Google still can't keep a secret, and we already know (almost) everything in advance about the Pixel 9a. The upcoming mid-range smartphone is highly anticipated and will succeed the Pixel 8a, one of the best smartphones on the market in terms of quality/price ratio. The task will therefore not be easy for the new "a" model from the American brand, but the first rumors suggest a very promising phone.
Design and screen: a Pixel 9 feel
The Google Pixel 9a is said to be getting a major aesthetic overhaul, aligning itself with the design of the Pixel 9. Unsurprisingly, the affordable model is said to be inspired by the Google Pixel 9 by ditching the rear bezel in favor of a flat back with a small island for the photo sensors. A very iPhone-like style (we'll let you decide who's copying who) that gives it a premium feel and suggests efficient handling. Compared to the current Pixel 8a, the Pixel 9a is said to be a bit wider and taller (154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm vs. 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm). It would also be a little lighter: 185.9 g (2.1 g less than its predecessor).
This difference would be partly explained by the integration of a 6.3-inch screen, compared to 6.1 inches on the Pixel 8a. A little less compact, it would enhance immersion thanks to an OLED panel displaying in Full HD+ (2424 x 1080 pixels), with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This new screen, protected by Gorilla Glass 3, would also be brighter with a maximum brightness of 2700 nits.
The Pixel 9a takes a step forward in terms of robustness with an IP68 certification, protecting it against dust and prolonged immersion in water. Google would offer four elegant colors: Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white/beige), Iris (purple) and Peony (pink).
Performance: a Tensor G4 a little different from the rest of the range
Inside the Pixel 9a, we expect to find the Tensor G4 chip developed by Google. The SoC in this model, however, wouldn't be exactly the same as the one in the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Benchmarks show lower scores than the Pixel 9, and this is thought to be due to a desire to reduce costs.
If Google doesn't revise its chip architecture, the chip's shell would be different and wouldn't allow the Pixel 9a's Tensor G4 to achieve the same performance. However, we should expect an improvement over the Tensor G3 and compatibility with Google's many AI features. Furthermore, this modified chip would have an Exynos 5300 modem, while the flagship models are entitled to Samsung's latest Exynos 5400 modem. Although this difference would not significantly impact the user experience, this smartphone would not overshadow its big brothers by not offering satellite SOS (not available in France) and support for 5G 3GPP Rel.17. Additionally, its modem would be a little less optimized and could heat up slightly more.
In the Pixel 9a, we would find 8 GB of RAM (compared to 12 GB in the Pixel 9) with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage. On the software side, the Pixel 9a would arrive directly with Android 15 and should benefit from 7 years of Android and security updates.
Photo: it will be inspired by the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Always highly anticipated in terms of photography, the Pixel 9a would retain two photo modules on the back. Google would bet on a 48 Mpx wide-angle main sensor (f/1.7 aperture) and a 13 Mpx ultra-wide-angle sensor (f/2.2). This sensor would be the same as that of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the second folding smartphone from the American manufacturer.
The fact of replacing the 64 Mpx sensor of the Pixel 8a with a 48 Mpx sensor may surprise on paper, but the Pixel 9a could still take a step forward in photography. We also know that the Mountain View firm is the queen of algorithms, allowing its "a" model to be a reference among affordable photophones. At the same time, the Pixel 9a would retain a 13 MP front sensor with an f/2.2 aperture.
On the video side, the smartphone would be able to film up to 4K at 60 frames per second.
Battery life: a much faster battery
The Google Pixel 9a would make a significant leap by integrating a new 5100 mAh battery, an increase of around 13% compared to that of the Pixel 8a (4492 mAh). The Pixel 9a would switch to 23W wired charging, which remains rather slow even if Google improves (18 W for the Pixel 8a). Finally, wireless charging would remain at 7.5W and there is still no support for Qi2 technology.
Price: an increase is expected for one variant
According to information from leaker billbil-kun, the Google Pixel 9a will arrive in Europe in 128GB and 256GB versions. An increase is expected, but only for the 256GB variant. Here are the expected prices in France:
- Google Pixel 9a with 128GB of storage: 549 euros
- Google Pixel 9a with 256GB of storage: 649 euros
An interesting price positioning in view of the technical promises that could hurt the iPhone 16. Apple's latest "affordable" model starts at 719 euros, or 170 euros more (but that doesn't stop it from being a hit). In the Android universe, its main rivals should be the Samsung Galaxy A56 or the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro.
When will the Google Pixel 9a be released in France?
The announcement would be very close since rumors suggest a pre-order period starting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The smartphone would arrive in France, and in the rest of the world, on March 26, 2025.
0 Comments