TechPhonesAndroid PhonesLeaked Pixel 9a images show an interesting alternative to that camera bumpIs this our first look at the forthcoming Pixel 9a?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesAndroid PhonesLeaked Pixel 9a images show an interesting alternative to that camera bumpIs this our first look at the forthcoming Pixel 9a?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Is this our first look at the forthcoming Pixel 9a?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Quick SummaryPhotos claiming to show the Pixel 9a have leaked.The images suggest that there will be no camera bump, suggesting a change in approach from Google.
Photos claiming to show the Pixel 9a have leaked.The images suggest that there will be no camera bump, suggesting a change in approach from Google.
Photos claiming to show the Pixel 9a have leaked.The images suggest that there will be no camera bump, suggesting a change in approach from Google.
Photos claiming to show the Pixel 9a have leaked.
The images suggest that there will be no camera bump, suggesting a change in approach from Google.
If you haven’t been paying attention to the latest Pixel 9 conversation, most of it has been about the camera bump on the rear of theAndroid phone.Googleswitched from the camera bar seen since the Pixel 6 models, to a new design on the Pixel 9.
Now, a new leak suggests that the Pixel 9a might not follow suit.
The Pixel “a” series is Google’s more affordable device range, so far stretching to a set of ear buds and an annual phone release.
The Pixel 9a would be expected to be announced in May 2025 and this really is the first that we’ve seen of the new phone. It needs to be approached with some caution, however, because the source is a little suspect.
(Image credit: ShrimpApplePro)
(Image credit: ShrimpApplePro)
That raises more questions than answers, but let’s look at what we’ve got.
Pixel 9aSource: some random post on Facebook pic.twitter.com/y8jwaQM6Z8August 26, 2024
Pixel 9aSource: some random post on Facebook pic.twitter.com/y8jwaQM6Z8August 26, 2024
The pictures purport to show the Pixel 9a, firstly from the front, but with an angle that shows off the flat display. This is similar in design to the Pixel 9 andPixel 9 Pro. It appears to have a matte finish, which is what we’d expect from the Pixel 9a, with the gloss finish reserved for the Pro models.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The second image shows the back of the phone, with a logo on the rear suggesting this is a prototype, but more importantly, no camera bump at all. Instead, the cameras are set into the rear of the phone for what looks like a flat finish.
Is the Pixel 9a going to cut back the camera hardware?
Moving away from the design on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro models would be out of character for Google. ThePixel 8asat close to thePixel 8in terms of design and many would expect a similar look and feel from a 9-series Pixel device.
But, there’s an interesting piece of context worth mentioning here: in aninterview with The Vergeafter the launch of the Pixel 9, Claude Zellweger – director of design at Google – said that the bump on the rear of the phone was “the most efficient way to package these camera modules”, before going on to suggest that “designers might someday use thinner hardware because the computational photography and AI post-production techniques… could fill in gaps.”
That raises a question about what hardware the Pixel 9a might offer. Losing the bump suggests that the cameras are more compact, so might also be less capable than the Pixel 9 models that have just launched. Could it be that Google is going to reduce the hardware and put the emphasis on the AI to deliver results instead?
That would certainly deliver a slimmer device design, but we’d also expect that if the physical camera hardware was reduced, so would be the price. The Pixel 9a could be a future contender forbest cheap phonein 2025, but it might come with come significant changes.
Today’s best Google Pixel 9 deals13 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$799$649ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$799View$799.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 9 deals13 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$799$649ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$799View$799.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 9 deals
13 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
13 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
$799$649ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$799View$799.99View
$799$649ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
$799$649View
$799$649View
$799$649
$649
Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
$799View
$799View
$799View
$799
$799
$799.99View
$799.99View
$799.99View
$799.99
$799.99
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSGoogle
TOPICS
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Android XR to debut on all-new Apple Vision Pro rival from SamsungAndroid XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses
Android XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses
Google Pixel 9a exposed – major leak reveals specs, price and moreGoogle’s affordable Pixel phone for 2025 shares all
Google’s affordable Pixel phone for 2025 shares all
Google’s “Willow” quantum chip won’t just change future computers, it could change the worldWillow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend
Willow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend
Pixel 9a leaks again, showing Google is heading in a new directionNewly leaked images of a “Pixel 9a prototype” appear to confirm Google’s changed design direction
Newly leaked images of a “Pixel 9a prototype” appear to confirm Google’s changed design direction
Google Maps is getting its best free update yet and it’s a game-changerThe best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last
The best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last
Google’s Pixel Watch Loop Bands seem very familiar, but also refreshingAnd it’s compatible with older Pixel Watch models too
And it’s compatible with older Pixel Watch models too
YouTube beats Spotify to the punch with a much-loved featureWhat did you listen to most?
What did you listen to most?
Apple MacBook Pro to get a major rival from an unlikely source, claims reportCould we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
Could we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
