Launch date, leaked options, rumored value, and extra

Replace: October 30, 2024 (2:55 AM ET): We have now up to date our Google Pixel 9a hub to incorporate leaked data on the telephone’s dimensions, show, battery, and pricing.

The Google Pixel 8a has been a strong addition to the Pixel lineup. It’s a nice advice as a funds Android gadget, particularly if you need a lot of the perks of a Pixel with out spending an excessive amount of on a flagship. However the telephone has been round for a couple of months, and with the Pixel 9 collection now round and within the arms of customers, we are able to stay up for what Google has been cooking for its upcoming A-series successor. Right here’s every part we all know concerning the Pixel 9a, in addition to options and modifications we want the gadget comes with.

The Pixel A-series has been fairly standard with customers who see it as a sensible and inexpensive technique to expertise Google’s imaginative and prescient of Android. Whereas Google hasn’t confirmed if and when it is going to launch a Pixel 9a, the corporate has launched the Pixel 9 collection to nice reception from reviewers and shoppers alike. That makes the A-series overdue for a refresh to align it with the “9” technology branding, and it’s straightforward to consider that Google needs to maintain choices open for a funds Pixel in 2025.

Our Pixel collection roadmap leak from December 2022 recommended that Google is trying to transfer away from annual launches of A-series smartphones. The leak initially recommended that the Pixel 8a might not be launched, however as historical past bears witness, the Pixel 8a did get launched (though many query its presence within the lineup when the Pixel 8 exists).

Nevertheless, the Pixel 8a’s launch doesn’t imply that Google has deserted its ideas on a two-year launch schedule. Google might nonetheless launch Pixel A telephones biennially (each two years) going ahead, bringing them extra according to the iPhone SE collection.

To conclude, there’s an excellent likelihood that there shall be a Pixel 9a, however we are able to’t say for positive till Google pronounces one thing formally or confirms or denies any associated data.

• Pixel 8a — Might 7, 2024
• Pixel 7a — Might 10, 2023
• Pixel 6a — Might 11, 2022

Google normally pronounces the Pixel A-series at its annual Google I/O keynote, which occurs within the first half of Might yearly. Nevertheless, for the Pixel 8a, Google had a break in custom the place the Pixel 8a was launched a full week forward of the I/O (held on Might 14, 2024). Google’s I/O keynote was stuffed with software program bulletins, so it considerably is sensible that the corporate didn’t need to add the Pixel 8a {hardware}. One can even think about the Pixel 8a as a consumer-ready product, whereas a lot of the bulletins at Google I/O are developer-centric, so giving the Pixel 8a its personal limelight feels warranted.

However as an alternative of sticking to the Might launch window, a brand new report from Android Headlines claims that Google is making ready to launch the Pixel 9a as early as mid-March 2025. In accordance with the report, pre-orders for the Pixel 9a might start in mid-March, with delivery and in-store availability beginning earlier than the top of the identical month.

Google hasn’t introduced the launch date of the Pixel 9a (and even pointed in the direction of its existence), so we must watch for the corporate to formally affirm when it is going to announce the brand new telephone.

What rumored specs and options might the Pixel 9a have?

We’re nonetheless months away from the Pixel 9a’s launch, however leaks and rumors have begun to reach for the telephone. Let’s check out them to get an concept of what we are able to count on from Google’s upcoming funds flagship.

Design and colours: There’s a redesign on the playing cards

The Pixel 9a was largely anticipated to hold ahead Google’s design language from earlier technology Pixels, nevertheless it appears Google might shock us with a design change for the upcoming telephone.

Our first brush with the design change got here from a leaked picture of the Pixel 9a (which surprisingly got here earlier than any leaked renders) discovered on a now-deleted publish on Vietnamese tech discussion board Tinhte. The poster recommended that these photos confirmed a telephone that Google was launching on August 13, however Google launched the Pixel 9 collection flagships that day reasonably than the Pixel 9a.

The leaked pictures showcase an alleged “Pixel 9a” that could be very totally different from the Pixel 8a. The tweaked emblem suggests it is a prototype gadget, with smartphone makers typically incorporating distinctive markers like this to fight leaks.

The redesign was purportedly corroborated by leaked renders from OnLeaks by way of Android Headlines. The leaked renders for the Pixel 9a recommended the telephone might skip the now-iconic digital camera bar and go for a extra flushed look on the again.

As you’ll be able to see within the leaked render above, the digital camera bar is squished down and erased. What we get is a digital camera island that’s flush with the remainder of the telephone. There’s a tiny raised ring across the cameras, prone to defend it from getting scratched when positioned down on a floor.

Past the drastically modified flush rear digital camera, the remainder of the gadget within the leaked renders resembles the Pixel 9 in a great way. The leaked renders showcase the Pixel 9a has flat sides and rounded corners. The bezels are additionally pretty thick, which is predicted from a tool within the funds tier.

One other report from Android Headlines suggests the Pixel 9a shall be out there in 4 colours. The report states that we’ll get the basic Porcelain and Obsidian coloration choices alongside new colours, Peony and Iris. Peony shall be much like the pink shade at the moment supplied on the Pixel 9, whereas Iris is predicted to be a bluish-purple hue.

The report additionally sheds gentle on the size of the gadget. The Pixel 9a is alleged to measure 154 x 73 x 8.5mm, making it simply so barely wider and taller, however thinner, than the Pixel 8a’s 152.1 x 72.9 x 8.9mm. Curiously, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional measure 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm, so the Pixel 9a isn’t anticipated to be too far off.

Android Headlines posted one other report on October 29, claiming that the Pixel 9a could have a 6.3-inch Actua show with a 60-120Hz refresh price. This places it on par with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional display, whereas additionally being somewhat greater than the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch panel. The outlet additionally issued up to date dimensions of 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, making it somewhat thicker, wider, and taller than first thought. The telephone is alleged to weigh 186 grams, which might make it barely lighter than the Pixel 8a (188 grams).

In accordance with an unique Pixel 9a processor leak from us at Android Authority, the Pixel 9a with the codename “tegu” will seemingly include the Google Tensor G4. Nevertheless, very similar to the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 9a is predicted to make use of a barely totally different model of the Tensor G4 than the remainder of the Pixel 9 collection.

Whereas the silicon die contained in the chip is an identical, the plastic package deal differs. Whereas the common G4 makes use of FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Stage Packaging), the 9a’s G4 makes use of IPoP (Built-in Bundle on Bundle). In accordance with Samsung, IPoP is thicker and warmer than FOPLP, however it is usually cheaper, which explains the choice. In follow, the efficiency variations shouldn’t be large, and the chip ought to nonetheless be an inexpensive improve on final yr’s mannequin.

One of many highlights of the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 was the brand new Exynos Modem 5400, which options assist for 5G 3GPP Rel. 17, Satellite tv for pc SOS, and extra importantly, ran extra effectively and cooler than its predecessor. Nevertheless, it’s seemingly that the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9a skips the processor improve. As an alternative, it might keep on with the older Exynos Modem 5300 from the Pixel 8 collection. We’re hoping that Google modifications its thoughts, however we wouldn’t maintain our breath on it, so be ready for a middling modem expertise on the upcoming funds telephone in comparison with the Pixel 9’s good connectivity expertise.

The Android Headlines report from October 29 asserts that the telephone will certainly supply the Tensor G4 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of 256GB of storage. The outlet additionally claimed in a separate article that the Pixel 9a would have a 5,000mAh battery. That’s a serious improve over the Pixel 8a’s 4,492mAh capability. Sadly, it’s believed that Google is sticking with glacial 18W wired and seven.5W wi-fi speeds.

Cameras

We all know that Google plans to ditch the digital camera bar, however what are the corporate’s plans for the precise cameras? There are nonetheless solely two shooters within the again and a selfie digital camera within the entrance. A leak from Android Headlines reveals that the gadget will proceed the development of getting no telephoto lens, leaving us with the primary sensor and ultrawide. Reportedly, there gained’t be any modifications to the ultrawide or selfie shooter, that means we are able to count on a 13MP from the ultrawide and entrance digital camera.

There’s one change to stay up for, nevertheless, and that’s the improved fundamental digital camera. The leak claims that the Pixel 9a could have a 48MP major lens — presumably the identical major digital camera within the Pixel 9 Professional Fold — as an alternative of the 64MP digital camera discovered within the Pixel 8a. Though the first digital camera might have fewer megapixels than earlier than, pictures ought to nonetheless look higher as a result of bigger dimension of the pixels.

This shouldn’t come as a shock, however Android Headlines studies that the Pixel 9a will include Android 15 out-of-the-box. All current A-series Pixels have include the at the moment steady Android model, so we weren’t anticipating something apart from steady Android 15 on the Pixel 9a. Google might launch Android 16 in Q2 2025, and that would change what comes on the Pixel 9a, however we don’t have any direct or focused leaks suggesting an Android 16 steady launch out-of-the-box on the Pixel 9a.

We’re additionally anticipating the Pixel 9a to supply loads of AI options. Nevertheless, leaks level to the telephone having 8GB of RAM. In the event you forged your thoughts again to the Pixel 8, it had 8GB of RAM, too, and initially lacked some AI options. The Pixel 9 collection additionally provides 12GB of RAM on the naked minimal, with a portion of reminiscence completely reserved for AI duties. We’re subsequently guessing that the Pixel 9a gained’t have as many AI options because the Pixel 9.

What may the Pixel 9a value be?

• Pixel 8a — $499 for 8GB/128GB
• Pixel 7a — $499 for 8GB/128GB
• Pixel 6a — $449 for 6GB/128GB

Google has tried to take care of an inexpensive price ticket for its A-series, as that’s its fundamental USP. The worth did rise with the Pixel 7a by $50, however Google appears to have settled at $499 for now with the Pixel 8a.

Android Headlines studies that the Pixel 9a will certainly preserve a $499 price ticket when it’s ultimately launched. That’s encouraging information, as it will imply the telephone is a full $300 cheaper than the Pixel 9. However, we’ll have to attend for extra leaks to corroborate this rumored value.

Whereas the Pixel 9a’s purported redesign is thrilling, we really feel fairly relaxed recommending the present crop of smartphones you could buy straight away. Even with its at the moment rumored earlier-than-expected launch date, the telephone continues to be many months away, and there’s no motive so that you can wait that lengthy if you need a value-for-money telephone proper now.

As an alternative of the Pixel 9a, you need to think about smartphones from Google’s present lineup. The Pixel 8a ($499 at Amazon) and even the often-on-sale Pixel 8 ($699 at Amazon) are strong decisions that gained’t burn a gap in your pocket (although attempt to search for a sale as they continuously see massive reductions). In the event you can, you need to think about leaping as much as the Pixel 9, too ($799 at Amazon).

In case you are open to units from different producers, then your choices enhance. Relying on what your funds and necessities are, the OnePlus 12R ($599.99 at Amazon),  Samsung Galaxy A35 5G ($359.99 at Amazon), the older Galaxy S23 FE ($599.99 at Amazon) and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) ($399.99 at Motorola) are additionally good smartphones in related value brackets.

Google Pixel 9a: What we need to see

The Pixel 8a is a superb telephone, however there’s at all times some room for enchancment. Whereas Google already seemingly has its imaginative and prescient set on what the Pixel 9a ought to be, these are the upgrades we need to see from the upcoming funds flagship!

Google embraced dimension variety in its Pixel lineup with the Pixel 9 collection, following within the traditions of some older Pixels. The Pixel 9 Professional and the Pixel 9 Professional XL are largely an identical in specs, giving customers two actual choices throughout sizes with out unnecessarily gimping them with the smaller telephone. Sure, there are apparent variations within the show dimension, battery dimension, and general dimensions. However different specs, together with the show tech, processor and cameras, are an identical.

We’re hoping a few of this method spills over onto the Pixel 9a too. A break up for Pixel 9a and Pixel 9a XL would enable funds telephone customers the choice to get a bodily bigger telephone with out spending an excessive amount of money on specs that won’t matter to them.

Whereas its predecessor was an absolute mess concerning battery life, the Google Pixel 8a supplied an enchancment thanks to higher energy effectivity with the Tensor G3 SoC and a small 100mAh enhance, bumping the battery as much as 4,492mAh. Whereas this was a welcome change, the Pixel 8a nonetheless simply barely manages a full day with primary use.

Funds telephones and massive batteries typically go hand in hand, so we’d like to see Google improve the Pixel 9a to a 5,000mAh battery or one thing related. The excellent news is that Android Headlines reported in October that the telephone would have a 5,000mAh battery.

Quicker charging speeds can be nice too

The Pixel lineup is lengthy overdue for some critical charging pace upgrades, and the Pixel A-series is the worst of the lot. Caught at 18W for wired charging and an much more sluggish 7.5W for wi-fi charging, the Pixel 8a takes a full 100 minutes to cost from zero to full when plugged in instantly. Wi-fi charging efficiency is even worse.

You may excuse the Pixel 8a on account of its funds pricing, not less than till you discover equally priced units just like the OnePlus 12R have managed to do method higher. The latter is able to charging from empty to full in simply 25 minutes.

Sadly, current leaks counsel that Google will keep on with 18W wired and seven.5W wi-fi charging. That’s an actual disgrace, as even the Galaxy A35 5G provides 25W speeds.

The Pixel 8a makes use of the identical digital camera launched with the Pixel 7a, which isn’t a nasty shooter by any means. It additionally acquired even higher with the Pixel 8a, due to software program and SoC optimizations, together with Audio Magic Eraser, Finest Take, and extra. The primary digital camera nonetheless takes pretty respectable pictures, even in less-than-perfect lighting, however after a number of years of innovation, higher sensors can be found that might supply an excellent higher expertise.

We hope Google doesn’t recycle its digital camera know-how for a 3rd yr, not less than not until the Pixel 9a debuts for lower than the present Pixel A. We’d additionally like to see Google introduce some type of telephoto possibility for zooming, particularly if it does (miraculously) introduce a Pixel 9a XL to the combo. That is actually one of many solely sore spots with regards to utilizing a Pixel 8a as your fundamental digital camera, in any case.

Thankfully, earlier leaks from Android Headlines counsel that the telephone will supply a 48MP fundamental digital camera that could possibly be an identical to the Pixel 9 Professional Fold shooter.