Leaked Photos Suggest Google Pixel 9a May Have a New Design Without Camera Bump

Photos claiming to show the Google Pixel 9a have leaked, sparking conversations about the design of Google’s upcoming budget-friendly device.

The images suggest that the Pixel 9a might not feature the familiar camera bump, indicating a possible shift in design strategy by Google.

For those following the discussions around the Google Pixel 9, much of the buzz has been centered on the camera bump at the rear of the device. Google transitioned from the camera bar design seen in the Pixel 6 models to a new design for the Pixel 9. However, recent leaks suggest that the Pixel 9a may not adopt this design change.

Potential Design Changes for the Google Pixel 9a

The Google Pixel 9a is part of Google’s more affordable Pixel series, which also includes a range of earbuds and annual phone releases. Historically, the “a” series has closely followed the design language of the main Pixel models, albeit with more budget-conscious materials and features.

The Pixel 9a is expected to be announced in May 2025, making these leaked images the first glimpse we’ve had of the new phone. However, it’s important to approach these leaks with caution due to the questionable source.

The photos were shared by ShrimpApplePro on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the images were found on “some random post on Facebook.” The original post, from a private Facebook group, was reportedly deleted, allegedly because the source was an employee who was forced to remove it.

This raises more questions than it answers, but let’s analyze the details we have.

Analyzing the Leaked Images

The leaked images supposedly show the Google Pixel 9a from the front, with an angle highlighting the flat display. This design is similar to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, featuring a matte finish, which aligns with what we would expect from the Pixel 9a. The gloss finish is likely reserved for the Pro models.

The second image reveals the back of the phone, displaying a prototype logo. Notably, the rear shows no camera bump, with the cameras seemingly set flush into the body of the phone, resulting in a flat finish.

What Could This Mean for the Pixel 9a’s Camera Hardware?

If the Google Pixel 9a diverges from the design of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, it would be an unusual move for Google. The Pixel 8a closely mirrored the design of the Pixel 8, and many would anticipate a similar approach for the 9-series devices.

However, an interview with The Verge provides some context. After the launch of the Pixel 9, Claude Zellweger, Google’s director of design, mentioned that the camera bump on the Pixel 9 was “the most efficient way to package these camera modules.” He also hinted that future designs might employ thinner hardware, relying more on computational photography and AI post-processing to fill in the gaps.

This raises questions about the hardware that the Google Pixel 9a might include. The absence of a camera bump could indicate more compact cameras, potentially less capable than those in the Pixel 9. Could Google be shifting focus from physical camera hardware to AI-driven photography?

Such a change could lead to a slimmer device, and if the physical camera hardware is indeed reduced, we might see a corresponding decrease in price. This could position the Google Pixel 9a as a strong contender for the best budget phone of 2025, though it might come with significant trade-offs in camera performance.

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