Google Pixel 9a: Budget smartphone about to be rebooted? It could be significantly cheaper (and weaker)

Although there are still some doubts, Google could launch the Pixels 9a as a new budget smartphone. If this actually happens, the first leaks already indicate that Google could place it much lower in the market than has been the case so far. There will probably be no other choice than to real Bring budget device.

Since the third Pixel generation, Google has been bringing a budget smartphone onto the market in the spring of the following year, which is largely based on the big brother from the previous fall. So far, this concept has been stuck to, but this year at the latest, the limits of what is possible are being reached. With the four different Pixel 9 smartphones, Google is already covering a wider range than before in the fall.

The biggest difficulty of the possible Pixel 9a, however, would be the pricing. Even the cheapest Pixel 9 costs 899 euros. A slightly stripped-down version would therefore also have such a high price that even with all corns closed, you could no longer call it a budget device. Therefore, Google has to tweak the concept and differentiate the devices more clearly than before – in all areas.

The biggest difference is of course the price, because this is what the device is expected to sell for after its market launch. Of course, it must also be noted that the Pixel 9 will probably be significantly cheaper by the time the Pixel 9a goes on sale in May 2025, or at least will be part of strong promotions in the months leading up to it. This further increases the price pressure.

Will the Pixel 9a be completely different?
A few days ago, there was excitement about the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9a being slimmed down and using an older Samsung modem, among other things. This saves costs, but will certainly not be the only area where the red pen is used and performance sacrificed. Perhaps this also explains the camera commitment visible above and still rather implausible. Could Google really slim down the camera so much that a camera bar is no longer necessary? Since a lot of things are done with AI these days, this could be an interesting way to still get reasonably high-quality and Pixel-worthy images.

The slimmed down Tensor, the smaller camera and the confusion surrounding the release could lead to the conclusion that the Pixel 9a will be very different from the rest of the portfolio. If the price could be halved as a result, together with the AI power and the many optimizations, it could be an interesting package that could give the a series a new boost.

» Pixel 9a: Is this really Google’s new smartphone? New leak shows completely changed design (gallery)

product	Price
Google Pixel 9 – unlocked Android smartphone with Gemini, advanced camera, 24-hour battery and 6.3″…	999,00 EUR 899,00 EUR	Buy on Amazon
Google Pixel 9 Pro – Android smartphone with Gemini without SIM lock, triple rear camera system, 24…	1,329.00 EUR 1,199.00 EUR	Buy on Amazon
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – Android smartphone with Gemini without SIM lock – advanced…	1,899.00 EUR	Buy on Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45 mm) – Android smartwatch with heart rate tracking, advanced running …	449,00 EUR	Buy on Amazon