Pixel 9a Early Unboxing Video Reveals Downgraded Modem, Goes For Sale In Dubai Before Official Launch

Highlights

• An early unboxing video reveals the Pixel 9a comes with Google’s Tensor G4 chip, 8GB RAM and a downgraded Exynos 5300 modem.
• The “Iris” purple variant features a matte finish with minimal packaging including a SIM ejector tool, USB-C cable and documentation.
• The Pixel 9a is already available in Dubai at AED 2,350 (approx $640 or INR 55,506) before its anticipated March 19 official launch.

Google is expected to officially launch the Pixel 9a later this week, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get some first-hand information on the phone. In recent news, a full unboxing video has surfaced on YouTube before launch revealing everything inside the box and confirming certain key aspects of the phone. It appears Pixel 9a comes with a downgraded modem compared to the rest of the Pixel 9 series. Here’s what we know.

Pixel 9a Early Unboxing Video

YouTuber Sahil Karoul managed to get an early unit in Dubai specifically the “Iris” purple variant and shared a full unboxing video on their channel. As expected, Google is sticking with its usual packaging style, which means you won’t find much in the box.

The package includes a SIM ejector tool, a USB-C cable and some documentation. The video also highlights the matte finish of the “Iris” colour, which extends to both the back panel and the side rails of the device.

One of the biggest takeaways from the video is that the Pixel 9a runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM. However, it also seems to confirm the rumours about a lesser modem. The baseband version displayed in the video starts with “g5300,” pointing to the use of an Exynos 5300 modem.

In comparison, the rest of the Pixel 9 series features basebands starting with “g5400,” which indicates the newer Exynos 5400 modem. This suggests that the Pixel 9a’s modem performance will be closer to the Pixel 8 series rather than the latest Pixel 9 models.

The video also includes benchmark scores from AnTuTu and GeekBench, along with gameplay tests in PUBG Mobile.

Check out Sahil Karoul’s video –

While Sahil Karoul’s video is in Hindi, it is not the only early review and unboxing video you would be able to find online. Another early Pixel 9a review from The Mobile Central (via Android Police) is also out online providing a closer look at the Pixel 9a in English.

Here’s The Mobile Central’s early review –

Pixel 9a Already on Sale Before Launch

If you’re eager to get your hands on the Pixel 9a, you might not have to wait for Google’s official launch. The phone has already appeared for sale in some regions.

Caption – Google Pixel 9a is now available for Sale in Dubai before launch.

Leaker Roland Quandt spotted that the Pixel 9a is already being sold in Dubai. A listing on a regional classifieds site shows the 128GB variant priced at AED 2,350 (approx $640 or INR 55,506). Since this is likely a reseller capitalising on early demand, the official retail price in markets like the US could be lower and more in line with previous Pixel A-series models.

Google is expected to officially announce the Pixel 9a later this week with rumours suggesting a March 19 launch.

FAQs

Q1. What hardware features does the Pixel 9a have?

Answer. The Pixel 9a includes Google’s Tensor G4 chip, 8GB of RAM, and uses a downgraded Exynos 5300 modem compared to the rest of the Pixel 9 series.

Q2. What comes in the Pixel 9a box?

Answer. The packaging contains a SIM ejector tool, a USB-C cable, and some documentation, with no additional accessories included.

Q3. When and where did the Pixel 9a appear for sale before its official launch?

Answer. The Pixel 9a was spotted for sale in Dubai, priced at AED 2,350 (~$640), ahead of its expected March 19 official announcement.

Also Read: Pixel 9a: New Hands-on Video Shows Camera in Action at a Lucha Libre Match

Also Read: Google Confirms New Modem in Pixel 9 Series, Explains Absence of Qi2 Charging