Google Pixel 10a Leak: Same Design, Less Excitement

It’s that time of the year again – Google’s next budget phone has leaked, and it’s not exactly setting hearts racing. The first renders of the upcoming Google Pixel 10a have appeared online, and if you were hoping for a bold new direction, brace yourself for disappointment. From what’s been shown, the 10a looks almost identical to last year’s 9a – same flat sides, same camera bar, same everything. In a world where budget phones keep pushing boundaries, Google’s decision to recycle the same formula feels oddly lazy.

The leaked CAD-based renders reveal a 6.2-inch display framed by thick bezels that make it feel more 2021 than 2025.

The familiar dual-camera setup sits within the trademark Pixel visor, and that’s probably the most recognizable thing about it. The plastic back returns, confirming that Google isn’t aiming for premium materials this time either. Even the awkward button layout – volume rocker beneath the power button – remains untouched. It’s like Google didn’t even glance at user feedback before approving the design.

Under the hood, things aren’t looking any more exciting. Rumors point to the Tensor G4 chip, the same one used in the Pixel 9a, rather than the newer G5 found in the flagship Pixel 10. That means the performance gap between the affordable and premium models will grow even wider this year. While the 10a might still pack a solid 5,100mAh battery and offer Google’s trademark AI-powered camera experience, the core hardware feels old before it even launches. Expected pricing hovers around $499, which doesn’t help – that’s midrange money for what’s shaping up to be a recycled phone.

And that’s the real issue here. Google’s Pixel “a” line earned its reputation by offering flagship-level smarts at an affordable price. The 3a, 4a, and even 6a were exciting alternatives for people who wanted the Pixel experience without breaking the bank. But lately, the line feels stagnant. The 9a was great – sturdy battery life, capable camera, clean Android – but releasing a near-identical phone a year later makes the 10a look irrelevant before it even hits the shelves. Consumers expect iteration, not duplication.

Meanwhile, rivals like Samsung and OnePlus are not sleeping. The Galaxy A55 brings a sleek aluminum design and OLED panel that punches far above its price. Even Motorola’s midrange lineup now experiments with fresher looks and features. If Google hopes to compete, the Pixel 10a can’t just be a safe bet – it needs to feel like an upgrade worth buying. Right now, it doesn’t.

Adding to the confusion are the conflicting release rumors. Some reports suggest a late 2025 launch, which seems strategically tone-deaf given that the Pixel 10 flagship will dominate headlines at the same time. A spring 2026 launch would make much more sense, allowing the 10a to breathe without being overshadowed. But unless Google surprises everyone with improved AI performance or a killer price drop, the Pixel 10a risks being the first model in the ‘a’ lineup that fans collectively shrug at.

For longtime Pixel enthusiasts, this is frustrating. Many have loyally upgraded through every generation, celebrating Google’s focus on camera quality and pure Android simplicity. Now, with the 10a rumored to remove the SIM tray in some markets and ship with last year’s hardware, even diehard fans are starting to lose interest. If the Pixel 10a represents the future of Google’s budget phones, it might also mark the point where excitement officially fades away.

In short, the Pixel 10a feels like a missed opportunity – not a disaster, but a signal that Google’s once-adventurous midrange strategy has gone flat. Unless the company pulls off a surprise before launch, the Pixel 9a might remain the smarter buy for anyone not ready to gamble on a phone that forgot to evolve.