Survey shows Pixel 9a’s risky redesign has fans (mostly) on board
The results of our survey suggest that Google's decision to ditch the iconic camera bar might well have paid off.


Google took a small risk with the Pixel 9a design. In an age when the next generation of an Android phone can often look like a carbon copy of its predecessor, there’s always something refreshing about seeing a significant revamp. That said, it’s not always going to be considered a winning change, and we were curious to know if you felt it was an upgrade. We ran a few polls to find out.
In our article in which one of our polls was run, Adamya Sharma summarized the changes and put her cards on the table. While the Pixel 8a retained the flagship design with its curved edges and signature camera bar, the 9a introduces a flatter, more minimalist look — swapping curves for flat sides and eliminating the camera bump. Google says this redesign allows for a bigger battery and gives the A-series its own identity, distinct from the Pixel 9 flagships. While not against the new design of the Pixel 9a, Adamya preferred the premium look and heft that the Pixel 8a offers.