Google Pixel 9a: Everything We Know Before Launch

Bianca Patrick
3 min readMar 18, 2025

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Google is gearing up to unveil the Pixel 9a, the latest addition to its budget-friendly Pixel A-series, later this week. Despite the official announcement being just around the corner, early leaks and unboxings have already given us a glimpse of what to expect — including details about the modem, design, and performance.

Let’s dive into what these leaks reveal about the Pixel 9a’s specifications, features, and potential drawbacks.

Pixel 9a Unboxed Ahead of Official Launch

Popular YouTuber Sahil Karoul managed to get an early Pixel 9a unit in Dubai, specifically the “Iris” purple variant. The unboxing video showcases Google’s familiar packaging style, which remains consistent with the Pixel 9 series.

Inside the box, users will find:

  • A SIM ejector tool
  • A USB-C cable
  • Standard documentation

As expected, Google has kept accessories to a minimum, reflecting its recent trend of reducing e-waste.

Design and Display: Familiar Yet Stylish

The Pixel 9a sports a matte finish, particularly noticeable on the back panel and side rails of the Iris color variant. While the overall design language remains similar to its predecessors, the sleek and lightweight build ensures a premium feel at an affordable price.

Tensor G4 Chipset and Modem Concerns

One of the most talked-about aspects of the Pixel 9a is its processor and modem performance. The unboxing video confirms that the device is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM.

However, there’s a notable downgrade — the Pixel 9a features an Exynos 5300 modem instead of the Exynos 5400 modem found in the rest of the Pixel 9 series.

What Does This Mean for Users?

  • Slower Connectivity — The older modem suggests that the Pixel 9a’s network performance may be closer to the Pixel 8 series rather than the Pixel 9 lineup.
  • Potential Signal Drops — If Google hasn’t optimized the modem well, users may experience weaker reception and slower data speeds compared to flagship models.

For those who prioritize strong 5G performance, this might be a slight drawback compared to newer Pixel devices.

For users planning to upgrade to the Pixel 9a, transferring data from an old device can be a hassle. That’s where Smart Transfer clone phone comes in — a third-party content transfer app that ensures a smooth migration of contacts, photos, videos, and documents. It is perfect for US wire users.

Whether you’re switching from an older Pixel, iPhone, or another Android device, Smart Transfer makes the process quick, secure, and effortless. With the Pixel 9a offering new software optimizations and improved performance, using Smart Transfer helps users enjoy their new phone without losing important data.

Performance & Gaming: Benchmarks and Camera Samples

Despite the modem concerns, the Pixel 9a still performs well in benchmarks. Early testing includes:

  • AnTuTu and GeekBench scores
  • Smooth gameplay in PUBG Mobile
  • Decent camera performance

While full reviews are yet to be released, these early impressions suggest that the Pixel 9a should offer a solid experience for everyday use.

Pixel 9a Release Date and Official Announcement

According to leaks, Google is expected to officially unveil the Pixel 9a on March 19. This would align with the company’s previous launch patterns for its A-series smartphones.

While we wait for the official confirmation, the early unboxings have already given us a clear idea of what to expect — a well-balanced, affordable device with a few compromises.

Will the Pixel 9a be your next smartphone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Bianca Patrick
Bianca Patrick

Written by Bianca Patrick

Bianca is a content creator & a passionate blogger. She is a professional tech blogger & an avid reader. She loves to explore topics related to tech.

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