Google’s mid-range Pixel lineup is getting an early surprise this year! While the ‘a’ series usually debuts at Google I/O in May, leaks suggest that the Pixel 9a might launch as early as March 19, with sales starting a week later on March 26.
And that’s not the only twist—fresh leaks reveal a stunning new purple variant, a tiny camera bump that feels like a throwback, and some major hardware upgrades. If you’ve been eyeing Google’s next budget-friendly phone, here’s everything you need to know before its expected launch!
Launching earlier than expected
Google loves using its I/O event in May to announce the Pixel ‘a’ series, but this year, things are different. According to leaks, the Pixel 9a could be unveiled on March 19, with sales kicking off by March 26. If true, this would be the earliest Pixel ‘a’ launch ever, possibly hinting at a new release strategy from Google. With competition heating up in the mid-range segment, launching early could give the Pixel 9a a much-needed edge.
A fresh purple variant joins the lineup!
Google is known for playful colours, and this time, they’re adding a purple variant, rumoured to be called ‘Iris’. The shade is reminiscent of Samsung’s Galaxy S22 purple, with a soft pastel tone that stands out. It joins the usual black, off-white, and coral options, giving buyers a fresh new colourway to choose from.
A camera bump that’s surprisingly small!
Most phones today come with bulky, protruding camera islands, but Google is going old-school. The Pixel 9a’s leaked renders show a tiny horizontal camera bump that barely sticks out—a throwback to smartphone designs from nearly a decade ago. This shift makes the phone look sleeker and more minimalistic, breaking away from Google’s usual bar-style camera design.
Bigger battery, thicker build
One reason the camera bump is so subtle? The Pixel 9a is reportedly thicker than the Pixel 8a. This means more room inside for a bigger battery, which is rumoured to be 5,100mAh—the biggest battery ever on a Pixel phone. If true, this could mean much better battery life, making it a great option for all-day use.
Flagship-level specs at a mid-range price
The Pixel 9a isn’t just about looks—it’s packing serious hardware. The phone is expected to feature Google’s Tensor G4 chip, 8GB RAM, and a 6.28-inch 120Hz display with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. It will likely ship with Android 15 out of the box and offer seven years of software updates. Camera-wise, expect a 48MP main sensor, 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 13MP front camera. All this, at an expected starting price of €499 (around Rs 47,000).
