We’ve been buzzing about the potential for more affordable Pixel Buds ever since whispers of the "Pixel Buds 2a" started circulating. Now, thanks to a leaked spec sheet obtained by renowned tipster Evan Blass (@evleaks), we have our clearest picture yet of what Google might have in store – and it looks like a significant step up from the original A-Series.
The leaked document, shared by Blass on X (formerly Twitter), paints a compelling picture of the upcoming earbuds, focusing heavily on addressing key user feedback. Here’s the lowdown on what the specs suggest:
- Major Battery Life Boost: This seems to be the headline upgrade. The spec sheet indicates the Buds 2a could deliver up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC turned off. That’s a substantial jump from the Pixel Buds A-Series' ~5 hours. Factor in the charging case, and we're looking at a potential total of up to 30 hours of playback. Even with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled, the spec hints at a respectable ~6 hours per charge. If true, this solves one of the biggest pain points of the budget model.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency Mode: Confirming earlier rumors, ANC is explicitly listed as a feature alongside Transparency Mode. This marks a major differentiator from the previous A-Series, bringing the 2a in line with the premium Pixel Buds Pro and competitors in the mid-range segment. Expect better isolation during commutes or noisy environments.
- Bass Boost & Sound Profiles: The spec sheet mentions "Bass Boost" as a feature, suggesting Google might be tuning the audio for a more impactful low end compared to the sometimes anaemic bass of the originals. Support for customizable sound profiles also appears to be included.
- USB-C Charging Case: Hallelujah! The move away from Micro-USB to a modern USB-C charging port on the case is confirmed. No more hunting for that ancient cable.
- Familiar Design & Touch Controls: Visually, the leaked images accompanying the spec sheet show a design very similar to the Pixel Buds A-Series and Pro models – a comfortable, low-profile fit. Touch controls for playback, volume, and assistant access are expected to return.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Modern Bluetooth connectivity is listed, ensuring stable pairing and potentially supporting features like Auracast in the future.
- Find My Device & Multipoint: Integration with Google's Find My Device network for tracking lost earbuds and multipoint connectivity (switching between two devices) are also mentioned, solidifying the feature set.
- Price Point: While not explicitly stated on this sheet, previous leaks and Google's strategy strongly suggest these will sit below the Pixel Buds Pro, likely in the $99-$129 range.
Why This Matters: The original Pixel Buds A-Series offered a fantastic Google-integrated experience at a great price but were held back by mediocre battery life and the lack of ANC. The Pixel Buds 2a specs suggest Google is directly tackling these limitations. Adding ANC and a significant battery boost while (hopefully) maintaining the comfortable fit, good call quality, and seamless Android integration of the A-Series could make the Buds 2a a very compelling option in the crowded sub-$150 true wireless earbud market.
A Grain of Salt: As always with leaks, treat this information as highly credible but unconfirmed until Google makes an official announcement. The source, however, is impeccable – Evan Blass has a long track record of accurate Google hardware leaks.
Where to See It: You can view the leaked spec sheet images directly shared by Evan Blass here: https://x.com/evleaks/status/1953839487055720951
Availability: If the leaks hold, we expect Google to officially unveil the Pixel Buds 2a alongside the Pixel 9 series this fall, likely in October. Pre-orders would likely start immediately after the announcement.
Looking for the current Pixel Buds? Check out the existing Pixel Buds Pro or Pixel Buds A-Series while you wait for the 2a: https://amzn.to/4m5YES7 (Affiliate Link)
The prospect of capable ANC, dramatically improved battery life, USB-C, and the signature Google smarts at an accessible price point makes the Pixel Buds 2a one of the most anticipated audio releases of the year. Stay tuned for official details!
