Google’s Pixel 9a is almost here, with an expected launch later this week. But before the official reveal, some early videos have popped up online, giving us a sneak peek at the phone—and hinting that its modem might not match the rest of the Pixel 9 family.

A YouTuber named Sahil Karoul got his hands on a Pixel 9a in Dubai. He picked up the “Iris” purple version and shared a full unboxing. The box looks just like the ones for other Pixel 9 phones—pretty basic, with a SIM tool, a USB-C cable, and a few papers inside. The video also highlights the phone’s smooth, matte purple finish on the back and sides, which looks pretty cool.

In the video, Sahil shows that the Pixel 9a runs on a Tensor G4 chip with 8GB of RAM. But the big news is the modem. The video shows a baseband code starting with “g5300,” which points to an Exynos 5300 modem. Other Pixel 9 models use a “g5400” code, tied to the newer Exynos 5400 modem. So, the Pixel 9a’s connection speed might feel closer to the older Pixel 8 than the shiny new Pixel 9.

The unboxing also includes some test scores from apps like AnTuTu and GeekBench, plus gameplay from PUBG Mobile, where the phone seems to hold up well. There are even a few camera shots to check out. Sahil’s video is in Hindi, but if you prefer English, another review from The Mobile Central (spotted by Android Police) covers the Pixel 9a too.

Google is likely dropping the Pixel 9a details later this week—rumors say March 19 could be the big day. For now, these early looks give us a solid idea of what’s coming, even if the modem news might disappoint some fans. Stay tuned!

This week, we got a sneak peek at the upcoming Pixel 10 series, and it looks a lot like what we’ve seen before. But here’s the twist: Google seems to be adding a third camera to the regular Pixel 10, not just the fancy Pro version. That’s got people scratching their heads.

Since the Pixel 6 came out in 2021, Google’s phone lineup has followed a simple pattern. The Pro model comes with three cameras, more memory, and a bigger, nicer screen. The regular Pixel keeps most of the same goodies but skips one camera to keep the price lower by a couple hundred bucks. Then there’s the A-series, an even cheaper option under $500. Over time, things have shifted a bit—there’s a Fold now, release dates have changed, and the Pro even got a smaller size while the big one became an “XL.”

The differences between the regular Pixel and the A-series can sometimes feel blurry, but the lineup has mostly made sense—until now. Leaked pictures of the Pixel 10 series popped up online this week, showing that next year’s phones will look almost the same as the Pixel 9. That’s fine, but the regular Pixel 10 is said to be getting a third camera, possibly a telephoto lens for zooming in. This is weird because that extra zoom camera has always been a big reason to pick the Pro over the regular model.

So, what’s the Pro’s edge if the regular Pixel gets this too? I’ve been thinking about it, and maybe this new camera isn’t as fancy as it sounds. People say it’s a “periscope” lens like the Pro’s, but I doubt Google would put something that good in the cheaper phone. Instead, it might be a simpler version—say, a 3x zoom instead of the Pro’s 5x, or even a basic telephoto lens that’s not a periscope at all. That way, regular Pixel 10 buyers get a nice perk without stepping on the Pro’s toes.

Google could also keep the Pro special by boosting its storage (256GB would be a smart start for all Pixels), upgrading its main camera, or adding extras like faster charging or better face unlock. Without some differences, slapping a third camera on the regular model could mess up the whole lineup. The smaller Pro’s price would look silly next to the regular Pixel, and Google can’t just drop prices to fix it. The Pixel pricing has already been a puzzle lately. Last year, we pointed out how older models cost the same as new ones, with features that don’t always match the price tags. Adding more overlap now would only make it harder for buyers to choose.

One thing Android fans love is how much you can change your phone. From the home screen to the lock screen, you can make it your own. Different phones offer different options, but Android generally gives you enough control to feel personal. For example, on Pixel phones, you can pick a cool style for your lock screen clock. Right now, that style only shows on the lock screen, but Android 16 might bring it to other spots, too.

After Android 16 Beta 3 came out, we checked it out to see if Google improved the Quick Settings panel. They’ve been working on splitting notifications and Quick Settings into two separate screens, like some other brands do. It’s not fully ready in Beta 3, but we got it running for a sneak peek. One big change? The clock in the notifications panel is way bigger now.

In Android 15, it was just a small thing in the corner. In the new setup, it gets its spot above the media player, matching your lock screen clock style. It’s not in the Quick Settings panel, though—that space has buttons for users, settings, and power instead.

At first, I didn’t think much of it. But when I switched my lock screen clock style in the Pixel wallpaper app, the notifications panel clock updated too. It copies whatever look you choose, including colors or themes. Some styles look odd there, and others, like the weather clock, don’t show fully. Still, it’s a neat touch, and I’d love to see Google keep it.

This feature isn’t ready yet, so don’t expect it in the main Android 16 release. It’s tied to the new two-page design, which needs more work. It might pop up in a later update, like Android 16 QPR1, alongside other tweaks Google’s planning. Meanwhile, they’re also jazzing up the status bar. In Beta 3, we found a new battery icon with fun colors—white when full, red when low, and green when charging. It’s a fresh look, and even if it’s not final, it shows Google’s still playing with ways to make Android feel new.