Google Pixel 9a: Latest News, Rumors, And Everything We’ve Heard So Far

The Pixel 9a has been on everyone’s radar lately, with speculation and leaks spilling everywhere. So, we’ve got a pretty solid idea of what we could expect from Google’s next mid-range smartphone.
We’re looking forward to a Pixel 8a successor, which was a fantastic phone in its own right. It didn’t quite receive the love it deserved, but that wasn’t because the Pixel 8a wasn’t a great phone—it just got overshadowed when the Pixel 8 got discounts, making the flagship model a more tempting choice.
If you’re a fan of Google Pixel phones and love getting value for your money, here’s what we know about the upcoming Pixel 9a.
Overview
Based on the leaks and rumors we’ve heard so far, it’s fair to say that the Pixel 9a appears to be a solid enough midrange. One of the most talked about features is the 5100 mAh battery—the biggest capacity on a Pixel phone yet. It could also sport a 6.3-inch screen, giving the phone a compact, easy-to-handle feel.
Besides this, the Pixel 9a will have a Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) processor under the hood, possibly paired with 8GB of memory and up to 256GB of storage. Camera-wise, it could feature 48 MP main and 13 MP ultra-wide sensors on the back and a 13 MP front-facing camera.
Pixel 9a Quick Highlights
- A huge 5100 mAh battery for all-day use.
- A compact 6.3-inch display.
- Powered by the Tensor G4 (4 nm) processor.
- 8GB of memory for optimal performance.
- Up to 256GB of storage for your files.
- A 48MP main camera for crystal-clear images.
Release Date and Price
It's still unclear when the Google Pixel 9a will be released. However, the consensus suggests a possible launch in March. One source speculates that pre-orders could begin on March 19.
However, it’s also worth noting that the Pixel 8a didn’t launch until May 2024. Therefore, we'll just have to wait and see whether Google chooses to bump up the release date. This might prove to be a bummer for die-hard fans. After all, the camera bar is one of those little features that gives Google Pixel phones their signature vibe.
We do not expect huge price changes. The Google Pixel 8a launched at a starting price of A$849 in Australia, and several sources confirm that this could also hold this year. If you choose more storage, you’ll pay an extra A$40 compared to last year’s model. That would bring the Google Pixel price to A$999 for 256GB of storage.
Rumored Design and Display
There have been several leaked renders of the Google Pixel 9a. From what we can see, it will look similar to the Pixel 9. That means it will have more squared-off edges than the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. However, the bezels don’t seem as thin as what we've got on the Pixel 9.
The back of the phone is a different story altogether. Google is ditching the horizontal camera bar on the Pixel 9a. Instead, they’re going for a camera module that sits flush with the back of the phone.
As for its size, the Pixel 9a will be 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, a fraction taller and narrower than the Pixel 8a. This supports the notion that the Pixel 9a will have a 6.3-inch bigger screen than its predecessors, which sport a 6.1-inch display.
In addition, the Pixel 9a display will reportedly have a 2424 x 1080 pixels resolution, support HDR10+, and offer a 120Hz refresh rate.
Colors & Build
With its color options, Google tends to play it safe, but there's always one wild card (who can forget the Sage Green of the Pixel 6a?) This time around, the Pixel 9a colors could include:
- Obsidian (black)
- Porcelain (off-white)
- Peony (pink) and,
- Iris (bluish-purple)
The Iris color is new to the Google Pixel phone lineup. You can expect this variant to draw quite a bit of traction.
An Upgraded Camera
The number of lenses on the Google Pixel 9a remains similar. Over the years, Google's A-series phones had been banking on older cameras like the 64MP primary and 13MP ultrawide on the Pixel 8a. This year, it seems that Google will be leaning towards the Pixel Pro Fold’s combo: a 48MP lens with an f/1.7 aperture and a 13 MP ultrawide sensor. This wider sensor will capture more light, improving Night Sight performance.
As expected, you’ll have Google's computational photography working its magic behind the scenes to help you produce crisp, clean photos every single time.
Performance and Software
As mentioned, the Tensor G4 is expected to power the Google Pixel 9a. This will bring a host of AI capabilities to this mid-ranger. Google has been working hard to carve out a niche with mobile AI features. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Pixel 9a was to have a full suite of GeminiNano functionality.
While the 2024 lineup received a bump in RAM across its lineup, the Pixel 9a will be sticking to 8GB. The Pixel 9a will likely ship with Android 15. For smartwatch enthusiasts, this means seamless compatibility with Wear OS 5.1, which is based on Android 15.
On the safety front, while features like Fall Detection have been prominent in platforms like Apple's watchOS, there's hope that similar functionalities might be integrated into the Pixel 9a, providing users with added peace of mind.
Wrap up
The Pixel 9a rumors reveal a powerful, fast, sleek phone. There’s no denying that the Pixel 9a has the potential to be a fantastic mid-range option. Needless to say, this will depend on whether Google keeps its prices fair.
The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro haven’t seen much price drop since their launch. This could potentially help the Pixel 9a avoid its predecessor’s pricing woes.
And for those looking to save even more on their mobile purchases, explore our refurbished Google Pixel phones.
Posted by Liam Harris

Liam Harris
I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.