This time last year, Google was basking in praise after launching the Pixel 3a, which was widely considered one of the best phones of 2019. It wasn’t objectively the best phone, but it was an incredible value. In 2020, Google is facing new challenges that have delayed the Pixel 4a. We previously heard the phone would be pushed to June, but here we are with no Pixel 4a. Multiple sources now claim Google is looking at a fall 2020 launch for the phone.
The Pixel 4a has leaked in excruciating detail several times in the last few months, and the leakers revealed the design late last year. The latest round of leaks credibly claim that the phone is ready to go — Google could launch it right now if it wanted, but it’s holding the launch because of market conditions. Google almost certainly intended another Google I/O launch for the phone, but the coronavirus pandemic has caused the cancellation of all large tradeshows and conferences.
We still expected the Pixel 4a to pop up in the weeks approaching the original I/O dates in May, but then the iPhone SE 2 happened. The new iPhone SE has much of the same hardware as the iPhone 11 but for just $400. That was the original launch price of the Pixel 3a and probably where Google hoped to position the 4a.
Leaker Jon Prosser alleges that Google’s internal dates for the phone have been pushed all the way back to October 2020. Although, there’s a chance the phone will be announced as soon as July. He also says Google won’t make a blue version of the phone anymore, preferring to focus on the black device only.
Fully functional Pixel 4a units have appeared online several times in recent months.
Separately, Ishan Agarwal claims that Google is considering doing away with the Pixel 4a as a separate product. When we see this hardware, it may be in late autumn alongside the Pixel 5. Essentially, Google would launch three versions of the Pixel 5, one of which would be the Pixel 4a with a new name.
Where’s Pixel 4a?
Here’s an update:
AGAIN, it seems Google has delayed Pixel 4a 🤦🏼♂️
Announcement still happening on July 13
But in the system, it’s listed that the “Black” model now launching October 22 😬
“Barely Blue” has been removed entirely…
I’ll keep you updated. 🤷🏼♂️ https://t.co/UgsWJrYK4U pic.twitter.com/TX209u9Jqb
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) June 13, 2020
In early 2020, the Pixel 4a seemed like it would be an easy win — people like a lot of things about the Pixel 4, but the price is hard to justify. The fact Google has delayed the launch goes to show you how uncertain things are right now. If it were dealing just with the pandemic or Apple’s unexpectedly affordable iPhone, the Pixel 4a might already be available.
Now read:
- Google Might Use Custom 5nm Samsung Chip in Pixel 5 Instead of Snapdragon 865
- Five Months Later, Google Adds Eye Detection to Pixel 4 Face Unlock
- Google Used Machine Learning to Add Apple-Style 3D Touch to Pixel Phones
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