Google Pixel devices are renowned for their distinctive design, particularly their camera housing, which has always been a signature element of the brand. The recent decision to forgo the iconic camera bar on the new Pixel 9a, opting instead for a nearly flat design, has generated significant debate among fans and industry observers alike. Some users appreciate the change, while a larger segment of the audience appears to disapprove of the redesign.
Originally, Google provided various reasons for this design direction. As reported to Android Central, key factors included improved thermal performance, enhanced battery capacity, and the desire to give the Pixel 9a a unique personality separate from its predecessors.
In a recent blog post, Google expanded on this approach. According to Soniya Jobanputra, a product manager for Pixel, they aimed for a ‘physical interpretation that would match the personality of the device.’ Despite the flat design, Google clarified that the camera bump isn’t entirely flush. Instead, it’s a design referred to as a ‘dome,’ meant to evoke the shape of a water droplet, similar to the design seen on the Pixel Watch 3. Industrial designer Yomi Matsuoka noted that, when a case is applied, the bump becomes virtually undetectable.
Interestingly, the Pixel 9a’s unique design wasn’t always certain. Google had experimented with multiple configurations, assessing various shapes and bump designs for their durability against drops and impacts. Ultimately, the form that made it to production was the one that the company believed could best blend functionality and aesthetics.
Despite Google’s thoughtful approach, public reception has been lukewarm at best. Multiple social media posts reveal dissatisfaction with the Pixel 9a’s overall aesthetics. One user candidly remarked that the phone ‘kinda looks like a colored brick with a weird camera shape.’ As a holder of a Pixel 9a review unit, it might be fair to say that this sentiment has some validity.
What is particularly perplexing is that Google seems to have listened to user requests. Over the years, the call for smartphones to ditch protruding camera bumps for more battery life grew louder. The idea of thicker phones facilitating larger batteries has been debated on platforms like Reddit for years. For example, a thread on the Google Pixel subreddit from six years ago questioned the prevalence of camera bumps and suggested a thicker phone design as a better alternative.
Given this feedback, Google has delivered on the promise of a thicker phone with the Pixel 9a. With a thickness of 8.9mm and a robust 5,100mAh battery, the phone is engineered for multi-day battery life, all while sporting an almost flat design. On paper, this should captivate enthusiasts who have long advocated for the practicality of more battery at the cost of aesthetics.
However, the nuance lies in the execution. While Google aimed to satisfy long-standing consumer requests, the result has been perceived as less distinctive and somewhat mundane. Critics argue it lacks the charm and individuality that originally endeared Pixel phones to consumers.
In conclusion, the Pixel 9a offers an interesting case study in consumer desire. Despite the practical changes made to the design, the reception suggests that sometimes consumers may not know what they truly want, making it a challenging endeavor for companies like Google.
image source from：https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel/googles-ugly-pixel-9a-design-is-exactly-what-you-wanted
