The Google Pixel 10a is going to be free at T-Mobile — but you're going to have to wait

Interested in picking up the new Google Pixel 10a? T-Mobile has just posted its opening deal on the device ahead of its March 5 release date.

The carrier's opening promotion is decent, too: you can get the device for free with a trade-in on nearly any of the carrier's unlimited plans. Unlike some higher-end options, you won't be tied to the pricier plan tiers here, meaning cheaper bills in the long run.

Curiously, unlike other carriers, the Pixel 10a isn't actually available to preorder at T-Mobile right now. You're going to have to wait until the actual release date to place your order, which is a little annoying considering it's an almost two-week wait from today.

If you're looking for a budget device at T-Mobile, however, then the Pixel 10a could be worth waiting for. Most of the device's specs are hand-me-downs from the previous iteration, but the Pixel 10a does have a lovely new slim-line minimalist design, improved charging, and a bigger battery.

T-Mobile's opening Google Pixel 10a deal

Available March 5

Google Pixel 10a: free with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan at T-Mobile
T-Mobile's opening deal will get you the Google Pixel 10a for free on nearly all of the carrier's plans. The only caveat here, aside from the short wait, is that you do need to trade in an old device to be eligible, unlike some of T-Mobile's deals this week.

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Also consider

Google Pixel 9a: get a 256GB device for free with an unlimited line at T-Mobile
Don't want to wait or trade? You could consider picking up the older Pixel 9a this week. There's a special promotion on this device right now that not only gets you a device for free on a new unlimited line, but also a free storage upgrade. Note, while no trades are needed here, you still require a two-year plan.

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Why the wait?

Honestly, I'm not too sure. I imagine that other retailers may have had some exclusivity clause or something similar that excluded others. Stock levels could be another reason. Likewise, the carrier could also be expecting lower demand for the device, hence the lack of urgency around preorders.

With that said, this particular deal is pretty much what you'd expect for preorders anyway, so you're not missing out by waiting. And, if you don't want to wait, then there are other excellent T-Mobile deals to check out this week on higher-end devices.