Launch date, leaked options, rumored worth, and extra

Replace: February 3, 2025 (4:20 AM ET): We have now up to date our Google Pixel 9a hub to incorporate rumored pricing and an obvious launch window.

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 many 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 sequence now round and within the palms of customers, we are able to sit up for what Google has been cooking for its upcoming A-series successor. Right here’s every thing we all know concerning the Pixel 9a, in addition to options and adjustments we want the gadget comes with.

The Pixel A-series has been fairly common with customers who see it as a sensible and reasonably priced strategy to expertise Google’s imaginative and prescient of Android. Whereas Google hasn’t confirmed if and when it’ll launch a Pixel 9a, the corporate has launched the Pixel 9 sequence to nice reception from reviewers and shoppers alike. That makes the A-series overdue for a refresh to align it with the “9” era branding, and it’s simple to consider that Google desires to maintain choices open for a funds Pixel in 2025.

Our Pixel sequence roadmap leak from December 2022 prompt that Google is trying to transfer away from annual launches of A-series smartphones. The leak initially prompt that the Pixel 8a is probably not 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).

Nonetheless, the Pixel 8a’s launch doesn’t imply that Google has deserted its ideas on a two-year launch schedule. Google may nonetheless launch Pixel A telephones biennially (each two years) going ahead, bringing them extra in keeping with the iPhone SE sequence.

To conclude, there’s a superb probability that there can be a Pixel 9a, however we are able to’t say for positive till Google proclaims one thing formally or confirms or denies any associated data.

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

Google normally proclaims the Pixel A-series at its annual Google I/O keynote, which occurs within the first half of Could yearly. Nonetheless, 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 Could 14, 2024). Google’s I/O keynote was stuffed with software program bulletins, so it considerably is smart that the corporate didn’t need to add the Pixel 8a {hardware}. One may take into account the Pixel 8a as a consumer-ready product, whereas many of the bulletins at Google I/O are developer-centric, so giving the Pixel 8a its personal limelight feels warranted.

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

On January 29, Android Headlines posted what it known as the precise launch and sale dates for the Pixel 9a. The outlet claimed that the telephone can be obtainable for pre-order from March 19. The web site added that gadget delivery and retail availability will kick off on March 26.

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

What rumored specs and options may 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 era Pixels, however it appears Google may 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 prompt that these footage confirmed a telephone that Google was launching on August 13, however Google launched the Pixel 9 sequence flagships that day quite than the Pixel 9a.

The leaked pictures showcase an alleged “Pixel 9a” that could be very completely different from the Pixel 8a. The tweaked brand 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 through Android Headlines. The leaked renders for the Pixel 9a prompt the telephone may skip the now-iconic digital camera bar and go for a extra flushed look on the again.

As you may 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, more likely to shield 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 anticipated from a tool within the funds tier.

Actual-world pictures of an obvious Pixel 9a prototype have been posted on-line by Twitter person feni_book on December 5, 2024. The images, seen under, present a tool with distinctive markings in keeping with prototype telephones. An IMEI search by us additionally revealed that the gadget was certainly a Google telephone with the mannequin quantity GTF7P. However it’s unclear if this mannequin quantity is consultant of a industrial gadget.

These pictures corroborate earlier leaked pictures concerning the telephone’s design. Count on a pill-shaped digital camera housing, flat edges, and a center-mounted punch-hole cutout.

One other report from Android Headlines suggests the Pixel 9a can be obtainable in 4 colours. The report states that we are going to get the traditional Porcelain and Obsidian colour choices alongside new colours, Peony and Iris. Peony can be just like the pink shade at present provided on the Pixel 9, whereas Iris is anticipated 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 can have a 6.3-inch Actua show with a 60-120Hz refresh charge. This places it on par with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional display, whereas additionally being a little bit 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 a little bit 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 December, Android Headlines launched one other report alleging to have the total spec sheet of the smartphone. The leaked spec sheet helps most of the particulars in its earlier report such because the 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm dimensions, 6.285-inch Actua Show, the burden, and colorways.

In accordance with an unique Pixel 9a processor leak from us at Android Authority, the Pixel 9a with the codename “tegu” will probably include the Google Tensor G4. Nonetheless, very like the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 9a is anticipated to make use of a barely completely different model of the Tensor G4 than the remainder of the Pixel 9 sequence.

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 Package deal on Package deal). In accordance with Samsung, IPoP is thicker and warmer than FOPLP, however additionally it is cheaper, which explains the choice. In apply, the efficiency variations shouldn’t be enormous, and the chip ought to nonetheless be an affordable improve on final 12 months’s mannequin.

One of many highlights of the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 was the brand new Exynos Modem 5400, which options help for 5G 3GPP Rel. 17, Satellite tv for pc SOS, and extra importantly, ran extra effectively and cooler than its predecessor. Nonetheless, it’s probably that the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9a skips the processor improve. As a substitute, it may keep on with the older Exynos Modem 5300 from the Pixel 8 sequence. We’re hoping that Google adjustments 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 provide 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.

December’s report from Android Headlines as soon as once more corroborated the presence of a Tensor G4, including that it will have an M2 Titan safety chip. Nonetheless, this report mentions that the battery is anticipated to be 5,100mAh with a 23W wired and seven.5W wi-fi charging pace. The report additionally revealed that the show may help a peak brightness of two,700 nits, an HDR brightness of 1,800 nits, and be protected by Gorilla Glass 3. In the meantime, the Pixel 9a might include 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

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 pattern of getting no telephoto lens, leaving us with the principle sensor and ultrawide. Reportedly, there gained’t be any adjustments 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 sit up for, nonetheless, and that’s the improved foremost digital camera. The leak claims that the Pixel 9a can have a 48MP main lens — presumably the identical main digital camera within the Pixel 9 Professional Fold — as a substitute of the 64MP digital camera discovered within the Pixel 8a. Though the first digital camera might have fewer megapixels than earlier than, images ought to nonetheless look higher as a result of bigger measurement of the pixels.

Calling again the December report from Android Headlines, it’s believed the principle digital camera might be a 48-megapixel GN8 Quad Twin Pixel lens with an aperture of f/1.7. The ultrawide and selfie cameras are stated to be the identical, a 13MP Sony IMX712 lens with an aperture of f/2.2.

This shouldn’t come as a shock, however Android Headlines experiences that the Pixel 9a will include Android 15 out-of-the-box. All current A-series Pixels have include the at present secure Android model, so we weren’t anticipating something aside from secure Android 15 on the Pixel 9a. Google may launch Android 16 in Q2 2025, and that might change what comes on the Pixel 9a, however we don’t have any direct or focused leaks suggesting an Android 16 secure launch out-of-the-box on the Pixel 9a. The outlet additionally experiences that the gadget can have seven years of OS and safety updates.

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

What would possibly the Pixel 9a worth 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 reasonably priced price ticket for its A-series, as that’s its foremost 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 experiences 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. Nonetheless, we’ll have to attend for extra leaks to corroborate this rumored worth.

The identical outlet provided extra pricing particulars on January 27, 2025. It reiterated a $499 price ticket for the 128GB mannequin, however claimed that the 256GB variant would value $599. In contrast, the 256GB Pixel 8a had a launch worth of $559. So you can be paying $40 extra for the 256GB variant in comparison with final 12 months’s mannequin.

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

As a substitute of the Pixel 9a, you must take into account 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 huge reductions). In case you can, you must take into account leaping as much as the Pixel 9, too ($799 at Amazon).

If you’re open to gadgets from different producers, then your choices improve. 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) ($249.99 at Amazon) are additionally good smartphones in related worth brackets.

Google Pixel 9a: What we need to see

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

Google embraced measurement variety in its Pixel lineup with the Pixel 9 sequence, 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 measurement, battery measurement, and total 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 permit 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 provided an enchancment thanks to higher energy effectivity with the Tensor G3 SoC and a small 100mAh improve, 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 fundamental use.

Funds telephones and large 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 severe 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 immediately. Wi-fi charging efficiency is even worse.

You would possibly excuse the Pixel 8a on account of its funds pricing, no less than till you discover equally priced gadgets just like the OnePlus 12R have managed to do means higher. The latter is able to charging from empty to full in simply 25 minutes.

Sadly, current leaks recommend 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 presents 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, Greatest Take, and extra. The primary digital camera nonetheless takes pretty respectable photographs, even in less-than-perfect lighting, however after a number of years of innovation, higher sensors can be found that will provide a fair higher expertise.

We hope Google doesn’t recycle its digital camera know-how for a 3rd 12 months, no less than not except 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 in terms of utilizing a Pixel 8a as your foremost digital camera, in spite of everything.

Luckily, earlier leaks from Android Headlines recommend that the telephone will provide a 48MP foremost digital camera that might be an identical to the Pixel 9 Professional Fold shooter.