Pixel 9a will get two new cameras and the Pixel 9's most fun AI feature

Google's upcoming Pixel 9a is said to come with a surprising shift in its camera setup. According to recent reports, the device will feature a 48MP primary camera, which would be a significant downgrade in terms of resolution compared to the 64MP sensors found in its predecessors, the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a.

While this might seem like a step backward, it's important to consider the broader context. Google has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce excellent camera quality, even with lower-resolution sensors. The company's computational photography prowess often compensates for hardware limitations, resulting in stunning images.

It's also possible that Google is opting for a 48MP sensor to reduce costs or improve battery life. A smaller sensor can be more energy-efficient and could help keep the Pixel 9a's price point competitive.

Unfortunately the report doesn't say what the new sensor will be. If we were to take a wild guess we would say that it is the same 48MP sensor that's inside the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which performed pretty well in our camera scoring system.