Android Headlineshas shared what it claims is a 'first look' at the Pixel 9a, which should line up as Google's next mid-range smartphone. Strictly speaking, this is not actually the case. Instead, @VNchocoTaco helped leak hands-on images of a prototype unit over a month ago with broadly the same design as the renders thatAndroid Headlineshas now published.

Nonetheless, Android Headlines' renders provide an early opportunity to examine the Pixel 9a from most sides. Somewhat unsurprisingly, the device will feature relatively thick bezels, albeit perhaps not to the same extent as the Pixel 8a. Reportedly, this flat design will be joined by a Tensor G4 chipset like the rest of the Pixel 9 series.

However, the chipset in the Pixel 9awill utiliseIntegrated Package on Package (IPoP), which is said to be thicker and less power efficient than the Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP) that other Pixel 9 series handsets use. As a result, the Pixel 9a could be less powerful and more power-hungry than the Pixel 9, for example. Incidentally, Google employed similar tactics with the Pixel 8 series, including thePixel 8a(curr. $499 on Amazon).

Currently,Android Headlinesexpects Google to unveil the Pixel 9a during its next I/O conference in spring 2025. As far as we can tell, this is only an educated guess based on previous years though, rather than anything more substantial. With that being said, there have been suggestions that Google's next mid-range smartphone could be with us before the end of the year. If the latter is the case, then we would expect to see more Pixel 9a-related leaks through the autumn.