Google has been experimenting with smartphone design for years now, most notably with the signature camera bar that has defined recent Pixel phones. But with the new mid-range Google Pixel 9a, the company is taking a refreshing turn – reviving a design element that many have missed: a near-flush rear camera. For the past several years, camera bumps have grown increasingly prominent across all smartphones. It’s understandable – larger sensors and improved optics demand more space. While companies like Apple have managed to refine these bulky modules into something stylish, it’s still a compromise in design. Thankfully, Google has managed to shrink the camera bump on the Pixel 9a to the point that it’s barely noticeable. It’s not completely flush – technically, it’s raised by a fraction of a millimeter – but it’s low-profile enough that the phone sits almost flat on a surface without wobbling during use. To be clear, the Pixel 9a’s camera doesn’t match the quality of its higher-end Pixel 9 siblings. But thanks to Google’s advanced image processing, it still delivers bright, detailed photos in most scenarios. It’s a reminder that great software can often make up for mid-tier hardware. So, does this mean we’ll see more near-flush cameras in future smartphones? That’s uncertain. The Pixel 9a lacks a telephoto lens, which has historically been absent from mid-range devices due to cost constraints. But newer competitors – like the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – have begun including telephoto cameras even at similar price points. If that trend continues, and phones continue to add more complex camera systems, flush designs may remain the exception rather than the norm. Beyond the camera, the Pixel 9a offers a clean, premium aesthetic. It shares the solid build quality of the more expensive Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, with a minimalist rear design that’s interrupted only by a subtle Google logo. The matte frame gives it a high-end feel and offers a comfortable grip. Internally, the Pixel 9a is no slouch. It sports a bright, sharp display and runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip, offering quick performance for most tasks. Battery life is strong, and it supports wireless charging – though it lacks magnetic wireless charging, which would’ve been a nice bonus. That said, competition is fierce in the sub-$500 segment. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands out with its bold circular camera design and the inclusion of a telephoto lens, though it can’t quite match the Pixel 9a in overall performance or photo quality – except when zooming in. If you’re interested in the Google Pixel 9a for yourself, it’s available from the Google website and other retailers. Photography courtesy of Google.