Google has a problem: since it got serious about developing its own mobile phones, they are too good. Even the A range models, supposedly the “cheap” ones, have little to envy of the “premium” models. The Google Pixel 8a, for example, is difficult to distinguish from the regular Pixel 8, both by eye and by hand.
For the consumer, this is good news; for Google, not so much. Why buy the Pixel 8 if you can wait a few months for the Pixel 8a and get a very similar phone but at a much lower price? So, for the Pixel 9a, everything indicates that Google will change strategy; first Pixel 9a leak revealed a different design
Android titles has released computer-rendered images of the new Pixel 9a, based on leaks from OnLeaks, and the result is causing a lot of talk, for all the wrong reasons.
Instead of continuing with the “premium” design of the Pixel 9, this model I would use another set of cameraswhich will greatly facilitate the distinction with the naked eye; everyone will know you bought the cheap model.
The camera array, which in the Pixel 9 is housed in a central oval, is now located on the left side of the rear; Not only does it take up less space, but it doesn’t stick out as much.
The latter is surprising, since in theory the Pixel 9a will use the same cameras as the Pixel 9, a main sensor and a wide angle, and these require this extra space; which may indicate that the mobile will be a little thicker, another change that will make it less “premium”.
The images also reveal another aspect that will be noticeable at a lower cost: screen bezels are much thicker; This is especially notable now that so many brands are keeping edges to a minimum. In contrast, the Pixel 9a appears to have edges more typical of a mobile phone from several years ago. The screen size is expected to be the same as the Pixel 8a, at 6.1 inches.
Indeed, the technical characteristics of the Pixel 9a would be very similar to those of its predecessor, with the same 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The main difference will be in its processor, which will be the same Tensor G4 as the Pixel 9; However, it has not been confirmed whether it will be the exact same chip, or a stripped down version as happened in previous generations of the Pixel A. This will therefore be the last Pixel that will use a processor made by Samsung, because with the Pixel 10 should move to a chip designed by Google itself and manufactured by TSMC.
The big outstanding question is price. If Google opts for a price similar to or lower than that of the Pixel 8a, 549 dollars, the sacrifices could be accepted; but if there is an increase like there has been with the rest of the range, these changes would be more difficult to justify, and it would make more sense to opt for a Pixel 8a.