Google Pixel 9a Leak Reveals Underwhelming Design

As the Pixel 9a leaks continue to surface rapidly, we now have a good understanding of what Google’s upcoming mid-range phone will look like – and it’s left me feeling somewhat unimpressed.

In recent days, a hands-on video of the Google Pixel 9a being handled has leaked (courtesy of Shane Craig). Combined with previous leaked renders and specifications, the Pixel 9a is already quite familiar.

However, it’s not the lack of novelty that has me feeling a bit disappointed ahead of the rumored 19th March unveiling of the Pixel 9a.

Feeling a little flat

From the looks of it, the Pixel 9a will depart from the Pixel 8a’s curved design language for something more in line with the Pixel 9. This is expected, as it belongs to the same family.

However, I’ve had (and still have) some reservations about the way the Pixel 9 range looks, as seen in my Pixel 9 Pro XL review. I understand that I may be in the minority among tech reviewers, but I was quite disappointed by Google’s new design approach.

While the new flattened look that the Pixel 9a will also adopt appears sleeker, tighter, and more modern than the Pixel 8 family, it also gives off a more generic vibe, lacking the unique charm that previous Pixel phones had started to exhibit. To be frank, they resemble iPhones to a significant extent.

In their defense, the rest of the Pixel 9 series features premium materials with tighter tolerances than before. However, based on these Pixel 9a leaks, the new phone appears, if anything, more plastic-like than its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, especially in this featured black color that somehow resembles a counterfeit Pixel.

But the disappointment doesn’t end there…

Tech visor

One standout design feature that set the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL apart from the rest was their distinctive camera modules, unlike anything else on the market.

While they don’t have the wide-spanning visors of previous generations that seamlessly blended into the side frame, they do make a bold statement by standing out from the rest of the phone.

Additionally, they provide a convenient ledge for gripping the phone, reducing the likelihood of slips.

Unfortunately, this unique design element is notably absent from the Pixel 9a. Unless all these leaks are completely off-base (unlikely but possible), the Pixel 9a’s cameras will sit almost flush with the body, lacking that distinctive flash of metal that previously cut through the rear glass.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Spot the difference

In essence, the Pixel 9a is poised to resemble an iPhone even more than its larger siblings in the Pixel 9 family.

Specifically, it will bear a resemblance to the recently unveiled iPhone 16e with its minimalist single camera setup. Needless to say, the iPhone 16e will be the main competitor of the Pixel 9a in the mid-range smartphone market, alongside the stylish-looking Samsung Galaxy A56, as indicated by leaks.

Is this an unfortunate coincidence, or a deliberate choice by Google? It’s hard to say, but it’s a peculiar decision that makes the Pixel 9a a less distinctive offering no matter how you look at it.