WATCH: Google Pixel 9a Leaked In Full Glory. Smaller Camera Island, Plastic Body, What Else To Expect

Google Pixel 9a is seen in an Obsidian colourway in a leaked video, tipping a major change in the overall design of the handset.

Google Pixel 9a is anticipated to be officially announced on March 19.

Source : Threads/shanec.irl

Google's upcoming Pixel 9a has once again surfaced in fresh leaks, offering a closer look at its design. As first reported by Android Headlines, a new hands-on video provides a real-world glimpse of the device, highlighting notable differences from its predecessors, particularly in the rear camera setup.

What Will Google Pixel 9a Look Like?

The video, which showcases the Pixel 9a in its Obsidian colour variant, reveals a shift in aesthetics. Unlike the flagship Pixel 9 models, this device ditches the signature camera bar in favour of a smaller, pill-shaped camera island.

The camera bump is minimal, indicating that the phone may not feature high-end camera hardware typically found in premium devices.

Interestingly, the leaked video also highlights the Pixel 9a’s materials, with the rear panel reportedly made of plastic.

 

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As reported by Android Headlines, tech reviewer Shane Craig, who managed to recover the footage after it was removed from its original source, described the phone’s finish as reminiscent of the Nokia Lumia series. The plastic design is a cost-cutting measure, but if previous Lumia models are anything to go by, it could still offer a solid feel in hand.

While the back panel is plastic, the frame appears to be aluminium, featuring visible antenna lines that typically accompany metal construction. This suggests improved durability and resistance to drops compared to fully plastic builds. The classic “G” logo is centred on the back, maintaining Google’s branding.

One detail missing from the hands-on leak is the phone’s front display. However, previous renders have indicated that the Pixel 9a will feature symmetrical bezels, a small but noticeable refinement over its predecessors. Despite this improvement, the bezels are still expected to be on the thicker side compared to flagship models.

Google Pixel 9a Specifications (Expected)

The Pixel 9a is anticipated to be officially announced on March 19, with a release expected on March 26. Pricing is rumoured to start at $499 for the base model with 128GB of storage, while a higher 256GB variant may be available for $599. Both configurations are said to include 8GB of RAM, a 6.28-inch OLED display with 2,700-nit peak brightness, and the Tensor G4 chipset.

Camera specifications include a 48MP primary sensor paired with a 13MP ultrawide shooter, and power will be supplied by a 5,100mAh battery. The device is expected to run Android 15 out of the box and will be offered in multiple colours, including Porcelain, Iris, and Peony, alongside Obsidian.

Google’s strategy with the Pixel 9a appears to be shifting, moving away from mimicking its high-end Pixel series. Instead, the company is embracing a more distinct design for its budget-friendly offering. With multiple leaks surfacing, an official launch seems imminent, and tech enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to see if the Pixel 9a lives up to expectations.