If you’ve been considering purchasing the Google Pixel 9a, now is an opportune moment to take action. This is due to an exciting offer where you can receive a $100 gift card for free upon buying this flagship-quality midrange smartphone. According to Engadget‘s review by Sam Rutherford, it has been described as “the best value of any Android phone.”

The $100 gift card promotion is available at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store. Each retailer has its unique advantages and disadvantages, but it’s wise to order from the store where you typically make your purchases to maximize convenience.

The Pixel 9a serves as an entry point into the Google Pixel ecosystem. Its sub-flagship pricing cleverly disguises a device that, in many respects, competes fiercely with smartphones priced at twice its cost. It features a stunning 6.3-inch OLED display paired with a 120Hz refresh rate. Our assessment found it to be exceptionally sharp and vibrant, earning the title of “one of the best displays in this price range.”

This device is powered by the same Tensor G4 processor used in the pricier Pixel 9 models. The only noticeable performance difference lies in its 8GB of RAM, compared to the 12GB in the standard Pixel 9. This minor discrepancy might only become apparent if you engage heavily in multitasking or gaming. Given the substantial $300 price difference between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9, it’s difficult to find fault with this aspect.

The Google Pixel lineup is celebrated for its exceptional camera capabilities, and the Pixel 9a continues this tradition. It is equipped with a 48MP main camera alongside a 13MP ultra-wide lens. While it lacks a telephoto lens, it compensates through AI-enhanced Super Res Zoom, which allows for up to 8x digital zoom. Additionally, the phone features Google’s Night Sight technology, enabling stunning low-light photography with remarkable clarity and balance.

Our findings indicate that the camera on the Pixel 9a outshines the $1,299 Galaxy S25 Ultra in terms of color accuracy, detail, and low-light performance. It also holds its own against the S25 Ultra in ultra-wide shots, although the latter has a slight advantage due to better color saturation. However, considering the substantial $800 price difference, the fact that the Pixel 9a is even in the same conversation is a significant accomplishment.

The Pixel 9a does have a few minor drawbacks, including its 8GB of RAM, slower charging speeds compared to flagship models, absence of optical zoom, and its plastic backing instead of glass. Nevertheless, at a price of 9 — effectively $399 when utilizing the gift card for other purchases you’d make anyway — this represents an excellent value for a nearly flagship Android smartphone that has secured a spot on our list of the best smartphones currently available.