Pixel 9a Release Was Delayed To April Due To 'component Quality Issue'

Google has delayed the launch of the Pixel 9a – a decision seemingly made in the eleventh hour – due to what it calls a “component quality issue.”

The Pixel 9a was officially announced earlier today and, from the looks of it, should be a solid mid-range option in Google’s lineup. It stands out visually from the rest of the Pixel 9 series with the removal of the camera bar and has its own set of perks including the largest battery ever installed in a Pixel phone.

Google Pixel 9a hands-on: Its own thing for $499 [Gallery]

However, you can’t yet buy one.

Google was originally set to release the Pixel 9a next week (March 26 was reported ahead of the launch), but told 9to5Google that the device would be delayed into April. Pre-orders have been canceled for the time being as well through the Google Store and other retailers, such as Best Buy.

The reason for the delay, Google says, is due to a “component quality issue” affecting some devices. The exact nature of the issue hasn’t been disclosed. Google says:

We’re checking on a component quality issue that’s affecting a small number of Pixel 9a devices.

It’s unusual for Google not to offer pre-orders for a new device following its announcement, and it’s all the more odd that there’s no release date, suggesting this decision was made very close to today’s launch.

In the meantime, Google is offering notifications via email for when the Pixel 9a goes on sale. Hopefully, whatever issue is affecting these devices is one that’s quick to resolve, and also won’t find its way back to the limelight down the road.