The Pixel 9a leak doubles down on a drastic design deviation previously observed

• Google Pixel 9a features a flat camera module for a slimmer design and moves away from the iconic camera bar.

• Pixel 9a design inspired by flagship models, with metal rails, flat edges and thick bezels.

• Pixel 9a is expected to ship with Android 15 and Tensor G4 processor, but may use an older Exynos modem like Pixel 8a.

It’s only been a few weeks since Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series, but the rumors about new Pixel devices never seem to stop. While the range introduced new flagship models such as the compact Pixel 9 Pro and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a leak has now revealed the upcoming Pixel 9a, which is expected to be the mid-range addition to the Pixel 9 family.

The leak, shared by reliable source OnLeaks (via Android Headlines), reveals design renders of the Pixel 9a. If these renders are correct, the Pixel 9a could mark the end of Google’s iconic camera bar, a signature design element seen on Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series to last year’s Pixel 8.

Unlike the other Pixel 9 series smartphones that feature a protruding camera module, the Pixel 9a will feature a flat camera module that sits flush with the back of the device, according to leaked renders. While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen design leaks on the Pixel 9a, it does confirm that Google is moving away from the signature camera bar in favor of a slimmer, flush design.

As for the rest of the design, the Pixel 9a is inspired by the flagship Pixel 9 models and features a design with flat edges, rounded corners and what appear to be metal rails along the frame. The renders also show that the bezels will likely remain quite thick, which is to be expected for a mid-range device.

The report also suggests that the Pixel 9a will likely ship with Android 15 out of the box – something the other flagship Pixel 9 models didn’t have at launch. However, given that the Pixel 9a is expected to launch in spring 2025, this seems reasonable. The device is also rumored to run on the same Tensor G4 processor as the rest of the Pixel 9 family, although Google may underclock it slightly, as it did with the Pixel 8a.

Previous leaks suggest that the Pixel 9a will use the same Exynos modem as the Pixel 8a, which could be a disappointment. One of the main improvements in the other Pixel 9 models is the significantly better performance of the Exynos 5400 modem, which the Pixel 9a cannot use.

However, there is still a lot of time until Google officially unveils the Pixel 9a, and a lot could change between now and then. However, with the flush camera design leaked twice in a month, it seems likely that Google has settled on this design – whether it’s for better or for worse remains to be seen.