Exclusive: Google Pixel 9a to come with Tensor G4 but an older modem

Google might be taking a different approach to the Pixel 9a.

Exclusive: Google Pixel 9a to come with Tensor G4 but an older modem
Google Pixel 8A bay blue 3
Credit: Paul Jones / Android Authority

Google Pixel A series phones are regarded as some of the best budget Android phones, and for good reason. While they make some sacrifices when it comes to hardware, they more than make up for it with lower price tags and access to Google’s sought-after software and camera magic. Even better, the last iteration of the series, the Pixel 8a, came even closer to the flagship tier Pixels, with a brighter 120 Hz display and seven years of updates.

All this, however, put the A series Pixels in a somewhat awkward place — the Pixel 8a was so close to the Pixel 8, both in terms of price and hardware, that it seemed to be redundant. This might change soon, however. Thanks to a source inside Google, we’ve learned that Pixel 9a is coming with some important differences compared to the Pixel 9 series.