If you’ve been keeping an eye on the smartphone scene, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around Google’s upcoming mid-range contender, the Pixel 9a. It’s release might be closer than we think, and thanks to a fresh batch of leaks, we’re getting some juicy details to chew on. The latest scoop comes from none other than Evan Blass, a tipster with a knack for spilling the beans on gadgets before they hit the shelves. This time, he’s dropped what look like official marketing images of the Pixel 9a on X (formerly Twitter), and they’re giving us a solid peek at what Google’s got cooking.

Based on these leaked images, the Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a sleek little number. We’re talking flat edges, rounded corners, and a screen that stretches end-to-end—pretty modern vibes, right? But here’s the kicker: it looks like Google might be ditching the iconic camera visor that’s been a Pixel staple for years. Instead, the 9a seems to be rocking a pill-shaped camera housing that sits flush with the back panel. Well, mostly flush—there’s one image where the phone’s laid out horizontally, and you can spot a tiny sliver of a camera bump peeking out. So, maybe Google isn’t completely letting go of that raised camera life just yet. It’s a subtle shift, but it could mean a cleaner, less chunky design for this mid-ranger.

Now, let’s talk colors because who doesn’t love a good palette reveal? Previous leaks have hinted at four options: black, silver, pink, and lilac. These new images back that up, though Google’s keeping the official names under wraps for now. Picture a stealthy black, a classy silver, a playful pink, and a soft lilac—sounds like a lineup that’ll turn some heads. Whether they’ll stick with those vibes or throw in some quirky names like “Obsidian” or “Peony” (like they’ve done before), we’ll have to wait and see.

But it’s not just about looks—Blass’s leaks also tease some of the brains behind the Pixel 9a. One image shows someone triggering Google’s Gemini AI by holding down the power button, which is a cool nod to how integrated AI might be on this thing. Other shots hint at features like Android 15’s anti-theft protection, plus a bunch of camera, calling, and Pixel ecosystem goodies we’ve come to expect from Google’s phones. If you’re a fan of the Pixel’s software magic—like Night Sight or those slick call screening tricks—this could be right up your alley.

Oh, and here’s a wild card: satellite connectivity. Yep, you heard that right. Earlier this week, a leak from the FCC (spotted by outlets like Android Central and 91mobiles) suggested the Pixel 9a might join the big leagues with satellite support. The certification included a note about turning off the satellite feature on airplanes via airplane mode—something we’ve seen with the flagship Pixel 9 models. If this pans out, it’d be a game-changer for a mid-range phone, putting it in the same orbit as Apple’s iPhone 14 and 16 series, which have been flexing emergency SOS via satellite for a while now. Imagine being stuck in the middle of nowhere and still able to ping for help—that’s the kind of feature that could make the 9a stand out.

Of course, we’ve got to take all this with a grain of salt. Leaks are exciting, but they’re not gospel. Some of these features might not make the final cut, or they could evolve by the time the Pixel 9a lands in our hands. Remember last year’s Pixel 8 Pro? Marketing images leaked in August 2023 ahead of its October debut, and when it finally dropped, they matched up perfectly. So, there’s a decent chance these 9a pics are the real deal—but until Google says “ta-da,” it’s all speculation.

So, when’s this thing dropping? The rumor mill’s pointing to a March 19 launch, which is way earlier than the usual May reveal we’ve seen with past “a” series phones at Google I/O. Reportedly, pre-orders starting shortly after, with sales possibly kicking off by March 26. That’s just a couple weeks away as of today, March 10, 2025, so the hype train’s picking up speed. Pricing-wise, leaks suggest it’ll stick to the mid-range sweet spot—think $499 for the base model (around 128GB) and maybe $599 for a 256GB version. Not too shabby for what could be a feature-packed phone.

What else do we know from the rumor mill? Well, the Pixel 9a’s expected to run on Google’s Tensor G4 chip—the same powerhouse as the flagship Pixel 9 series. It might pack a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a beefy 5,100mAh battery. Camera-wise, we’re looking at a 48MP main shooter and a 13MP ultrawide, with a matching 13MP selfie cam up front. Plus, it’ll likely ship with Android 15 out of the box and get Google’s signature seven years of updates. If that all checks out, this could be a mid-range beast.

Images: Evan Blass on X/Twitter