I was wrong about the Google Pixel 9a

Ever since we obtained our first glimpse at the Google Pixel 9a final September, I’ve checked out Google’s subsequent mid-ranger with disdain. Eradicating the digicam bar, going for a generic digicam housing instead, and abandoning any sense of character from earlier Pixel A sequence telephones left a nasty style in my mouth.

Do I assume it’s the best-looking or best-designed telephone I’ve ever seen? No. However my preliminary visceral response might have been untimely. I’m progressively warming as much as the Pixel 9a’s new search for a number of causes.

Colours could make or break a telephone. Even when it has the nicest {hardware} and the classiest digicam design, it doesn’t matter if the colours are all drab and boring. Samsung not too long ago proved this level with the Galaxy S25 Extremely. It’s a well-made telephone with wonderful {hardware}, however Samsung’s uninspired and related colours put an enormous damper on issues.

This newest Pixel 9a leak teases the telephone’s colour choices, and in the event that they’re correct, they may do a variety of heavy lifting.

In line with Android Headlines, the Pixel 9a can be out there in the normal Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white) colours, however these can be joined by far more eye-catching Peony (pink) and Iris (purple) shades. If the colours seem like what we see in Android Headlines’ renders, Google has knocked it out of the park.

I’m notably keen on the Iris colour. It strikes a beautiful stability of creating the telephone pop with out going overboard. Pastel shades like this are arduous to get proper, but it surely appears like Google nailed it. I additionally love how brilliant and vibrant Peony seems to be. It looks like a extra saturated model of the Peony Google Pixel 9, and I’m all for it.

Google often does an excellent job of providing enjoyable colours for the Pixel A sequence, and it’s reassuring to see that the pattern ought to proceed with the Pixel 9a. The colours additionally assist retain a few of the character that’s lacking with the new digicam design — which leads me to my subsequent level.

I didn’t love the Pixel 9a’s digicam bar-less design after we first noticed it in September, and I nonetheless don’t adore it right now. Nonetheless, I don’t assume it’s the dealbreaker I initially thought it might be.

We’ve grown accustomed to digicam bars on Pixel telephones since the Google Pixel 6 sequence, so seeing a Pixel with out that design trait naturally appeared unusual and off-putting. However, to be truthful, we additionally thought the similar about the Pixel 6 sequence when it first leaked. The digicam bar was initially met with a lot criticism, however after we obtained our arms on the telephones and obtained used to it, it felt “regular.”

Though not precisely the similar state of affairs, I assume we’re seeing one thing related with the Pixel 9a. This can be a new search for the Pixel sequence. It’s a bit unusual and alien, and we’re solely seeing it by way of leaked renders. As soon as the telephone is in the wild and in individuals’s arms, I have a sense we’ll all get used to it pretty shortly. It’s not an unsightly digicam design. It’s simply completely different.

There’s additionally a fairly vital profit to the digicam that we’re overlooking: it’s practically flush with the remainder of the telephone. I love a whacky and distinctive digicam design as a lot as the subsequent man, however I additionally miss the days when my telephone might lay completely flat on a desk or desk. We might get that once more with the Pixel 9a, and I’m all for it.

Lastly, a phrase on the Pixel 9a’s rounded corners and flat body. Sure, it’s an enormous departure from the Google Pixel 8a. Sure, it appears a complete lot like an iPhone. However I don’t assume this can be a dangerous factor in any respect.

Google debuted this new design language with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional, and it proved very efficient on these telephones. The Pixel 9 sequence is snug to carry and extremely well-built. Google might have taken some inspiration from Apple, but when the finish result’s a telephone that appears and feels nice, why ought to we complain? And if this glass sandwich design makes the telephone extra repairable, then all the higher.

The actual problem for Google can be to ship a equally nice development for a telephone that can doubtless be less expensive than its different Pixel 9 siblings. Google did a implausible job with the $799 Pixel 9 and $999 Pixel 9 Professional, however can it do this for a $499 or $549 Pixel 9a?

All of this comes with the huge caveat that I’m basing these opinions on leaked renders. Nothing is official till Google says so itself, however given the monitor file and historical past of earlier Pixel leaks, there’s purpose to consider these newest Pixel 9a renders are an correct illustration of the remaining product.

If that’s the case, I’m pleased to confess I was wrong about my knee-jerk response to the Pixel 9a. It’s not an ideal smartphone design, however I additionally assume it’s removed from horrible or ruinous. And assuming the rumored specs and value are correct, the worth Google might provide this yr must be greater than sufficient to get anybody on board with this new look.

The Google Pixel 9a is predicted to be introduced on March 19.