If you’re looking to spend the least amount possible on a phone without having to worry about replacing it anytime soon, I always recommend Google’s A-series Pixel phone. This recommendation holds especially true now as the Pixel 8A is on sale for $100 off for Black Friday or similar shopping events. Even at its original price of $499, the 8A offers great value, but at $399 it’s an incredible deal.
Here’s the catch: Google guarantees that the Pixel 8A will receive operating system updates and security patches until May 2031. This means you can expect it to run Android 21. If you buy the 8A now for $400 and keep it for six years, you’re essentially paying $66 per year. To achieve the same return on investment, you’d have to use a $1000 flagship phone for 15 years. It’s like making money with the Pixel 8A.
Most importantly, the 8A is the type of phone I recommend to friends and family members who don’t care about fancy features and prefer not to upgrade frequently. In fact, my mom uses a 7A and my dad has the 8A.
A $400 phone is much more affordable to purchase outright compared to a flagship phone, Pixel or otherwise. If you prefer not to be tied down by a carrier’s terms and conditions in exchange for a “free” phone, the Pixel 8A is a great option with no strings attached.
