Google's Pixel 4a has been "just around the corner" for some time now, but further certification could finally unveil it around this month or August.

The Pixel 4a, which has already received FCC certification, has also received certification from IMDA and BIS, at least for what MySmartPrice believes will be Google's next budget phone. This brings it another step closer to certification, which is all the prerequisite for a full-scale launch.

Google was expected to announce the Pixel 4a at some point in May, but it appears to have been delayed at least a couple of months. This is most likely due to the coronavirus pandemic that has caused disruption to the economy as well as the supply chain. [Or it could be that Google is taking its time to improve the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 4a XL appears to have already been discontinued, and Google may be streamlining its lineup of budget smartphones.

As for the certification list, Google's phones are mentioned, although the Pixel 4a is not explicitly named. Based on the leaked information so far, it is very likely to be the Pixel 4a.

The IMDA certification mentions a Google phone with 4G and NFC connectivity, which is what we can expect from the Pixel 4a based on previous rumors. The BIS certification in India does not provide any additional information, so this certification is merely a better indication that the Pixel 4a is coming soon, rather than a more definitive specification of the Pixel 4a.

That said, there are several rumors that the Pixel 4a may not launch until October. This seems unlikely, as this is when Google tends to announce its next generation Pixel flagship phones.

The Pixel 4a is likely to be a challenger to the upcoming OnePlus Nord, which will be priced below $500, as a budget phone that will cost as low as $349.

The Pixel 4a has a 5.8-inch OLED panel with a punch-hole selfie camera that helps maximize screen space, a single rear camera with Google's superior photography software, and a mid-range Snapdragon 730 chip set is expected to be included. In contrast, the OnePlus Nord is expected to feature a 5G-enabled Snapdragon 765G chipset, a 6.4-inch panel OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, and a triple rear camera array.

On paper, the OnePlus Nord not only justifies its potentially high price tag, but also beats the Pixel 4a in specs. But specs and actual use are two different things, and that's where Pixel a-series phones like the excellent Pixel 3a have previously come out on top. That handset offers both an excellent camera and long battery life.

Both handsets will also have to compete with the considerably better $399 iPhone SE 2020, which has won our favor with its impressive camera performance, compact design, and blazingly fast A13 Bionic chip The Pixel 4a challenges the iPhone SE We'll have to see what happens this month and in August to see if it can.