Google Pixel 9a tipped to feature the Pro Fold’s primary camera

We only recently witnessed Google’s unusual Pixel launch, which brought more devices than usual, and already information is starting to emerge about the next one.

Google’s Pixel 9 series is now here, introducing not only the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but also the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which replaced the first Pixel Fold.

However, now anticipation is building for the next mid-range phone in the lineup, the Pixel 9a, which will supersede the Pixel 8a.

While official details are yet to be confirmed, various recent leaks, renders, and speculation offer a promising glimpse into what we can expect from this phone.

Here’s everything we know so far about its release date, pricing, and features.

When will the Google Pixel 9a be released?

The Google Pixel 9a is expected to be officially unveiled at Google I/O in May 2025, following the tradition of previous ‘a’ series Pixel launches.

As a reminder, here are the launch dates of the previous models:

• Pixel 8a – May 2024
• Pixel 7a – May 2023
• Pixel 6a – July 2022
• Pixel 5a – August 2021
• Pixel 4a 5G – November 2020
• Pixel 4a – August 2020

However, with Google’s recent trend of releasing hardware earlier than expected, there’s a possibility that the Pixel 9a could arrive slightly ahead of the anticipated schedule.

Despite this, May still seems like the most likely timeframe for the reveal.

How much will the Google Pixel 9a cost?

While no official price has been confirmed, it’s likely that the Pixel 9a will be priced around £499/$499. We saw a price rise with the Pixel 8a so we hope Google will stick for the next model.

This affordable price point has always been a selling point of the Pixel ‘a’ series, giving users a premium software experience and cameras without the flagship price tag.

For context, here are the launch prices of the previous models:

• Pixel 8a – £499/$499
• Pixel 7a – £449/$499
• Pixel 6a – £399/$449
• Pixel 5a – $449 (no UK release)
• Pixel 4a 5G – £499/$499
• Pixel 4a – £349/$349

What features will the Google Pixel 9a have?

The Google Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a compelling mid-range phone, equipped with many of the core features found in the flagship Pixel 9 series, but at a lower price.

Here’s a breakdown of what the Pixel 9a might offer, based on leaks and rumours.

Design & Build

According to recently shared CAD renders (via Android Headlines), one of the standout changes in the Pixel 9a is the design, particularly the camera setup.

The camera bar, which has been a hallmark of recent Pixel devices, might be more subtle on the 9a, nearly flush with the back of the phone. This is reminiscent of older LG phones like the V60 ThinQ.

Android Headlines also reports that the Pixel 9a might be available in four colours: Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony, and Iris.

The Porcelain and Obsidian are likely to be classic white and black options, while Peony is a pink hue available on the regular Pixel 9 (though it could look different under the same name), and Iris will be a new bluish-purple shade.

The phone is also expected to be slightly larger than its predecessor, with dimensions of 154mm tall, 73mm wide, and a thinner profile at 8.5mm.

Display & Speakers

The Pixel 9a is expected to feature a 6.1-inch display, similar to its predecessor, likely using an OLED panel for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The bezel is likely to be noticeable but expected at this price point.

The front of the device might have a hole-punch camera in the center, maintaining a clean look.

Stereo speakers are likely to remain a feature, offering decent sound quality for media consumption, though audiophiles might want to use Bluetooth for higher-quality audio.

Performance

Likely powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, the Pixel 9a might inherit much of the performance power from the flagship Pixel 9 series.

This could be paired with 8GB of RAM and likely 128GB of storage as the base model, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance across apps, games, and daily use.

There are rumours that this could be one of the last Pixel devices using a Samsung-designed processor, as future models may switch to a Google-custom processor by TSMC.

Cameras

The phone is expected to feature a dual-camera setup, with a wide and ultrawide lens, similar to the flagship Pixel 9.

As mentioned, the camera bar will be replaced with a more subtle pill-shaped module this time around, making the device sleeker.

According to Android Headlines, the primary sensor will drop from 64Mp to 48Mp, likely the same sensor used in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

While the ultrawide and front-facing cameras might remain at 13Mp, the larger megapixels on the primary sensor promise better photo quality. However, the Pixel 9a reportedly lacks a telephoto camera and the upgraded ultrawide and front-facing cameras of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.

Additionally, the Pixel 9a is expected to feature Google’s ‘Add Me’ AI function, first seen in the Pixel 9 series, allowing users to insert themselves into group photos without needing someone else to take the shot.

As a reminder, the standard Pixel 9 features a 50Mp main camera, a 48Mp ultrawide camera, and a 10.5Mp selfie camera.

Battery & Charging

The battery life of the Pixel 9a should be improved over its predecessor. The Pixel 8a had a 4492mAh battery, and the Pixel 9a might see a slight increase in capacity.

Despite its thinner profile, the optimised performance of the Tensor G4 chip and software enhancements from Android 15 should help the device last a full day of moderate use.

Charging is expected to be wired only, with 18W fast charging, which is standard for mid-range phones in this category.

Software

The Pixel 9a will likely launch with Android 15 out of the box, which started rolling out in October.

Like the rest of the Pixel family, the 9a should receive a market-leading seven years of software updates, ensuring longevity and consistent performance well into the future.

That’s all we currently know about the Pixel 9a which will have to take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy A56. We’ll update this article when there’s more news.

In the meantime, be sure to check our recent review of the Pixel 9 Pro or go back in time and learn more about the entire history of Google Pixel phones.