The Google Pixel 9a has been making waves after live images surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) from user @feni_book. These images show design changes and potential hardware upgrades and it looks like the Pixel 9a will be a departure from the previous ones.
Redesigned Aesthetic: A Bold New Look
The images show both the front and back of the alleged Google Pixel 9a.
- Front: The front is the same old Pixel design with a centered punch-hole camera cutout, flat edges and slim bezels. Not innovative but Google is sticking to simplicity and functionality.
- Rear: A big change from the Pixel 9 series is the rear design. Gone is the horizontal camera bar that has been a signature of recent Pixel phones. Pixel 9a has a smaller pill-shaped module on the top left which houses two camera sensors and an LED flash.
The textured back panel is an added design element that is a departure from the smooth finishes of previous phones. But the logo on this unit is not the Google logo, so it’s an Engineering Validation Test (EVT) prototype which is used for internal testing before mass production.
Speculation on Hardware Upgrades
Specs of the Google Pixel 9a suggest it will be a big upgrade over the Pixel 8a and will be a solid mid-tier device in the Pixel lineup.
- Display: The Google Pixel 9a is said to have a 6.3-inch screen, slightly bigger than the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch. And an adaptive refresh rate from 60Hz to 120Hz is a big jump, for smoother and more efficient battery life.
- Performance: Underneath, the Google Pixel 9a might be powered by the Tensor G4 chip, the same chip as the premium Pixel 9 series. This will be a big boost in performance over the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3, for better multitasking, AI features and gaming.
- Battery and Charging: A 5000mAh battery is a nice upgrade from the Pixel 8a’s 4492mAh, but charging might still be the same, 18W wired and 7.5W wireless.
- Camera Changes: The Google Pixel 9a’s rear camera might have a 48MP main sensor, the same as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This is a downgrade from the Pixel 8a’s 64MP main sensor, but Google’s computational photography magic can still make it great.
- Build and Durability: With an expected IP68 water and dust rating, the Pixel 9a will be better than the Pixel 8a’s IP67, another layer of protection for users.
- Memory and Storage: Memory options will likely be the same as the Pixel 8a, 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage.
What to Expect
The Google Pixel 9a if these leaks are true, will redefine the mid-range smartphone experience by combining premium features from the Pixel 9 series with its own unique bits. Its new design, upgraded chip and better durability make it a strong contender in its class.
But we should take these leaks with a grain of salt. The EVT unit and rumors are nice but Google hasn’t confirmed anything. If the Google Pixel 9a is really like this, it will be a big deal for budget smartphones.
Until Google officially announces the device, the Pixel 9a is a tease, and we’ll be watching.