Mid-range smartphones like the iPhone SE 4 and the Galaxy A36 are drawing attention lately, but the spotlight is shifting to Google's forthcoming release of the Pixel 9a. Anticipation is building as leaked renders provide a closer look at this minimalist mid-range phone, which is expected to make its debut soon.
The newly leaked images reinforce previous intelligence regarding the radical design change of the Pixel 9a. Notably, the unusual camera bar that has been a defining feature of the Pixel branding is replaced with a streamlined camera module that houses a 48 MP primary camera alongside a 13 MP ultra-wide lens.
With this new aesthetic, the Pixel 9a seems to take a step away from the iconic Pixel style of its predecessors, leaning into a appearance that resonates more with Apple's iPhone aesthetic—perhaps a shift that may polarize Pixel enthusiasts.
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What Else Can We Expect?
The removal of the camera bar isn't the only change. The Pixel 9a is rumored to feature a modified Tensor G4 chipset, suggesting that the device will inherit some of the advanced AI capabilities found in the Pixel 9 series, including features like screenshot search, call summarization, and more intuitive to-do lists.
A larger 5,100 mAh battery is also expected to be part of the package, potentially addressing performance issues observed in the Pixel 8a, which had a disappointing battery life of just 5 hours and 51 minutes, according to our review. Users will undoubtedly welcome any improvements in this regard.
In terms of camera capabilities, the shift from a 64 MP main sensor in previous models to a new 48 MP setup will be interesting. While it may seem like a downgrade on paper, it's crucial to remember that higher megapixel counts don't necessarily translate to better image quality. The new sensor could be the same 48 MP unit that appeared in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which has garnered praise in both photo and video scoring metrics.
At this stage, the details surrounding the Pixel 8a have largely become public. However, Google may still have some surprises in store for the anticipated launch on March 19, which is fast approaching.
