Google can’t catch a break. The Pixel 9a, the alleged next Pixel smartphone from Google, has leaked once again before its purported launch sometime in March. This time, someone seems to have got their hands on an unreleased Pixel 9a unit before Google could launch it. Likely to compete with the iPhone 16e, the Pixel 9a is the highly anticipated sequel to the Pixel 8a and is expected to come powered by the Google Tensor G4, the same chip that drives the Pixel 9 series devices. The fresh leak adds credence to previous leaks about potential design.
Google Pixel 9a leaked—again
Originally posted on Discord, the “hands-on” video of the alleged Google Pixel 9a was spotted by Shane Craig, who later reposted it on his Instagram Threads account. The subject of the video is the Obsidian—black in layman terms—variant of the phone showing off the plastic back and recessed camera assembly, which is a far cry from the design of the other Pixel 9 series phones.
The Pixel 9a is expected to also come in Porcelain, Iris and Peony colourways. Porcelain is white, Iris is purple, and Peony is pink. If true, Google will retire the Aloe and Bay versions of the Pixel 8a, on the 9a.
The camera visor, which is a signature Google hardware underpinning, seems to be getting the axe on the Pixel 9a. Basis of everything we’ve seen so far, Google is set to tone down the cameras in terms of look and positioning. The cameras—there are two of those—are more island-style, aligning more towards the side rather than being at the centre.
As for the specs, the Pixel 9a is tipped to get a 6.28-inch display—possibly OLED—which is a bit bigger than the 6.1-inch Pixel 8a. More bezels are a dead-given and that is what leaks also suggest. A hole punch at the centre should complete the package.
Google Pixel 9a launch, sale date, and price expectations
The Pixel 9a is expected to launch in mid-March with pre-orders to begin from March 19. The phone will reportedly go on sale from March 26.
Word on the street is that the Pixel 9a with 128GB of storage will start at $499. The 256GB variant is tipped to cost a bit higher, at $599.
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