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

Early design leaks reveal key features of Google's upcoming Pixel 9a, showcasing notable changes in its camera module and overall design.

Just a month after Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series, early renders of the more affordable Pixel 9a have surfaced online. One notable change is the elongated camera bar, a design element seen in 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 higher-end siblings. This camera redesign is expected to be the most significant and noticeable upgrade on the Pixel 9a. This new look could signal a fresh take on Google's budget phone line, offering premium design elements at a lower price.

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

Pixel 9a will also be the first phone to come with Android 15.As of now, Android 15 hasn't even been released, but it’s expected to roll out on October 15. Like the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 9a will also get seven years of software updates, which is a big deal if you want your phone to stay up-to-date for a long time.

Interestingly, this could be the last Pixel phone with a processor designed by Samsung. Starting with the Pixel 10, Google is planning to use its own custom-made processors built by TSMC. Still, if the Pixel 9a is priced right, it could be a strong contender for anyone looking to buy a phone next year.

In terms of specs, it’ll probably be similar to the Pixel 8a, featuring a 6.1-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The main upgrade will likely be the switch to the new Tensor G4 chip, and we might see a slightly bigger battery compared to the 4,492mAh one 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 blend of solid features, the latest Android, and long-term support, the Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a great budget-friendly option.