Google’s upcoming Pixel 9a has been the subject of countless leaks, but the latest images suggest a bolder, more refined design than we expected. A fresh set of marketing renders, reportedly leaked by Evan Blass, showcase a new purple colorway that Google is calling “Iris.” This marks a stark departure from the traditional Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), and Peony (pink) options that are also rumored to be part of the lineup.
While Google has experimented with colors before (remember the Pixel 3’s Not Pink?), this vibrant purple hue feels fresher and more daring than the muted tones we’ve come to expect. Love it or hate it, it’s clear that Google is pushing for more variety in its smartphone lineup.
One of the biggest surprises in these leaked renders is the refined camera bump. Unlike the more aggressive camera bars seen on previous Pixel models, the 9a’s dual-camera setup appears to be more seamlessly integrated into the back panel. While still protruding slightly, it doesn’t look as pronounced as the chunky camera housings we’ve seen in the past.
If Google has managed to fit a 48-megapixel sensor into this sleeker form factor, it could make the Pixel 9a one of the best budget-friendly camera phones this year. Google’s computational photography is already class-leading, so hardware refinements like this only add to the excitement.
Compact, But Not Ultra-Slim
According to previous leaks, the Pixel 9a is expected to measure 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm and weigh 185.9g. That makes it thicker than the upcoming Galaxy S25 (7.2mm) and iPhone 16 (7.8mm), but that extra bulk might be a good thing. A slightly thicker body could mean a larger battery, which would be a major win for anyone frustrated by the lackluster battery life of previous Pixel A-series models.
A Closer Look at the Leaked Image
The uploaded image (presumably a marketing render) reinforces several of these rumored changes. The flat aluminum edges give off major iPhone 15 vibes, but the slightly rounded corners keep it distinctively Google. The dual-camera array, while still a horizontal pill shape, looks cleaner and more flush with the backplate. And let’s talk about that color—this pastel purple (“Iris”) is arguably the most playful Pixel shade we’ve seen in years. Google might finally be getting a bit more adventurous with its hardware aesthetics.
Pricing and Availability
Leaks suggest that the Pixel 9a could start as low as €500 in Europe and $500-$600 in the U.S. If that pricing holds, it’s positioned as a direct competitor to Samsung’s Galaxy A55 and Apple’s iPhone SE 4, both of which are expected later this year.
The Pixel 9a is rumored to launch for pre-orders on March 19, with a full release on March 26. If these leaks are accurate, we won’t have to wait long to see how Google’s latest budget contender stacks up against the competition.
Final Thoughts
This leak paints a promising picture of the Pixel 9a—a compact, colorful, and subtly refined mid-range phone that could be a serious contender in 2024. If Google delivers on performance, battery life, and camera quality, it could be one of the best affordable Android phones of the year.
Now, the big question: Are you feeling the purple Pixel, or do you wish Google had gone with a different bold color choice?
via Evan Blass
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