conditions are accompanied by excellent detail, color saturation, and decent dynamic range performance. Google’s photo processing is one of the best out there, drawing up the best results no matter the situation.

And finally, I love the fact that the Pixel 6a is one of the more compact sized phones out there with its 6.1-inch OLED display. The build quality was good in my opinion even at its normal $449 cost, made all the better knowing that it costs so much less now.

John Velasco
Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

Read more
Google Pixel 9 Pro deal
Forget Pixel 9a — get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $250 off at Best Buy right now
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Closeup of camera bars on four Google Pixel 8a phones
Hurry! The best value phone we've tested just got $100 cheaper
Pixel 8a in the color option aloe
Forget the Galaxy S25 — the Google Pixel 8a just crashed to $299 and it's an amazing bargain
Four Pixel 9a phones propped against a book
Google Pixel 9a deals — here’s how to get Google's phone for free
Pixel 9 held in the hand with holiday finds badge.
The amazing Google Pixel 9 is selling for just $299 — here’s how to get it
Latest in Google Phones
back of Iris Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is lacking one of the Pixel 9’s best safety features — here’s what we know
Google Pixel 9a with thumbs up and thumbs down icons
Google Pixel 9a — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Google Pixel 9 Pro deal
Forget Pixel 9a — get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $250 off at Best Buy right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
Latest in Deals
Target store logo with Price Drop tag
Huge Target spring sale live from $17 — 23 deals I'm shopping on appliances, patio furniture and more
adidas Men's Ultraboost Light Sneaker held aloft
Mega Adidas sale is live from $8 at Amazon — 17 deals I’d buy now on sneakers and apparel
The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom screenshot
Massive Nintendo Switch game sale live from $4 — 17 deals I'd buy now
Navy and white Bear Elite Hybrid mattress in bedroom with wooden floor, black and beige rug, grey chair and black bedside tables
Hot sleeper? Get up to 35% off these cooling mattresses this weekend
A woman lying on her back on the Casper The One mattress
The Casper mattress I'd buy is on sale today — save 20% on the Casper The One
Lowe's storefront
Huge Lowe's spring sale is live — 33 deals I'd shop on appliances, patio furniture and more
  • OptMktg16
    John Velasco, I love Toms Guide. One of the "go to" sources for technology, gadgets, entertainment, electronics, and more...but this one has me baffled. I do not see these discounts anywhere for the 6a. Not even on Best Buys website.
    Reply
  • rgd1101
    OptMktg16 said:
    John Velasco, I love Toms Guide. One of the "go to" sources for technology, gadgets, entertainment, electronics, and more...but this one has me baffled. I do not see these discounts anywhere for the 6a. Not even on Best Buys website.
    https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google-pixel-6a-128gb-charcoal-verizon/6509963.p?acampID=0&ar=1825795268044733717&cmp=RMX&irclickid=3RB0nyUDMxyPTIHziiXcrVUrUkFX0J1tyXk10U0&irgwc=1&loc=Howl+Technologies%2C+Inc.&mpid=376373&nrtv_cid=f44791fd8a74d3cb3ba93d3fd50c8c6e593f25c07682fa03e85d1a9146253d93&ref=198&skuId=6509963&utm_source=narrativlook fine to me.
    kind of different to Verizon for $49 and ATT is $120 for upgrade and $20 for new line
    Reply
  • Boopero
    I loved my 6A except for 1 thing. Overheating. It would get so hot it would either shut down, dim the screen a lot or switch apps to dark mode, namely Google Maps. I'd be driving somewhere, Google Maps would go dark. I could no longer read it in the daytime. It was so much of a problem that I switched to the Pixel 8 Pro which doesn't heat up nearly as badly.
    Reply