Technologies

The Google Pixel 9a Is Playing in the Big Leagues at a Cyber Monday Price of $349

Save $150 and score our favorite Google’s AI‑powered budget-friendly phone before this holiday season deal vanishes faster than your battery saver.

If you’re looking for an Android phone that won’t break the bank, the Pixel 9A is one of the absolute best options on the market right now. Released just this spring, it quickly earned a spot on our list of the best phones for 2025 as one of our favorite budget models thanks to its affordable $499 starting price. And right now, you can get your hands on one for even less.

Amazon has knocked $150 off the 128GB unlocked configuration, which means you can grab it for just $349 or upgrade to 256GB for just $449. This is the absolute lowest price we’ve seen at Amazon, so we’d recommend taking advantage of these savings while you can.

At just $349, the Pixel 9a is now available for far less than the basic Pixel 9. But even though it’s significantly cheaper, it offers many of the same specs and features, making it an unbeatable value. Both have a vibrant 6.3‑inch OLED display, as well as the same Google Tensor G4 processor, which supports Gemini AI features. Plus, the Pixel 9a actually has an improved 13MP front camera and boosts the battery life up to 30 hours. You’re only getting 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB, and the rear ultrawide camera isn’t as impressive, but for those who really only need the basics, the Pixel 9a is an absolute steal and one of the best phones you’ll find for less than $500.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

iPhone 17 Pro on Us With Any Condition Trade-in and Qualifying Plan
Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$749 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 128GB Unlocked Phone (JetBlack):

$475 (save $175)
Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$499 (save $300)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium Black):

$900 (save $400)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

The Google Pixel 9a is already our favorite budget‑friendly Android, and a great value at full price. It matches — or even exceeds — the $799 Pixel 9 in some categories, so a chance to grab one for just $349 is a serious bargain. Especially since this Cyber Monday deal doesn’t require a trade‑in, carrier contract or any other special conditions.

For Apple users, there are plenty of deals to be had on the new and more affordable iPhone 16E as well.

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Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im