It seems like Google is indeed ditching an iconic hardware design element of recent Pixel phones with the upcoming Pixel 9a. According to 5K renders leaked by OnLeaks and shared by Android Headlines, the Pixel 9a is moving away from the signature camera visor that has been a hallmark of the Pixel series. Instead, the Pixel 9a appears to feature a much flatter camera design, with only a small raised ring around the oval-shaped glass housing.
In case you missed it, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen the Pixel 9a in a leak. Back in August, a Pixel 9a prototype leaked with the same design as the new renders. So with two sources corroborating the design change, it’s highly likely that this is what we’ll get to see next year.
This new approach makes the 9a stand out from the rest of the Pixel 9 family, which sports one of the most prominent camera bumps in the industry. I’m sure Pixel fans will be in splits about this decision, but I think the removal of that huge camera bump would make the phone a little more pocketable and more stable on flat surfaces.
Beyond the design, the Pixel 9a is expected to inherit the core camera setup seen in its more expensive siblings, sticking with an ultrawide and a wide sensor. However, one thing you’ll immediately notice are the thicker bezels, a trade-off common in mid-range phones like the 9a, which is likely to be priced under $500.
Set to launch in spring 2025, the Pixel 9a will debut with Android 15, making it the first Pixel device to ship with this version of the operating system. Additionally, it will offer seven years of software updates, a significant draw for long-term buyers.
Powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, the 9a might be the last Pixel phone to feature a Samsung-designed processor, as Google plans to switch to a TSMC-manufactured chip starting with the Pixel 10. With a focus on value and longevity, the Pixel 9a will, as usual, be a pretty good option for those who don’t want to empty their wallets on a smartphone.
Feel free to share your thoughts on Google’s decision to ditch the camera visor on the Pixel 9 in the comments section below.
Dwayne Cubbins
1731 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.
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