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The Pixel 10a might look awfully familiar, and I’m a little disappointed

Google might stick with its tried-and-tested A-series formula for the upcoming Pixel 10a handset that might go official in early 2026.

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The back of the Pixel 9a.
Pixel 9a Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

What’s happened? Like every year, renders of Google’s upcoming A-series phone have surfaced online months before its expected launch, and they’re nothing short of disappointing.

  • Folks at Android Headlines have published CAD renders of the purported Pixel 10a.
  • The images showcase the phone in a blue color (similar to the iPhone 16’s Ultramarine finish), with the same punch-hole screen and a flush dual-camera module on the back as the Pixel 9a.
  • While the publication isn’t sure if this color will make it to retail units, everything else about the phone’s design seems borrowed directly from the predecessor.

Why is this important? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s probably the mantra Google is following for its upcoming A-series handset.

  • To recall, the Pixel 9a was the first A-series smartphone to ditch the iconic camera visor, a design element still found on the flagship Pixel 10 series.
  • Every detail in the Pixel 10a renders, from the curvature of the frame around the corners to the flat side panels and what appears to be a plastic back, looks nearly identical to the Pixel 9a.
  • The only noticeable difference is the symmetrical speaker and microphone openings on the bottom frame and the thinner bezels on the front.
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Why should I care? The report also suggests that the Pixel 10a might borrow most of its specifications from the Pixel 9a, including its dimensions, the 6.2-inch screen, a slightly upgraded Tensor G4 chipset with higher clock speeds, the same camera sensors (48MP + 13MP), and the 5,100 mAh battery.

  • While this approach should help Google keep costs down, it could also ensure smoother hardware–software optimization with Android 16.
  • That, in turn, might mean no price hike for the Pixel 10a, it’s expected to launch at the same $499 base price.
  • If these renders are accurate, we can expect more leaks to follow soon, possibly revealing additional color options.
  • As always, take these updates with a pinch of salt, as we’re still months away from the expected launch early in 2026.
Shikhar Mehrotra
For more than five years, Shikhar has consistently simplified developments in the field of consumer tech and presented them…
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