It’s still several months away, but at this point in time we’ve heard a good amount of predictions regarding Google’s upcoming midrange smartphone, the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9a follows in the footsteps of the Pixel 9 series devices, although it understandably cuts some corners – this is, after all the main reason that the Pixel A-series phones exist. With that said, here’s all that we’ve learned so far about the Pixel 9a.
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Changes to the Camera
We’ve previously mentioned how Google seems determined to change how the Pixel 9a looks, particularly when it comes to the camera design. Since the launch of the Pixel 6 series, Google introduced a new camera bar design which became a distinct trait of the Pixel phones moving forward, and while subsequent iterations featured a slightly-redesigned look it remained mostly similar. With the Pixel 9a though, the camera bar is nowehere to be found, and in its place is a smaller opening for the camera and a separate cutout for the LED flash.
Additionally, it looks like the camera itself will come with some changes. The Pixel 7a and 8a both featured high-resolution 64MP main cameras, although with smaller physical sensors when compared to the flagship Pixel models. For the Pixel 9a, it’s now thought that Google will reuse the 48MP sensor found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, finally equipping the A-series with a flagship-grade sensor.
New Colours and Launch Window
Other leaks also predict that Google will introduce new colours with the arrival of the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 8a launched with a couple of the usual colour options in black and white, and Google also introduced Aloe and Bay variants, the latter of which first appeared on the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro from last year. With the Pixel 9a, it looks like we’re also getting black and white, a Peony version (the Pink one on the Pixel 9 phones), and a newer “Iris” model which is expected to feature a bluish-purple look. There’s also a larger screen at 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches on the Pixel 6a, 7a, and 8a.
Additionally, Google will supposedly launch the Pixel 9a much earlier next year, at around March. The A-series Pixels were usually unveiled during Google I/O in May, although it looks like Google is shifting its launch dates as seen with the earlier release of the Pixel 9 phones. There’s no word on pricing yet, although many are hoping that Google keeps it under £500.
Tensor G4, Again
As for performance, the Pixel 9a will also feature the Tensor G4 chip, which arrived with the Pixel 9 devices. While the Tensor G4 doesn’t exactly offer groundbreaking performance upgrades over the Tensor G3 from last year, it does come with better efficiency and thermal management thanks to a fairly newer modem from Samsung. On the other hand though, it’s also rumoured that Google will use an older modem for the version of the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9a. This has led some to speculate about the overall efficiency of the device, especially since heat management and battery endurance were prevalent issues on earlier Tensor-powered Pixel phones.
With all of that said, these are all still unconfirmed in any official manner, so don’t be too surprised if the Pixel 9a turns out a bit differently than expected.
