Google just unveiled its latest Pixel 9 series. The phone was appreciated on the AI and software front, but it struggled with the hardware. Now, it has started to work on the Pixel 9a. The “a” series from Google Pixel is a more affordable offering. Last year, the Pixel 8a was pretty close to the Pixel 8 in terms of specs and prices, and a lot of people felt that this was redundant.
It seems like Google has picked on this feedback and will offer something new with the Google Pixel 9. According to an Android Authority report, the Pixel 9a will see a lot of differences when compared to the Google Pixel 9. It is codenamed “tegu”, as per an inside source from Google.
It can pack a Google Tensor G4 processor. However, unlike the Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9a’s G4 chip will use a different packaging technology called IPoP (Integrated Package on Package), which is thicker, and hotter, but cheaper than the FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging) used in the flagship Pixel 9 models.
The Pixel 9a will not have the new Exynos Modem 5400. So it will not have features like Satellite SOS and improved 5G efficiency like the Pixel 9 series. Instead, the 9a will pack the older Exynos Modem 5300 from the Pixel 8 series.
Leaked images suggest that the Pixel 9a might even sport a completely different design from previous A-series models and the Pixel 9, which means a new design identity. As per the Android Authority report, going forward Google will keep the Pixel “a” series as a slightly downgraded version from the flagship Pixel models.
Let’s see what Google finally ends up doing with the Google Pixel 9a and what the price point is going to be this time.
