Google Pixel 9a May Feature Tensor G4, But Last Year's Modem

Recently, Google presented the Pixel 9 series, which includes four members. However, these models will be joined later by another model, the cheapest one – Google Pixel 9a. After we recently learned what this phone could look like, we now learn new details about it.

The Google Pixel 9a will arrive as the successor to this year's Pixel 8a. Some rumors indicate that this phone could be presented by the end of this year, while the latest report suggests that it will happen at the beginning of next year, which is more realistic.

According to Android Authority, this phone will reportedly arrive with Google's Tensor G4 chip, which powers the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, with the Pixel 9a, this chip will reportedly arrive with an Exynos 5300 modem, rather than the new Exynos 5400, which is more efficient.

This means that this phone will not arrive with satellite connectivity support. In addition, this could mean that network performance will essentially be worse compared to other models in this series, which come with the newer Exynos 5400 modem. This is a trade-off for the Pixel 9a's more affordable price.

We've already had a chance to hear rumors about this before, and now it looks like they've been confirmed with this report. However, we'll have to wait to see if this situation is final, and even though it was leaked by a source close to Google, we should always be cautious with this type of information. Nothing is confirmed until Google itself indicates that this is the situation, so we can only wait for the launch of the Pixel 9a.

We previously learned

The Pixel 9a should arrive with a flat-screen with thicker bezels and a hole at the top. It looks like the bezels will be made of aluminum with a matte finish. The SIM card slot, USB-Type C charging port, and speaker are located on the bottom frame. As for the back, the Pixel 9a has a glass cover with a pill-shaped dual camera. The LED flash is placed outside the pill.

As for the launch, while tradition would dictate a release just before summer, Google's acceleration of the schedule could see the Pixel 9a arrive as early as spring 2025, or even earlier, with Android 15 this time.