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The Google Pixel 9A has the internet abuzz several months before it's said to hit the market, with rumours now appearing to give us a preview of what's in store. The budget variant of the Pixel 9 series, this smartphone is going to combine price friendliness with flagship looks. Let's take a look at the most compelling leaks making the rounds about this device as of March 20, 2025.
One of the most tantalizing morsels about the Pixel 9A is its rumoured design change. Google's Pixels have had for years a bold camera bar that runs along the back, a classic look that hollered Pixel. But rumours now suggest the 9A could scrap that prominent stripe for a cleaner, flush camera arrangement. Two lenses nestled tightly into the back panel, hiding without the traditional bump.
Leaked renders suggest a boxy design with flat sides, presenting it with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. In its approximate dimensions of 154 x 73 x 8.5mm, it's slightly wider and taller than the Pixel 8A but thinner, slicing a few millimetres off the thickness. It's almost as if Google is finding ways to keep prices low without sacrificing style in the update. It's a bold step that's left enthusiasts abuzz.
Screen upgrades are another hot topic in the Pixel 9A rumour mill. Word on the street is that it’ll boast a 6.3-inch OLED display, stepping up from the 6.1-inch screen on the 8A. That extra real estate could make scrolling through feeds or watching videos feel more immersive. Better yet, leaks point to a 120Hz refresh rate, smooth as butter for swiping and gaming, paired with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits.
If true, that’s a huge leap from the 8A’s 60Hz and lower brightness, promising crisp visuals even under glaring sunlight. Protected by Gorilla Glass 3, it’s not the latest armour, but it’s tough enough for a mid-ranger. This display could be a standout feature, bridging the gap between budget and premium.
What’s driving this phone? The leaks unanimously point to Google’s Tensor G4 chip, the same silicon powering the Pixel 9 series. That’s a big deal for an “A” model, keeping it in step with its pricier siblings. Paired with 8GB of RAM (a slight dip from the 12GB in the Pixel 9), it’s still got muscle for everyday tasks, think snappy app launches and smooth multitasking.
Storage options are said to stick at 128GB or 256GB, which is plenty for most users. Performance-wise, early benchmarks floating around suggest it’ll hold its own, though it won’t outmuscle top-tier rivals like Snapdragon-powered flagships. For a budget device, though, this setup sounds like a solid balance of power and price.
The camera story is where things get spicy. Rumor has it that the Pixel 9A swaps the 64MP main sensor of the 8A for a 48MP shooter with an f/1.7 aperture. Fewer megapixels might sound like a downgrade, but bigger pixels could mean better low-light shots, classic Google magic. The 13MP ultrawide and 13MP front cameras are reportedly staying put, unchanged from last year.
While there’s no telephoto lens in sight, Google’s AI tricks, like the “Add Me” feature for group shots, might steal the show. Leaks also hint at a matte plastic back instead of glass, paired with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It’s a practical combo that keeps costs low without skimping on durability.
Battery life is a make-or-break spec, and the Pixel 9A might deliver. Leaks suggest a 5,100mAh battery, a hefty jump from the 4,492mAh in the 8A and even the 4,700mAh in the Pixel 9. That could translate to all-day power, maybe more, especially with the efficient Tensor G4.
Charging speeds? Expect 23W wired and 7.5W wireless, decent, but not blazing fast. No Qi2 support is a bummer, though, keeping it a step behind cutting-edge standards. Still, for a phone pegged at $499, this battery upgrade could be a game-changer.
Timing is the final piece of the puzzle. Unlike past “A” models that dropped in May, leaks suggest the Pixel 9A could land earlier, mid-March 2025, with pre-orders possibly kicking off March 19 and shipping by late March or early April. That's a bold move, setting it up to catch shoppers before spring gadget mania sets in. Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, and Iris colours are rumoured to bring some pizzazz to the product lineup.
The Google Pixel 9A is looking like a budget monster with some tricks up its sleeve. Whether it's the flat design, brighter display, or more substantial battery, these leaks suggest a phone that's set to punch well above its weight. Watch this space, official confirmation can't be far away now.
