If this is the Pixel 9a, then Google ruined its most iconic design feature

Earlier in August, some real-world images showed a purported Pixel 9a with a new camera housing. At the time, we were skeptical of those images because, even though the flat sides looked very similar to the new Pixel 9 series design language, the rear camera was such a departure that it just didn’t look all that plausible.

Well, lo and behold, renowned leaker OnLeaks has released some renders that confirm this unexpected new Pixel 9a design. In them, you see a Pixel 9a that looks, to me, like a cheap iPhone knock-off. I’m sorry, but the flat edges and symmetrical bezels, as modern as they may seem, don’t deter away from the one feature that makes Pixels Pixels — the iconic camera bar. Without it, this new A series Pixel can (and will) easily and inevitably get lost in a sea of budget Android phones. Google would be killing its most iconic Pixel design trait and in favor of what, exactly?