First images of the Google Pixel 4a throw up a few surprises

With the colossal disappointment that was the Pixel 4 all done and out of the way, it's time we turned our sights towards something a bit more promising. The Google Pixel 3a phones were launched earlier this year and will be succeeded by the Pixel 4a duo—and a new report has now given us our first look at the smaller Pixel 4a.

Going by the renders—supplied by typically accurate leakster OnLeaks—the Pixel 4a will sport a punch-hole. It's not the smallest we've seen, sadly, and we can only hope the real deal isn't as large. The hole is at the top left corner of the phone, just like the Honor View 20's. The Pixel 4a is said to have a slightly bigger display than its predecessor, going from 5.6" to 5.7". The phone's actual dimensions will probably remain the same, though, due to the smaller bezels.

The phone's top bezel is relatively slim, which could mean the lack of the Soli radar chip that debuted on the Pixel 4 phones. Relative is the keyword here, as the bezel is still a lot bigger than what we've gotten from recent phones with punch-holes The bottom bezel is even bigger. Google's design team continues to disappoint.

The right side of the phone plays host to the power button and volume rockers; the left side is bare. At the bottom is a USB Type-C port flanked by two speaker grilles. At the top of the phone is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Thank you, Google.

Interestingly, the Pixel 4a has just one rear camera. That's odd in a world where budget phones are fitted with three shooters of different focal lengths. We know that single camera will be class-leading but it's a bit hard to argue with the versatility an ultra-wide-angle or telephoto lens provides. 

The camera design appears to be the same square module on the Pixel 4. It would seem that most phones in 2020 will use that design, perhaps in a bid to ape the iPhone 11 phones. It looks good, though, so we're not complaining. 

The back of the Pixel 4a also plays host to a capacitive fingerprint reader, which is nice to see. They still perform much better than in-display sensors.

Expect a Q2 2020 launch.