Pixel 9a features nearly flush camera design

Google's new Pixel 9a smartphone has introduced a remarkably small camera bump, a change not seen in over a decade. While smartphone cameras have generally become larger, the Pixel 9a's dual rear cameras are nearly flat against the back of the phone, making it less bulky than previous models. This innovative design stands out because the camera bump on similar smartphones, like the Pixel 9 and 8a, tends to be much larger. The Pixel 9a has a slight lip around the cameras, but overall, the bump is the smallest seen since the iPhone 6, which debuted more than 11 years ago. Although there was some confusion about the thickness of the Pixel 9a, it appears that Google has found a way to keep the camera hardware compact. The U.S. model is reported to be 0.4 inches thick, while the international version is 0.35 inches. Regardless of the exact measurements, the smaller bump remains consistent across both models. Larger camera bumps can create issues, such as making phones appear top-heavy and unstable when placed flat. Additionally, they can be more prone to damage because they are often made of glass. Many users find these bumps frustrating when trying to use accessories or when putting the phone down on a flat surface. Despite the smaller bump, the Pixel 9a features a powerful 48MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide camera. Users are eager to see if the camera quality has improved alongside this design change. Google's expertise in AI and computational photography may help in maintaining high-quality images even with a more compact camera system. Consumers will soon be able to test the camera performance of the Pixel 9a. This new design trend may suggest a future where camera bumps on smartphones continue to shrink without losing functionality.