The Pixel 9 (review) series has gained significant recognition for its enhanced hardware and AI features. As is customary each year, it’s time to turn our attention to the A-series Pixels, typically launched mid-year. It appears we already have high-quality leaked renders of the Pixel 9a, offering a clear preview of what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know.
These renders, sourced from Android Headlines, align with real-world images of the Pixel 9a that surfaced a few months ago. One of the most striking changes is the entirely flat camera module, which removes the camera bar or island featured in the Pixel 9 series.
It’s unusual for an A-series device to lack the design elements of that year’s Pixel models, but here we are. The Pixel 9a features a dual-camera setup accompanied by an LED flash, while the rest of the back remains quite minimal.
On the front, the design closely resembles the standard Pixel 9, although the bezels are notably thick. The volume rocker and power buttons are located on the right side, with the SIM card slot positioned at the bottom alongside the Type-C port and downward-firing speaker.
In terms of specifications, we likely won’t see a significant upgrade from the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 9a is anticipated to feature the same 6.1-inch 120Hz display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of base storage as the previous model. However, it may feature the latest Tensor G4 (benchmarks), albeit in a less powerful configuration. This is due to the use of IPoP (Integrated Package-on-Package) technology instead of FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging).
The Pixel 9a could be the last model to utilize Samsung Foundry’s manufacturing process, as Google plans to transition to TSMC’s manufacturing node for the Tensor G5. Additionally, the Pixel 9a is expected to launch with Android 15 out of the box, unlike the Pixel 9 series.
While we don’t have a specific release date yet, based on the timelines of previous A-series models, we anticipate that the Pixel 9a will debut in May 2025. As for pricing, it’s too early to make any predictions, but it would be surprising if Google decided to increase it.
There were concerns that Google might discontinue the Pixel A series, as OnLeaks had previously indicated that “this may be the last Pixel Xa series device.” While we had our reasons to think this might be true, it appears that’s not the case.
What are your thoughts on the Pixel 9a? Do you appreciate the new design approach that Google is taking, or would you have preferred to see a camera island similar to the Pixel 9? Share your opinions in the comments!
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