First Look at New Google Pixel 9a: Leaked Renders and Key Specs Revealed

Google has been on a roll with its Google Pixel 9 series, and just a little over a month after its launch, attention has now shifted towards the upcoming Pixel 9a. Set to be Google’s next mid-range smartphone, the Google Pixel 9a is expected to bring a fresh design along with notable upgrades while keeping the budget-friendly approach intact. Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far, based on leaks, reports, and renders that have surfaced.

Expected Launch Date

• Launch Timing: Traditionally, Google has released its A-series devices during the Google I/O event, typically held in May. Based on these trends, we expect the Pixel 9a to debut in Spring 2025, likely around May.
• Early Look: Leaked renders, provided by OnLeaks via Android Headlines, give us an early glimpse of the Google Pixel 9a’s design, showcasing significant design changes that set it apart from the mainline Pixel 9 phones.

New Design and Build

The Google Pixel 9a appears to undergo a noticeable design shift compared to its predecessors and its flagship siblings. One of the most striking changes is the camera module design. Unlike the rest of the Pixel 9 series, which features a protruding camera bar, the Pixel 9a will have a flat camera module that sits nearly flush with the back of the device. This minimalist look reminds many of older LG devices, particularly the LG V60 ThinQ.

Key Design Features:

• Flat Camera Module: Unlike the typical camera bump seen in the flagship Pixel 9 models, the Pixel 9a will have a nearly flush camera design with just a small raised ring around the camera lenses.
• Thicker Bezels: As a budget-friendly option, the Pixel 9a will have thicker bezels compared to its pricier counterparts. While this might seem like a step back, it helps keep the cost down.
• Flat Edges: The phone will feature flat side rails, offering a more streamlined look and feel compared to the curved designs on premium models.
• Hole-Punch Camera: Like its predecessors, the selfie camera is positioned in a hole-punch cutout at the top center of the display.

Google Pixel 9a Specifications (Leaked)

While many of the hardware details for the Pixel 9a are still under wraps, the leaks and rumors offer a clear picture of what to expect from this mid-range Pixel phone. Below is a breakdown of the rumored specifications:

Performance: Tensor G4 Chipset

One of the standout features expected for the Google Pixel 9a is the use of Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, which will also power the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup. However, to keep costs down, it’s speculated that the Pixel 9a will come with a downgraded modem compared to the flagship models, similar to what we saw in the Pixel 8a. The Exynos Modem 5300 from the Pixel 8 series will likely be used, ensuring 5G connectivity but with slightly reduced performance compared to the Exynos 5400 found in the Pixel 9.

• AI Features: Thanks to the Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9a will support many of Google’s AI-driven features, such as advanced image processing and real-time translation, making it a powerful phone for its price.

Camera: Dual Camera Setup

Despite being a mid-range phone, the Google Pixel 9a is expected to come with impressive camera hardware. While it won’t have the triple-camera setup found in the Pixel 9 Pro, it is rumored to include the 50-megapixel wide camera found in the flagship models, paired with an ultrawide lens. This dual-camera setup will ensure high-quality photos and excellent low-light performance, features that Pixel phones are well known for.

Camera Features:

• 50MP Wide Camera: The primary sensor is expected to deliver excellent detail and color accuracy, even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Ultrawide Lens: This lens will allow for wider shots, perfect for landscapes and group photos.
• Google’s Image Processing: With the Tensor G4 chip onboard, the Pixel 9a will benefit from Google’s computational photography, enhancing photo quality through AI and machine learning.

Battery and Charging

• Battery Capacity: The Google Pixel 9a is expected to house a 4500mAh battery, a slight improvement over the 4492mAh battery in the Pixel 8a. This should provide all-day battery life, especially with the efficiency improvements in the Tensor G4 chipset.
• Charging: As with previous Pixel devices, the Pixel 9a will feature USB-C charging. However, fast charging speeds are yet to be confirmed.

Android 15 and Software Support

One of the most exciting aspects of the Pixel 9a is that it will launch with Android 15 out of the box. This is significant because, while the rest of the Pixel 9 series launched with Android 14, the Pixel 9a will be one of the first phones to run Google’s newest operating system.

• 7 Years of Updates: Google has committed to providing 7 years of OS and security updates, ensuring the Pixel 9a will receive updates well into the future. This makes it an excellent long-term investment for buyers who value longevity in their devices.

Design Shifts: Ditching the Camera Bar

A major design shift is the removal of the iconic camera bar that has been a staple of Pixel phones since the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 9a will feature a much flatter camera module, with the two lenses positioned in a pill-shaped design that sits almost flush with the back of the phone.

• Flat Design: The Pixel 9a will continue the trend of flat edges and rounded corners, giving it a clean and modern look, though with slightly thicker bezels than its flagship siblings.

Pricing and Availability

While pricing details are still speculative, the Pixel 9a is expected to maintain a price point similar to the Pixel 8a, which launched at under $500. This pricing strategy ensures that Google’s A-series remains a competitive option in the mid-range market, offering premium features without the premium price tag.

Conclusion: A Strong Mid-Range Contender

The Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a powerful and affordable smartphone, bringing many of the premium features found in the Pixel 9 series to a wider audience. With its sleek design, strong camera capabilities, and the promise of 7 years of updates, it could very well be one of the best mid-range phones on the market in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• Launch Date: Spring 2025 (likely May)
• Display: 6.1-inch OLED with a hole-punch camera
• Processor: Tensor G4 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
• Camera: 50MP main camera and ultrawide lens
• Battery: 4500mAh with USB-C charging
• Software: Android 15, 7 years of updates
• Design: Flat camera module, no camera bar
• Price: Expected around $499

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the Pixel 9a’s official launch!