I’m disappointed by the newly leaked Google Pixel 10a renders — here’s why

Upgrading one of the best cheap phones is always a challenge, requiring the right balance of improved hardware and reasonable cost. However, new leaked renders indicate that Google might have missed the mark with the Pixel 10a.

The CAD renders were first shared by AndroidHeadlines, in conjunction with OnLeaks, revealing the phone from several different angles. If the images are accurate, then it appears that the phone will look identical to the Google Pixel 9a.

The rendered Pixel 10a looks to feature the same overall flat design of its predecessor, including the same camera block. Speaking of the camera, the device in the images only appears to have two lenses, which would suggest that the phone won't follow the Google Pixel 10's example and add a telephoto sensor to the setup.

There is one noticeable difference in the renders, namely that the bezel is significantly thinner than that of the older model. However, one commenter on OnLeak's X post suggests that it seems unlikely we'll see this reflected on the real device. OnLeaks confirmed this in a response, stating that the actual phone's bezels will be thicker than those seen in the image.

There has to be a reason to buy a new affordable phone

While we can't confirm that these images will accurately reflect the Pixel 10a once it arrives, they do raise some concerns about the device and what it might offer customers.

For the most part, we only know rumors about the phone, but they don't paint the best picture. Supposedly, the Pixel 10a will come with the same UFS 3.1 storage as the Pixel 9. Unfortunately, this is markedly slower than the UFS 4.0 NAND seen in the Pixel 10 Pro models. Not only that, the phone is also expected to feature the Tensor G4 instead of the Tensor G5.

So that means we have a phone with the same hardware, look. cameras and functionality as the Pixel 9a. As such, I can't really understand who this phone is for. That being said, CAD renders don't always represent the final product, and the phone that gets released may have some noticeable differences.

The biggest question here will be the price and whether Google will keep it under $500. Sadly, we won't know that for certain until the official launch, which is expected sometime in early 2026.

Until then, let us know what kind of upgrades and changes you would like to see in the Pixel 10a.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

More from Tom's Guide

• I use timers on my iPhone all the time — but iOS 26 has made things worse
• I've been using the iPhone 17 Pro for a month — here's my pros and cons
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 could solve the problem of creased foldable displays once and for all — here’s how