Rumors recommend the Google Pixel 9a launch is true across the nook, with leaks hinting at a March twenty sixth ship date. Though we’ve got nothing official from Google, we’ve seen loads of leaks in regards to the firm’s subsequent midrange smartphone. The Pixel 8a was quietly among the finest smartphones of 2024, proving to be glorious worth with strong efficiency. Google went down the road and corrected many person complaints in regards to the A-series beforehand, together with becoming the Pixel 8a with a brighter show. Let’s spherical up the highest 5 rumors in regards to the Google Pixel 9a up to now and see if it will likely be one other winner for Google in 2025.
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5
Fourth-generation Tensor chipset
An improve we will all see coming
It’s not typically you may write rumors in pen, however I’d be shocked if a Tensor G4 chipset didn’t energy the Pixel 9a. Google launched it final 12 months with the Pixel 9 collection, and I’ve been happy with the efficiency of my Pixel 9 Professional XL. Google ironed out lots of the points I’ve had with earlier Tensor chipsets, as I’ve gotten significantly better thermal efficiency from the G4 — the times of Pixels doubling as area heaters are over. Nevertheless, I’m disenchanted by rumors that Google is slicing prices utilizing an older modem within the Pixel 9a. Connection points plagued older gadgets, and if it’s doable, Google ought to think about using the newer Exynos 5400 modems transport in dearer Pixel 9 telephones, as they’ve carried out fantastically.
Certainly, the Tensor G4 doesn’t have the benchmarks and gaming efficiency of different flagship chipsets, however these issues would soften away within the midrange Pixel 9a. I believe it’s a superb chipset, and I look ahead to it powering the Pixel 9a someday this 12 months.
4
Its cameras would possibly look just a little completely different
A slight change may assist
Google has a historical past of placing older digital camera sensors in its A-series telephones. The Pixel 8a had the identical 64MP major lens as its predecessor. Fortunately, we’ve heard rumors that Google is swapping out the 64MP lens for a more recent 48MP sensor at the moment used on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. It’s a wider sensor, that means the Pixel 9a will be capable of pull in additional gentle (extra information) for the computational mannequin to chew on, hopefully leading to higher pictures. I’d additionally anticipate Evening Sight’s efficiency to enhance over earlier A-series telephones.
As anticipated, the Pixel 9a ought to characteristic a dual-camera setup, with the first lens and ultrawide sensor. Regardless that the variety of cameras hasn’t modified, the bodily configuration is rumored to be overhauled. Leaked pictures present that there can be no raised digital camera hump on the Pixel 9a; the digital camera glass will sit flush in opposition to the again of the telephone.
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Battery life enhance
I hope for quicker charging, too
My Pixel 8a had first rate battery life. Its Tensor G3 chipset, paired with a 4,492mAh cell, greater than did the job. Nevertheless, I’ll by no means refuse an improve, and it seems Google is becoming the Pixel 9a with a 5,100mAh battery. If we see the identical enchancment in energy effectivity due to the Tensor G4 that we noticed with the opposite Pixel 9 fashions, I anticipate incredible battery life from the Pixel 9a. I’ve solely had constantly glorious battery life on my Pixel 9 Professional XL, and I’m excited to see what the Pixel 9a can do.
We haven’t heard any rumors about quicker charging speeds, however as a humble tech journalist, I’d prefer to plead with Google to provide us quicker speeds than we had on the Pixel 8a. 18W or much less isn’t slicing it in 2025, even at a midrange value level.
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Show
Excellent news for some, disappointing for others
Smaller, high-quality smartphones are uncommon, which is a part of why the Pixel 8a was a breath of recent air for a lot of. Its 6.1-inch show allowed for a smaller, nearly pebble-like design that felt wonderful within the hand. I spent all 12 months holding monster 6.9-inch smartphones, and the Pixel 8a was a refreshing change of tempo. Leaks recommend Google will use a barely bigger 6.3-inch show on the Pixel 9a. It’s not a drastic departure, however it will likely be noticeable for followers who picked the Pixel 8a due to its compact design.
You’ll both love or hate this alteration. It will be welcome in the event you like midrange Pixels and want further display screen actual property. A 6.3-inch show would deliver the Pixel 9a according to the common Pixel 9 and the usual Samsung Galaxy S25. I hope Google doesn’t go any bigger with the show, as I believe the A-series would lose a few of its appeal.
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Worth
No change is an efficient factor
Google elevated the worth of the Pixel 7a to $500, and rumors advised the corporate would increase the price of the Pixel 8a much more. Fortunately, the corporate stored the 8a at $500, avoiding potential backlash. We hear that Google will preserve the worth of the Pixel 9a at $500 once more this 12 months, which is a major quantity. When you get above $500, expectations skyrocket, and Google opens itself as much as vigorous competitors from telephones just like the OnePlus 13R, a tool that can be objectively extra highly effective.
Google has carried out an admirable job of being extra self-aware within the final 12 months. I believe the corporate understands the place the Pixel 9a must be positioned, and it’s not about to cost itself out of the market.
The Pixel 9a is shaping as much as be one other winner
The Google Pixel 8a was a superb smartphone, misplaced in Google’s complicated advertising and marketing surrounding the launch. The corporate’s bought its act along with a extra coherent plan for the Pixel 9 collection. I doubt Google will make the identical mistake twice, and there’s sufficient separation in value between the Pixel 9 and the anticipated Pixel 9a to not have the identical awkwardness as final 12 months. Add in enhancements to options like Gemini Stay, and the Pixel 9a is shaping as much as be a beautiful package deal. Should you’re a card-carrying member of Group Pixel, March could be an thrilling month for you.