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The Pixel 9a design appears to have leaked, and Google might just do away with a camera bump for this year’s budget Android phone.
OnLeaks and Android Headlines have shared what they say are renders of the Pixel 9a. While it closely resembles the regular Pixel 9 we reviewed, there’s no protruding camera bar — just a slightly raised ring around the lenses.
If accurate, the leak also suggests Google will maintain the usual thicker display bezels on the Pixel 9a compared to higher-end models. That’s to be expected given the likely low price.
Technical details of the Pixel 9a aren’t known just yet. If history is an indication, though, it will use Google’s latest chip (the Tensor G4) while using lower-end cameras and a less sophisticated (if still 120Hz) display. It could handle all the latest AI tasks, such as Add Me group shots and prompt-based “reimagining” in Magic Editor.
There’s a chance the design could change. Google typically releases A-series Pixel models in the spring, making a 9a release several months off. The devices tend to closely resemble their more expensive counterparts, however, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the look largely remains intact.
The 9a could also represent a milestone for Google. Rumors have circulated suggesting that the Pixel 10 will use a completely custom Tensor G5 chip, rather than the Samsung Exynos-based chips that have persisted so far. If that’s the case, the 9a could be the very last Google phone with Samsung components.
Regardless of the processing power, expectations are high. The Pixel 9 series has won very positive reviews thanks to a combination of a more mature design, strong cameras, and clever (if sometimes niche) AI features. The Pixel A-series has also been well-received as it often delivers superior performance than rivals in the class. That could make the 9a the phone to get if you want the official Google experience on a budget.
