Pixel 9a design with tiny camera module leaked ahead of launch

Just a month after Google introduced the Pixel 9 series, the first renders of the cheaper Pixel 9a have appeared online. One notable change is the extended camera bar, a design element seen on previous Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 models. According to design leaks from OnLeaks in collaboration with Android Authority, the Pixel 9a's camera module is smaller compared to its high-end siblings. This camera redesign is expected to be the Pixel 9a's most significant and noticeable upgrade. This new look could mean a reinterpretation of Google's budget phone line, offering premium design elements at a more affordable price.

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According to the leaks, the Pixel 9a's camera sensors will be housed in a small, pill-shaped camera island accented by a protruding ring around it. Aside from the camera bump, the rest of the phone appears to be a flat, slab-like design with minimal contours. Another outstanding feature is the display, which has noticeably thick bezels. While the Pixel 9a is expected to be the budget-friendly option in the Pixel 9 lineup, the bezels appear to be disproportionately large, potentially detracting from its overall elegance and appeal compared to its premium counterparts.

Pixel 9a will also be the first phone to ship with Android 15. As of now, Android 15 hasn't even been released yet, but the launch is expected on October 15th. Like the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 9a also gets seven years of software updates, which is a big deal if you want your phone to stay updated for a long time.

Interestingly, this could be the last Pixel phone with a Samsung-developed processor. Starting with the Pixel 10, Google plans to use its own custom processors from TSMC. However, if the Pixel 9a is priced right, it could be a strong competitor for anyone looking to buy a phone next year.

As far as specs go, it will likely be similar to the Pixel 8a and feature a 6.1-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The most significant upgrade will likely be the move to the new Tensor G4 chip, and we may see a slightly larger battery compared to the 4,492mAh battery in the Pixel 8a.

The Pixel 8a was announced in May 2024, so we can expect the Pixel 9a to follow a similar release schedule in 2025. With its mix of solid features, the latest Android, and long-term support, the Pixel 9a is well on its way to being a great, budget-friendly option.