Google’s Pixel 9a is set to join the Pixel 9 series, bringing a more affordable option to the lineup. Expect to see it launch in Spring 2025 as the successor to the Pixel 8a. That’s between March and June next year. The phone will bring noticeable changes to the camera, display, and software.
Anticipate a fresh camera design on Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a will come with a flat camera bump and have a ring around it. It’s a sharp contrast to the large humps we saw on the Pixel 9 models, which frankly, I’m not a fan of. While they’re iconic, they made the phones unbalanced on flat surfaces and they stood out (literally).
With a smaller, nearly flat bump, the Pixel 9a aims to make the cameras cleaner and practical for everyday use. Other than this aesthetic change, the dual setup is the same. There’s a 50MP wide and 48MP ultra wide lens on the back, with the front camera being a 10.5MP ultra wide lens.
Sadly, the phone will use thicker bezels this time, but it’ll have flat sides and retain the centrally placed hole-punch selfie camera. Thankfully, the phone also uses Android 15 from day one, and will receive seven years of software updates. Google should release the software this October.
Pixel 9a launches with Android 15 out of the box
The other Pixel phones didn’t have the luxury of debuting with Android 15. It wasn’t ready at the time of launch, and it’s the first time Google has had to delay the latest OS on its newest flagships.
But that’s not to say the Pixel 9a will come out this month. Afterall, Google released the 8a model on May 12, 2024. That’s seven months after the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro launched on October 12, 2023.
All the Pixel 9 phones run on the Tensor G4 chip, designed to run cooler and address the overheating issues experienced with the Pixel 8. But the Pixel 9a will have a downgraded modem, positioning it as a mid-range alternative to the flagship models. It’s expected as there are usually trade-offs with budget phone releases. Still, it’s impressive that Google hasn’t gone overboard.
The modem connects the phone to cellular networks for data, calls, and texts. This downgrade means slightly slower speeds, but it helps to keep the Pixel 9a more affordable.
Pixel 9a may be the last to use Samsung chip
Android Headlines, who is behind the recent Pixel 9a leak, reports that it may be the last phone we will see from Google using a Samsung-based Tensor chip. Google plans to transition to TSMC for future processors in 2025. Rumor already has it that TSMC will manufacture their next Tensor G5 processor.
There’s no argument there as TSMC chips are better with advanced 3nm and 5nm nodes. Plus, they have a solid reputation. Samsung is good as well. Only that they have faced challenges with heat management and power efficiency in Tensor chips over the years.
A reasonable price prediction for the Pixel 9a would be between $400 to $600, but nothing above that. The Pixel 8a starts at $499 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB costs $599. Who knows? Google may decide to shock us with ridiculous pricing like Samsung has done with the Galaxy S24 FE.
