Honestly, the smartphone market moves so fast it’s almost impossible to keep track. One minute you’re looking at the latest flagship, and the next, there’s a newer model whispering in your ear. But if you’ve been eyeing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, 2026 has actually brought some of the weirdest—and best—price drops we’ve seen in a while.
Prices are falling. It's just a fact.
With the Pixel 10 series now soaking up the spotlight, retailers like Best Buy and Amazon are getting aggressive. I’m seeing unlocked units for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL deals hitting around $819.97 for the 128GB version, which is a massive slide from that original $1,099 launch price. If you don't mind a "pre-loved" device, Best Buy’s refurbished "Excellent" stock is hovering near **$509.99**. That’s basically half-price for a phone that still has a solid five or six years of software updates left in its tank.
Finding the Best Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Deals Without Getting Scammed
It’s easy to get sucked into a flashy "FREE PHONE" banner. Most people don't realize those deals usually lock you into a 36-month contract on a premium unlimited plan. If you’re already on one of those plans, cool, go for it. Verizon, for instance, has been running a stackable offer where you can grab a $200 gift card just for switching or adding a line, on top of their device discounts. But for the rest of us? The "unlocked" route is often cheaper over time.
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- Verizon: Often offers the biggest "sticker price" discount but requires a top-tier plan. Watch for the stackable gift cards that pop up mid-month.
- Xfinity Mobile: They’ve been doing this thing where you get $400 off instantly if you add a line. It’s a clean discount without the 3-year "bill credit" headache.
- AT&T: Their trade-in values for old Pixels are surprisingly high right now, sometimes giving you the phone for "free" with a trade-in, though you'll be tied down for a while.
The secondary market is where things get really interesting. On sites like Swappa, I’ve seen the Pixel 9 Pro XL (256GB) selling for around $500 to $600. That is a wild price for a device with 16GB of RAM and a Tensor G4 chip.
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Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL Still Worth It?
Short answer: Yeah.
Long answer: It depends on what you care about. If you’re obsessed with having the latest Tensor G5 chip for better gaming, maybe wait for a sale on the 10. But for 99% of people, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is peak Google. The Super Actua display hits 3,000 nits of peak brightness. You could literally be standing in the middle of a desert at noon and still read your emails perfectly.
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The camera is still the main event. That 50MP main sensor combined with Google’s post-processing is basically magic. I’ve compared it to some of the newer 2026 flagships, and the Pixel still wins on skin tones and HDR every single time. It’s just more consistent.
Trade-In Values: The Secret Sauce
If you’re sitting on a Pixel 7 Pro or a Pixel 8, you might be surprised. BankMyCell data shows that a Pixel 9 Pro XL in "good" condition can still fetch around $455 to $511 in direct resale value. When you put that toward an upgrade or use it to buy a discounted unit at Best Buy, you’re basically paying a couple hundred bucks for a pro-tier flagship.
Don't ignore the 1TB models either. While they started at a ridiculous price point, their resale value has tanked harder than the lower storage models. You can often find a 512GB or 1TB unit for just $50 or $70 more than the 128GB base model on the used market.
What to Look Out For
- Battery Health: If buying used, always ask for a battery health report. The 5060 mAh battery is great, but only if it hasn't been cycled to death.
- The "Refurbished" Label: Not all refurbs are equal. "Geek Squad Certified" or "Amazon Renewed" offer actual return windows. Random eBay sellers? Not so much.
- AI Features: Some of the newer Gemini features are being ported back to the 9 series, so you aren't actually missing out on the "AI revolution" by skipping the 10.
Basically, if you can find a deal that puts the Pixel 9 Pro XL under $750 (new) or $550 (refurbished), you’re winning. The hardware is premium—Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back—and the matte finish feels much more expensive than the older, glossy Pixels.
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Making the Final Call
The "best" deal isn't always the cheapest one. It's the one that fits how you actually pay for things. If you hate monthly bills, grab an unlocked hazel or obsidian model from Best Buy while they’re clearing out 2025 stock. If you’re a family of four looking to switch carriers, the Verizon or T-Mobile bill credits will likely save you more in the long run.
Stop waiting for a "perfect" price that might never come. With the way inflation has been hitting tech lately, these current sub-$850 prices for the 9 Pro XL are likely the floor before stock starts to dry up entirely.
How to secure the best price today:
- Check Best Buy’s "Open-Box" section first; people return these things for the smallest reasons, and you can save an extra $100.
- Compare your current phone’s trade-in value at both the Google Store and a third-party site like SellCell before committing to a carrier deal.
- If you're buying unlocked, use a credit card with purchase protection or extended warranty to give yourself that extra layer of security.
- Verify the model number if buying on eBay to ensure it supports the specific 5G bands (mmWave) for your carrier, especially if you're on Verizon.