The Google Pixel 9a is expected to have a redesigned camera array and will lose the edge-to-edge bars we have become accustomed to. The camera itself will undergo internal changes that resemble a downgrade compared to the previous model.

The leak comes from Android Headlines, which reports that Google will include a 48-megapixel primary sensor in next year's Pixel 9a's main camera. If true, this would be a significant downgrade from the Pixel 8a, which featured a 64-megapixel primary camera.

The new camera will be slightly less powerful than the current Pixel 9 lineup, which has a series-wide 50 MP main camera.

According to previously leaked renderings, the Pixel 9a will still feature a two-lens setup with a main camera and a 13MP ultrawide. The ultrawide is much weaker than the 48MP sensor on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro; like the Pixel 8a, it will not feature a telephoto camera. According to leaks, the front-facing camera will keep the same 13MP sensor.

As AH noted, despite the lower resolution, the 9a should be able to take better images than the 8a due to the larger megapixel size.

This is the first real leak on the Pixel 9a's camera capabilities. We will see more information closer to the release date.

Beyond that, as mentioned, the camera array should be different with a flat design rather than a thick bar across the entire back.

The Pixel 9a is expected to be released in March 2025, a significant departure from Google's previous releases of A-series phones in May, just before its annual I/O conference.

Presumably this change will be “permanent” going forward, along with moving up the mainline launch from October to August, as was done with the Pixel 9 series this year.