Google’s Pixel 9a debut comes with an unexpected delay

Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a, but strangely, it’s not yet available for pre-order on the Google Store. This is puzzling because Google typically makes its devices available for pre-order as soon as they are announced. However, it appears that Google has encountered an issue with the new mid-range phone.

According to The Verge, pre-orders for the Pixel 9a have been held back, citing “a component quality issue.” This clarifies why Google stated in its press release about the phone that it would be available “beginning in April” without providing an exact date. It was widely expected that the Pixel 9a would ship before the end of March, but all hope of that is now gone.

Google made the right decision

Better safe than sorry

Google

Although the slight delay of the Google Pixel 9a is disappointing, Google has made the right choice by postponing the phone’s release. It’s better for the release to be delayed by a week or two than to ship thousands of devices that might have a quality control issue. In its statement to The Verge, Google mentioned that the issue is only “affecting a small number of Pixel 9a devices,” but still, in this case, better safe than sorry.

Review units of the device have not been sent out to the media yet either. However, in the grand scheme of things, the delay will likely be worth it. The Pixel 9a appears to be a very ambitious mid-range smartphone, as evidenced by its new sleek design featuring a recessed camera bump — a departure from the design of the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9 series. It has Google’s latest chipset, the Tensor G4, and a 6.3-inch pOLED display with a 1,080 x 2,424 pixel resolution, 60-120Hz variable refresh rate, and a Corning Gorilla Class 3 cover.

The phone will surely give the $600 iPhone 16e a run for its money, as the Pixel 9a costs $100 cheaper at $500. The Pixel 9a should be available for pre-order on the Google Store soon, and other retail partners, once Google addresses the quality control issue.

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