Refurbished Pixel 9 from $499 vs a new Pixel 9a

Google has added the Pixel 9 series to its Certified Refurbished store in the US. Google's page lists the Pixel 9 from $499, the Pixel 9 Pro from $649 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL from $699, against original prices of $799, $999 and $1,099. 9to5Google reports the Pixel 9 series was released to the program on October 12 and that the base Pixel 9 was out of stock when it checked; we have not verified stock.

What you get

Google says each refurbished phone passes a multi-point quality test, is restored with authentic Pixel parts, ships unlocked for any carrier, and carries the same one-year warranty as a new device. Google also offers six months of Google AI Plus with the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL or Pixel 8 Pro, for new subscribers only. Google's fine print says the offer ends April 4, 2027. Google's banner says the subscription is voided if the phone is returned; its fine print says returning the device "may result in cancellation of subscription." Google AI Plus charges $9.99 after the trial ends unless you cancel earlier.

Against a new Pixel 9a

Google sells a new Pixel 9a from $499, the same starting price as the refurbished Pixel 9. The Pixel 10a is from $599, and the Pixel 11 is from $549 with an eligible trade-in (Google lists $899 without one). Google's update policy gives Pixel 8 and later phones seven years of OS and security updates, counted from when the phone first went on sale at the Google Store in the US.

Google lists the Pixel 9 as available in August 2024 and the Pixel 9a in April 2025. By our arithmetic from that policy, the Pixel 9 is covered until about August 2031 and the Pixel 9a until about April 2032, roughly eight months longer. The Pixel 10a (March 2026) would run to about March 2033. We did not compare specs or cameras, so on price and update coverage alone the new 9a is the closer call at $499.

Who it suits

By our arithmetic, at $499 the choice is a refurbished Pixel 9 with Google's one-year warranty or a new Pixel 9a with about eight months more update coverage. Check stock and price on the Google Store page before you buy.