Why?
Honestly I recommend going with used/refurbished. Taking a cursory look at ebay 9a are still going for $450-$500, which is crazy, but regular 9 are going for about the same price and 8a seem to be going for about $250
2nd hand Pixel 8a are holding crazy prices still … My 8 Pro is having many issues so I’m gonna be looking for a 8a or 9a soon. 9a looks like a really nice device (no camera bump is great).
I’m always too worried about screen scratches to go with a refurb.
It depends greatly on the care taken, of course, but im 16-17 years of using a smartphone I’m pretty sure I’ve never had a scratched screen. I’ve cracked a couple, but never scratched one. A scratched screen would warrant replacement under a refurb program, too, I would think?
The oleophobic coating would be a greater concern, to me, as a screen that attracts fingerprints can be annoying.
