Pixel 9a camera specs leaked, 48MP primary sensor mirroring the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and an innovative “Add Me” feature

The Google Pixel 9a is already generating a lot of buzz ahead of its official release, and while there’s still time for the reveal, the rumor mill seems to be in full swing. Previous speculation suggests that the budget model will move away from the classic visor camera design that remains the hallmark of the Pixel range and will instead come with a pill-shaped camera module. Now reports have emerged suggesting that this isn’t the only change in this category and the primary camera setup could potentially follow that of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s main camera.

A new report claims that the Pixel 9a’s main camera will be reduced to 48MP and will get a camera bump

It’s barely been a month since a report emerged suggesting that Google is ditching the signature visor look and completely redesigning the camera island. There’s still time for the budget smartphone with its premium features to hit the market, but just as other Pixel phones aren’t immune to leaks, important details about the Pixel 9a have also become public.

When the Pixel 7a was introduced, it was a huge upgrade as it featured a 64MP main camera and the same pattern followed with the Pixel 8 series. A report from Android Headlines now claims that the Pixel 9a could come with a 48MP main camera, identical to that of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Now, it seems like a downgrade considering that the predecessor had a 64MP sensor, but this one has a larger aperture, which helps improve low-light performance and also delivers better quality and clarity images . Pixel 9a has a larger aperture of f/1.7 compared to the Pixel 8a which has an aperture of f/1.9, is relatively narrower and does not perform well in dark environments.

The camera changes aren’t the only innovation in the new series. It will also have a new “Add Me” feature that was first introduced with the Pixel 9 series. The feature is AI-driven and creates a seamless group photo by including the photographer in the shot. This addition underscores Google’s commitment to improving user experience and introducing more advanced AI-driven solutions.

Additionally, the device is said to be larger and relatively larger than previous speculations, with dimensions of 154.7 x 73.2 x 8.9 mm, bringing the total thickness of the bump to 9.4 mm, making the camera protrude slightly. The size still remains compact and supports portability, but the increase could be due to changes to the camera module or even the battery.

The Pixel 9a is expected to launch in early 2025 and more details will be revealed as the launch date gets closer.