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But Google seems to have reversed that trend with theGoogle Pixel 9a.
Its not completely seamless, as there is a little lip around the edge of the cameras.
Pixel 9a (left) vs Pixel 8a (right)
But its arguably the smallest camera bump Ive seen since the release of theiPhone 6more than 11 years ago.
The most obvious answer would be that the Pixel 9a is actually much thicker than youd expect.
But the official specs paint a very different picture.
Pixel 9a (left) vs Pixel 8a (right)
The international Pixel 9a has the exact same general design as the U.S. model.
So regardless of whether one is thinner than the other, the camera bump has still been eliminated.
It certainly doesnt help that Google stuck with the full-width camera bar.
Pixel 9a (left) vs Pixel 8a (right)
They take up so much space that it makes the phones look and feel top-heavy.
Some phones, likeiPhone 16 Pro Max,might have relatively average-sized camera bumps.
Camera bars are no better.
That’s glass which could, quite easily, get damaged and break especially if youre clumsy.
Even a case can only offer limited protection for your camera without completely blocking it.
Bottom line
Honestly, I never thought Id see the day where camera bumps got smaller again.
Not without seriously affecting the quality of the hardware inside.
We’ll find out for certain once we actually test the Pixel 9as cameras for ourselves.
But right now, the Pixel 9a’s camera setup feels like a great step forward.
