Pixel 9a Hands-On Video Leaked Online Sparking Build Quality Concerns

Highlights

• A leaked hands-on video of the Pixel 9a reveals it looks cheaper compared to previous A-series models.
• The video shows a camera bar and plastic rings contributing to its budget-friendly appearance.
• Tech enthusiast Shane Craig noted that the Pixel 9a feels good in the hand and its plastic aesthetic resembles Nokia Lumia.
• Rumoured Features – Tensor G4 processor, up to 8GB of RAM and a 120Hz OLED display.

Caption – Pixel 9a images from a leaked hands-on video. (Image credit – Shane Craig on Threads)

The Google Pixel 9a leaks and rumours have been all over the internet in the past few months, revealing key details about the phone. A new hands-on video has given us a closer look at the device, but not without raising some questions. Unfortunately, some online reports expressed concerns that the device in the leaked video looks cheaper than previous A-series models. Here’s all we know.

Hands-On Leak Shows a Cheaper Look

A new leaked video gives us a first look at the Pixel 9a’s Obsidian colour model. The biggest takeaway is it looks noticeably cheaper than the Pixel 7a and 8a.

While the hands-on video has been removed by the original poster, it is still visible in a Threads post by Shane Craig.

 

View on Threads

 

While previous A-series Pixels also used different materials than their flagship counterparts, they didn’t look as budget-friendly as this one. The camera bar and plastic rings in particular give it a cheaper aesthetic compared to past models.

That said, Craig later clarified that while the Pixel 9a may look cheap, it actually feels good in the hand, describing it as having a “Nokia Lumia” plastic aesthetic. The matte finish seems to align with the current-gen Pixel design, even if the camera bar change makes it stand out.

EMBED POST – https://www.threads.net/@shanec.irl/post/DGbmh8ry5qD

Google Pixel 9a – Is It A Budget-Friendly Flagship?

Google hasn’t officially announced the Pixel 9a yet, but recent leaks suggest that it could follow a familiar formula, which involves offering flagship-level features at a lower price. That means we’ll likely get the following features –

• Tensor G4 processor
• Up to 8GB of RAM
• 120Hz OLED display
• All the key Pixel software features

However, to keep costs down, Google typically makes hardware compromises with the build materials. Now, the leaked video made many tech enthusiasts believe that cheaper build materials could be Google’s choice again this year.

With all the leaks piling up, we can assume that Google might make things official soon. The real question is whether the Pixel 9a will feel premium enough to justify its price, or if the cheaper design will turn buyers away.

FAQs

Q1. How does the Pixel 9a look in the leaked video?

Answer. The leaked video shows that the Pixel 9a looks noticeably cheaper compared to previous A-series models with a camera bar and plastic rings contributing to its budget-friendly appearance.

Q2. How does the Pixel 9a feel in the hand according to Tech influencer Shane Craig?

Answer. Shane Craig noted that the Pixel 9a feels good in the hand, describing its plastic aesthetic as similar to the “Nokia Lumia.”

Q3. What are some expected features of the Pixel 9a according to the leaks?

Answer. Leaks suggest that the Pixel 9a could offer flagship features like a Tensor G4 processor, up to 8GB of RAM and a 120Hz OLED display at a lower price.

Also Read: Google Pixel 9a Leaks Reveal Pricing, Launch Date, and Key Upgrades

Also Read: Leaked Hands-On Video Shows Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge