The Pixel 10a is perhaps a step sideways, not ahead

When Google launched the Pixel 9a earlier this yr, it launched a mid-range cellphone that was noticeably completely different from its predecessor, that includes a brand new design with flat edges and no digicam bar, an upgraded Tensor G4 chipset, and a considerably bigger 5,100mAh battery.

With the Pixel 10 collection now out, Google’s subsequent main launch is the Pixel 10a, the upcoming successor to the Pixel 9a. Though the cellphone is not anticipated to launch till early subsequent yr, the primary CAD renders have leaked on-line, courtesy of OnLeaks and Android Headlines, giving us our first glimpse of Google’s subsequent mid-range gadget.

Notably, the very first thing you may most likely discover within the renders is that the cellphone appears virtually an identical to the Pixel 9a, with the identical flat edges, flush digicam island, and twin rear cameras. It seems that, in contrast to the improve from the Pixel 8a to the Pixel 9a, Google is not planning any main design adjustments for the Pixel 10a subsequent yr.

The colour of the Pixel 10a in these leaked renders seems just like the Pixel 10’s indigo colorway, however Android Headlines stories that it may not be out there on this shade at launch. Personally, I hope it’s, because it’s my favourite shade the Pixel 10 is available in. Moreover the leaked design, there are additionally some early rumors about what we would anticipate to see underneath the hood of the Pixel 10a as effectively.

Model

Google

SoC

Tensor G4, Titan M2

Show

6.3-inch 1080 x 2424 pixel decision pOLED, (422.2ppi), 60-120Hz variable refresh fee, 1,800 nits (HDR), 2,700 nits (peak brightness)

RAM

8GB

The similarities between the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a do not finish with their appears

The Pixel 10a may even have the identical chipset because the Pixel 9a, nevertheless it may very well be just a little sooner

Credit score: Android Headlines / OnLeaks

Early rumors concerning the Pixel 10a recommend that Google could also be extra than simply replicating the Pixel 9a’s design — it may also be copying lots of its specs.

Underneath the hood, the Pixel 10a is rumored to be powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, relatively than the Tensor G5 used within the Pixel 10. This can be a departure from Google’s typical observe with its Pixel A collection, which often options the identical chip as the present flagship Pixel mannequin. Though the Tensor G5 might not be included within the Pixel 10a — probably as a consequence of prices related to its TSCM manufacturing — it is rumored that the Tensor G4 within the Pixel 10a may have a better clock velocity than the Tensor G4 within the Pixel 9a, probably providing barely improved efficiency.

In relation to battery life, the Pixel 10a could also be extra of the identical as effectively. One of many largest upgrades the Pixel 9a obtained this yr was its 5,100mAh battery — the biggest in a Pixel cellphone on the time, till the Pixel 10 Pro XL was launched. The Pixel 10a is rumored to have the identical 5,100mAh battery, or probably a barely bigger one. This is not a foul factor, persay, because the Pixel 9a’s battery life is nice, however just a little bit extra by no means hurts both.

As for when the Pixel 10a may launch, it is anticipated to be in early 2026, probably in March or April. For reference, the Pixel 9a launched in April 2025, and the Pixel 8a launched in Could 2024, so the primary half of the yr is probably going, because the summer time is often reserved for Google’s flagship launches. As for pricing for the Pixel 10a, it’s rumored to remain the identical because the Pixel 9a, beginning at $500 for the 128GB mannequin.

Credit score: Android Headlines / OnLeaks

Truthfully, I am a bit upset with these leaks and rumors concerning the Pixel 10a to date. It looks as if Google is phoning it in with the gadget (pun meant) and is not making any vital adjustments, in contrast to in previous years. Whereas it is nonetheless early within the rumor cycle for the Pixel 10a, and loads may nonetheless occur earlier than the launch, I am not satisfied Google will do a lot to change the Pixel 10a for subsequent yr, both in {hardware} or design, prone to preserve prices as little as potential. To this point, it simply looks as if a rebranded Pixel 9a.