Leaks and rumors about the Pixel 9a series have already begun. Here’s what we know so far about the Pixel 9a and what we’d like to see on it.
Update: October 23, 2024 (11:00 AM ET): We have updated our Google Pixel 9a hub to include leaked information on the phone’s camera specs.
The Google Pixel 8a has been a solid addition to the Pixel lineup. It is a great recommendation as a budget Android device, especially if you want most of the perks of a Pixel without spending too much on a flagship. But the phone has been around for a few months, and with the Pixel 9 series now around and in the hands of users, we can look forward to what Google has been cooking for its upcoming A-series successor. Here’s everything we know about the Pixel 9a, as well as features and changes we wish the device comes with.
Google Pixel 9a: At a glance
When is it expected to come out? This time around, the Google Pixel 9a might make an early debut in March 2025 itself.
What new features could there be? The Pixel 9a could have a design refresh and the new Tensor G4 processor, but it would have an older modem.
How much might it cost? If Google maintains its current pricing, the Pixel 9a’s base variant could cost $499. Will there be a Google Pixel 9a?
The Pixel A-series has been quite popular with users who see it as a practical and affordable way to experience Google’s vision of Android. While Google hasn’t confirmed if and when it will launch a Pixel 9a, the company has released the Pixel 9 series to great reception from reviewers and consumers alike. That makes the A-series overdue for a refresh to align it with the “9” generation branding, and it’s easy to believe that Google wants to keep options open for a budget Pixel in 2025.
Our Pixel series roadmap leak from December 2022 suggested that Google is looking to move away from annual launches of A-series smartphones. The leak originally suggested that the Pixel 8a may not be launched, but as history bears witness, the Pixel 8a did get launched (although many question its presence in the lineup when the Pixel 8 exists).
However, the Pixel 8a’s launch doesn’t mean that Google has abandoned its thoughts on a two-year release schedule. Google could still launch Pixel A phones biennially (every two years) going forward, bringing them more in line with the iPhone SE series.
To conclude, there’s a good chance that there will be a Pixel 9a, but we can’t say for sure until Google announces something officially or confirms or denies any related information.What is the most likely Pixel 9a release date?
Pixel 8a — May 7, 2024
Pixel 7a — May 10, 2023
Pixel 6a — May 11, 2022
Google usually announces the Pixel A-series at its annual Google I/O keynote, which happens in the first half of May every year. However, for the Pixel 8a, Google had a break in tradition where the Pixel 8a was launched a full week ahead of the I/O (held on May 14, 2024). Google’s I/O keynote was full of software announcements, so it somewhat makes sense that the company did not want to add the Pixel 8a hardware. One can also consider the Pixel 8a as a consumer-ready product, whereas most of the announcements at Google I/O are developer-centric, so giving the Pixel 8a its own limelight feels warranted.
But instead of sticking to the May launch window, a new report from Android Headlines claims that Google is preparing to launch the Pixel 9a as early as mid-March 2025. According to the report, pre-orders for the Pixel 9a could begin in mid-March, with shipping and in-store availability starting before the end of the same month.
Google hasn’t announced the launch date of the Pixel 9a (or even pointed towards its existence), so we will have to wait for the company to officially confirm when it will announce the new phone.What rumored specs and features could the Pixel 9a have?
We’re still months away from the Pixel 9a’s launch, but leaks and rumors have begun to arrive for the phone. Let’s take a look at them to get an idea of what we can expect from Google’s upcoming budget flagship.
The Pixel 9a was largely expected to carry forward Google’s design language from previous generation Pixels, but it seems Google could surprise us with a design change for the upcoming phone.
Our first brush with the design change came from a leaked image of the Pixel 9a (which surprisingly came before any leaked renders) found on a now-deleted post on Vietnamese tech forum Tinhte. The poster suggested that these pictures showed a phone that Google was launching on August 13, but Google launched the Pixel 9 series flagships that day, but not the Pixel 9a.
