The Google Pixel 9a would possibly nonetheless be just a few months away, however early leaks are already hinting at what’s to come back. Its predecessor impressed by packing almost all of the high-end options right into a extra inexpensive bundle, together with a few of Google’s newest digital camera and AI magic. So, will the Pixel 9a comply with in its footsteps?
Rumors began circulating some time in the past. And so they’re prone to ramp up quickly, so I’ll hold updating as extra particulars emerge. Plus, with a redesign anticipated in 2025, how will the Pixel 9a’s digital camera stack up towards earlier fashions? Maintain studying to seek out out. There’s loads extra to uncover!
Design and shows
Google is giving the Pixel 9a flat sides, making it extra in keeping with the remainder of the Pixel 9 collection. In contrast to the Pixel 8a, which had rounded sides, the Pixel 9a retains issues flat however with a slight curve towards the perimeters. That gives a extra comfy grip. The body will nonetheless be metallic, seemingly aluminum, and the entrance will function a flat show with a centered digital camera gap. Whereas the bezels gained’t be as slim because the Pixel 9 Professional, they’ll nonetheless be on the thinner aspect.
Personally, I’m an enormous fan of flat edges. I like my telephones to have a bit extra width. With flat sides, the show feels extra expansive, and actually, it’s simpler to use display protectors too—no fussing with awkward curves. That being mentioned, swiping from the edges does really feel a bit smoother with rounded edges. However for me, the advantages of flat edges outweigh the downsides.
Current leaks counsel the Pixel 9a can have a redesigned rear, with a brand new digital camera format. It virtually seems like there’s no digital camera bump in any respect. Nevertheless, this comes with a barely bigger total gadget. @OnLeaks stories the Pixel 9a will measure about 6.1 x 2.88 x 0.35 inches, making it taller and wider than the Pixel 8a. Regardless of the bigger measurement, the digital camera space will nonetheless add about 0.02 inches of thickness.
Google Pixel 9a / Picture Credit score: @OnLeaks
Colour choices
The Google Pixel 9a is coming in 4 colours: Iris, Obsidian, Peony, and Porcelain, in response to Android Headlines. Out of those, the Porcelain choice looks like the one which’ll actually stand out. It seems beautiful and has some wonderful angles, providing a recent different to the standard cellphone colours. The black (Obsidian) is modern, however actually, I all the time become bored with black telephones as soon as that preliminary “new cellphone” feeling fades—and so they have a tendency to indicate each little flaw immediately!
Cameras
There’s a slight change within the Pixel 9a’s cameras. They’ve swapped out the 64-megapixel major sensor for a 48-megapixel one, which is probably going the identical sensor used within the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Whereas it’s a decrease decision, the brand new sensor ought to nonetheless ship higher high quality images because of its bigger pixels.
The Pixel 9a nonetheless doesn’t have a telephoto lens, however the 13-megapixel ultrawide and entrance cameras stay the identical as final yr. The true enchancment comes from the brand new main digital camera. Regardless of the decrease megapixel rely, it ought to provide a noticeable improve in comparison with the Pixel 8a.
Google’s digital camera system does an important job dealing with difficult conditions like high-contrast lighting or fast-moving topics. This implies its a superb point-and-shoot choice. Moreover, I’m excited to see the AI images instruments from the Pixel 8a, like astrophotography mode and unblurring instruments. Android Headlines even says the Pixel 9a will embrace the brand new “Add Me” function, the place you possibly can put your self in group images. No extra asking strangers to snap your pics!
The Google digital camera app in use / Picture Credit score: Samuel Gibbs, The Guardian
Gaming and efficiency
What’s the newest on the specs? It’s nonetheless a little bit of a thriller! Thus far, we all know it’ll include the Tensor G4 chip. That’s fairly typical for the ‘Pixel a’ collection since they often borrow the identical chip from the flagship fashions. The draw back is that the Pixel 9a could be caught with an older modem. The brand new modem within the Pixel 9 collection boosts connectivity and battery life. It’d be a bummer if the 9a missed out on that improve.
Whereas the Tensor G4 doesn’t fairly stack up towards different flagship processors, it does an important job with on a regular basis duties and AI stuff. It will probably’t compete with the uncooked efficiency and gaming energy of processors just like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple A17 Professional. For much less demanding video games, I anticipate it ought to work simply high quality. Fingers crossed the chip is extra environment friendly so it stays cooler throughout use!
Google Tensor G4 and a Pixel cellphone / Picture Credit score: Google, Future
Google Pixel 9a launch date and worth
The Pixel 9a isn’t anticipated to drop till subsequent yr, however there’s a shock! Whereas the Pixel 8a got here out in Could 2024, and we had been anticipating the Pixel 9a to comply with across the identical time, Android Headlines is saying it’ll arrive earlier. The truth is, pre-orders and the launch are each set for mid-March 2025.
As for the value, there’s no official phrase but. The Pixel 8a launched at $499, and it appears seemingly that the Pixel 9a will both stick with that worth or bump up by $50, touchdown at $549. The Pixel ‘a’ collection has all the time been fashionable within the US because of its cheap worth, even with Google’s slight worth hikes through the years. I simply hope they hold it budget-friendly!
Do you have to maintain off?
It seems just like the Pixel 9a is shaping as much as be a strong choice for individuals who need a budget-friendly gadget with out lacking out on a few of Google’s signature options. With flat edges, a brand new digital camera design, and some thrilling software program upgrades, there’s rather a lot to sit up for.
That mentioned, we’re nonetheless a bit away from the Pixel 9a’s launch. It’s not going to be an enormous leap from the Pixel 8a. So if you happen to want a brand new cellphone now, the Pixel 8a might be a strong decide. And in case your price range permits, you may additionally need to think about going for the Pixel 9.