Today, Google announced the Pixel 9a and pre-orders were supposed to open up at the same time. However, Google made the decision late yesterday to delay the availability of the Pixel 9a. Instead of pre-orders opening up today, we’re being told that the device will be available next month and Google is not going to do a pre-order period. We don’t yet have a concrete date for shelf availability, but we should learn more soon.
So what caused Google to delay the availability? According to Google, “We’re checking on a component quality issue that’s affecting a small number of Pixel 9a devices.” It’s unclear what that component might be, but it’s a good thing that Google caught it ahead of launch, and is fixing it.
Considering the recent controversy over the Pixel 4a’s battery, and how Google has had to deal with those hardware failures, this is a good thing for Google. Get it fixed before they start sending out everyone’s new phones.
Quality Control seems to be an issue this year
This isn’t the first product that has been delayed this year over quality control issues. Though, OnePlus’ quality control issue is much less of an issue than what Google potentially has here. On the new OnePlus Watch 3, the factory misspelled the “Made in China” text on the underside of the watch. Which, most of us wouldn’t notice – in fact most of us reviewing the device did not notice it. But it’s there, and OnePlus made the decision to remake all of these units, pushing the launch back until April.
It’s a bit weird to see multiple quality control issues like this from different companies on different types of products. But it is interesting, nonetheless.
When the Pixel 9a does go on sale next month, it will still be $499 for the 128GB, and the 256GB model will be available for $599.
