We’re still several months away from its official unveiling, but the Pixel 9a has already shown its full design. A new leak confirms that Google’s next budget smartphone will bring an important change and will lose one of the distinctive features of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
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According to Android Headlines, in collaboration with OnLeaks, the Pixel 9a will keep a similar overall look to its older siblings. However, the back will change, removing the viewfinder-type camera design seen in the models launched in August.
According to the renders published by the media outlet, the rear cameras of the Pixel 9a will not have the protrusion seen in other models of the family. Instead, a glass ring will be used to protect the sensors, which will barely stick out from the device’s cover. The flash will be positioned outside the camera module.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about this type of change for the next model in the Pixel 9 line. Last month, a supposed photo of the Pixel 9a prototype was leaked, showing the same modification. The image appeared in a Vietnamese Facebook group but was deleted within hours because the person who shared it was reportedly a Google employee.
The Pixel 9a will lose the distinctive “viewfinder” design of its rear cameras.
If the new renders are accurate and confirm this change, Google is set to make a significant alteration to the device’s design. It’s important to note that previous versions of the Pixel A-series have always kept the design of their older siblings. Since the viewfinder-type camera module was introduced with the Pixel 6, it has become a signature feature of the Californian company’s phones.
Removing this element from the Pixel 9a could be risky, as it would give the smartphone a more generic look. Without the camera bump, it might resemble a Galaxy S24 or an iPhone, losing the distinctive feature that sets Pixels apart from their competitors at first glance.
That said, this design change wouldn’t make the Pixel 9a a bad phone—far from it. However, it might make it less appealing to the average user. Inside, the phone would still have many features that make Google devices so popular.
According to Android Headlines, the specifications of the Pixel 9a would be quite similar to those of the Pixel 8a. It is expected to feature a 6.1-inch screen, 8 GB of RAM, and options for 128 or 256 GB of storage. The device would inherit the Tensor G4 processor and the Pixel 9 camera system, and it could come with a larger battery than the 2023 model.
If Google follows its established strategy, the Pixel 9a should be released in the second quarter of next year. Given that the company launched the Pixel 9 earlier this year, it wouldn’t be surprising if this new member of the family arrives on the market sooner. We will keep a close eye on this development.
