Google’s Pixel 9a may have leaked with a redesigned camera

In case Google hasn’t already made enough headlines recently with the announcement of a more extensive and diverse family of Pixel handsets than ever before, the tech giant’s next significant (mid-range) phone is also grabbing attention today. While it’s obviously too early to confirm any details about the Pixel 9a, a social media leaker with a somewhat inconsistent track record asserts that they have discovered images of the device in its pre-production stage within a “random” private Facebook group.

That may sound like an incredibly weak story, and we understand that, but simultaneously, the two photographs do exude a sense of authenticity, showcasing a logo that many devoted Google fans will likely recognize. This logo serves as a placeholder that has appeared on various Pixel prototypes in the past. Although this doesn’t eliminate the chance that the images have been altered, it implies that the phone shown is likely a product of Google, assuming we are not dealing with edited pictures.

Large display, slim bezels, and updated camera module.

If what we’re observing is indeed the authentic Pixel 9a (which is still uncertain), the distinctions from this year’s Pixel 8a mid-range model are quite significant. At first glance, this next-generation smartphone appears to be large (though this could depend on one’s perspective), featuring relatively thin and nearly symmetrical bezels surrounding the spacious display, a flat and fairly robust frame, and, most crucially, a completely new approach to photography.

Whether you love it or hate it, the Pixel 8a’s unique rear camera visor may be disappearing, paving the way for a more subtle, smaller, and slimmer dual-camera module with a separate LED flash positioned alongside it. This change would certainly enable the Pixel 9a to be thinner overall than its predecessor, or at the very least, accommodate a larger battery without significantly increasing its thickness. Naturally, we understand that some of you appreciated the distinctive design of the Pixel 8a’s rear cover, which helped you stand out among the sea of budget 5G phone users today. If that’s the case, all you can do is hope these images turn out to be false or hold on to your Pixel 8a even after its successor is released.

Is it possible that the Pixel 9a will be released this year?

That idea might not make much sense, but as strange as it may sound, it’s what “ShrimpApplePro” claims to have heard from certain insider sources. However, the tipster, who clearly focuses mainly on Apple-related news, acknowledges that he personally thinks a typical launch at next year’s Google I/O conference is much more probable.

All in all, we shouldn’t completely rule out the possibility of the Pixel 9a launching before the end of 2024 (as far-fetched as it may sound), and although it may be too early to reveal these details now, it is said that the phone may be released in a total of four color options, including the black (or dark gray) in the picture, silver, and “other colors.”

Another important aspect that may be even more difficult to anticipate right now is the price of the Pixel 9a. However, we certainly hope that Google can maintain a (relatively) affordable price similar to the 8a, ideally not exceeding $500 for the entry-level model. If past trends hold true, the Pixel 9a is expected to feature a Tensor G4 processor, which would enhance its performance compared to its predecessor, while also likely improving other key components.