Google Pixel 9a

Pixel 9a leak reveals $499 price and specs; 5,100 mAh battery, optical fingerprint sensor

Ben Schoon | Dec 11 2024 - 9:15 am PT

Google is reportedly gearing up for an earlier Pixel 9a release in 2025 and, ahead of that, a new report reveals more details about the device including an unchanged $499 price and the full specs.

With a March release date expected, it comes as no surprise that we’ve already heard a lot about the Pixel 9a. Google’s budget-conscious smartphone for 2025 is said to use a modified Tensor G4 chip, have a radically different design that ditches the series’ iconic camera bar, and include a better camera and bigger battery.

A new report from Android Headlines allegedly reveals further details, including updating some previous points.

As mentioned, Pixel 9a would be powered by Tensor G4 which would be paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and would be using the Titan M2 security chip just like existing Pixel devices. The display, meanwhile, measures in at 6.285-inches, likely to be marketed as 6.3-inches. Google is apparently still using Gorilla Glass 3 on the display which would have a peak brightness of 1,700 nits, or 2,700 nits for HDR content, with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The cameras would include the previously mentioned 48MP main camera which would be a “GN8 Quad Dual Pixel” sensor from Samsung. The ultrawide camera is a 13MP Sony IMX712 which would also be used for a front-facing camera.

In the battery department, AH’s previous report was incorrect, with the actual battery capacity apparently hitting 5,100 mAh as opposed to 5,000 mAh. Charging speeds jump up to 23W wired, but stick at 7.5W wireless with no Qi2 upgrade (which is not at all surprising). The larger battery is notable as the Pixel 9a is said to measure 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, only slightly taller and wider than the Pixel 8a, and actually lighter in weight at 185.9g.

The leaked spec sheet also reveals Android 15 out of the box and 7 years of updates in line with previous models. There’s also mention of a matte finish on the back, and a “Goodx G7” fingerprint sensor under the display. That’s likely an optical (light-based) sensor as opposed to the ultrasonic sensor used in the rest of the Pixel 9 series which is provided by Qualcomm. There’s also mention of IP68 dust/water resistance, DisplayPort 1.4a video out (up to 4K), and a physical SIM slot.

Finally, the price is also mentioned at $499 – unchanged from Pixel 7a and 8a – with a note that a mmWave variant is $50 more. That implies the sourcing here stems from Verizon, though it’s odd that a CAD-based render of the device is included in the table. It could be that the table is from some early documents, as we’re still over 3 months away from the expected launch. The report mentions the document is from “a wireless carrier,” and adds that it was confirmed by a secondary source.

What do you think of the Pixel 9a so far?