Yes, T-Mobile will really give you the Pixel 10a AND some earbuds for free with "most plans" — so what's the catch?

The Google Pixel 10a in the Lavender colorway. — (Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

If you're interested in buying the new Google Pixel 10a, you have two options: you can either buy the phone unlocked via a traditional retailer like Amazon or Best Buy, or you can try to land a great deal through your wireless carrier.

Folks who use T-Mobile may want to go with the latter option, as the Big Three provider is currently running a deal that gets you a free Google Pixel 10a AND a pair of Pixel Buds 2a earbuds when you add a line with an eligible data plan.

Unlike some wireless deals — which require you to trade in an old phone or sign up for the most expensive data plan to earn the max savings — T-Mobile's offer is unique in its simplicity. According to the carrier, "most plans" will get you the free devices, which means even T-Mo's approachable Essentials and Better Value plans will work.

Destined to rank among the best cheap Android phones released in 2026, the Google Pixel 10a boasts a stunning 6.3-inch pOLED display with some upgraded Gorilla Glass durability and a flat panel design. Under the hood, you get the same camera tech and a larger battery than the more-expensive Pixel 10, plus seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed.

Aside from those incremental upgrades, the Pixel 10a is largely unchanged from last year's excellent Google Pixel 9a. The new model even comes with the same Tensor G4 chipset and 8GB of RAM, which is a bit disappointing for anyone who was hoping for flagship-level performance. The good news is that, unlike some manufacturers, Google didn't raise prices on its newest phone, which makes the Pixel 10a a natural upgrade for any satisfied 9a owner.

Of course, this deal isn't for everyone. If you value flexibility when buying a new device, you might be better off grabbing the phone unlocked. Best Buy, for example, will still give you a $100 gift card when you buy the Pixel 10a through its site.

But if you're already a T-Mobile customer (or you're willing to switch), this promotion is easily one of the best Google Pixel 10a deals on the web. You just have to be cool with a little fine print.

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After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child.

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