The Pixel 9a Ditches Key Hardware Elements Found on its Flagship Brethren

The arrival of the Pixel A-series devices back in 2019 signalled a new strategy for Google, who up until then have marketed its Pixel smartphone line as “premium” devices. With that said though, the A-series Pixels focused on giving users key features such as clean software and impressive camera quality for more affordable prices.

READ: Google Finally Unveils the Pixel 9a: Here’s What You need to Know!

This also meant that certain hardware features were often omitted, and this trend in giving buyers dialled-down hardware continues with the new Pixel 9a. While the 9a understandably cuts some features found on the more expensive Pixel 9 flagships, Google has made some rather questionable decisions with regards to the 9a’s hardware.

As it turns out, the phone comes with an older modem inside based on Samsung’s Exynos 5300 modem, which was used in older Pixel models. By comparison, the Pixel 9 series comes with a modem based on the Exynos 5400, which features an improvement especially in terms of battery endurance and thermals. It’s a missed opportunity to give buyers a more seamless user experience, although again we go to the Pixel 9a’s designation as a “cheaper” option.

On the outside, Google has removed the signature camera bar on the 9a’s rear panel, instead opting for a more minimalist camera cutout. Albeit a minor complaint, it results in a somewhat uneven-looking design, and sets it apart from more “standard-looking” Pixel models. A strange omission for sure, especially since Google even justified the camera bar’s existence before.

READ: The Pixel 9a is Here, but the 8a Remains the Better Affordable Option

On the bright side though, the Pixel 9a does pack some nice features, such as the newer Tensor G4 chipset, a bright display that maxes out at 2,700 nits, and a beefier 5,100 mAh battery.