Google Pixel 10a Keeps Its Camera Bar-Free Design in First Render Leak

We’ve known for a while now that Google is working on a successor to the Pixel 9a, and thanks to a recent leak, we’re getting our first look at what the Google Pixel 10a might look like when it arrives on store shelves in early 2026.

In collaboration with OnLeaks, Android Headlines has shared renders of the upcoming device, offering a glimpse at the design changes and potential updates. At first glance, the Pixel 10a appears strikingly similar to its predecessor, with one key difference: the camera bar from its previous models is nowhere to be seen.

While the images feature a theoretical blue shade, we should take this color with a grain of salt. It’s not yet clear what color options Google will officially offer, so we’ll have to wait for more leaks to learn about the actual color range for the Pixel 10a.

Camera Bar-Free Design: A Bold Move

The most noticeable change in the Pixel 10a renders is the removal of the camera bar—a feature that has become synonymous with the Pixel series. The decision to keep the design largely unchanged from the Pixel 9a has sparked some mixed reactions.

On one hand, some users will appreciate the cleaner, more minimalistic design, especially with the camera module staying discrete and rounded. For many, this could be a much more appealing option than the bulky camera bar that has become a hallmark of Pixel devices. After all, if the camera bar isn’t needed, why add it?

However, this decision could also be controversial. The camera bar has been a defining feature of Google’s smartphone family, and removing it could make the Pixel 10a appear more generic when compared to its more distinctive siblings. This change might strip the device of some of the brand identity that Pixel users have grown to love.

It will be interesting to see how fans react to this more subtle design shift in the upcoming release. Will it be seen as a bold move or an opportunity lost to create something more unique?

A Slight Shift in Dimensions and Display Size

Another important aspect of the Pixel 10a leak is its dimensions. The device measures in at 153.9 x 72.9 x 9mm, making it just slightly different from the Pixel 9a. While the Pixel 9a is under a millimeter taller and wider, the Pixel 10a is 0.1mm thinner. These small changes could impact accessory compatibility, requiring users to buy new cases or chargers.

Hopefully, these incremental dimension changes will bring some positive updates, such as thinner bezels or PixelSnap support. The Pixel 10a also sports a 6.2-inch display, slightly smaller than the 6.3-inch panel used on its predecessor. It remains to be seen if this change will improve usability or enhance the viewing experience.

Performance: Will It Be the Tensor G4?

Rumors continue to circulate about the Pixel 10a breaking away from the usual A-series tradition of using identical or near-identical chipsets to the flagship series. Unlike its predecessors, which featured Tensor chips from the flagship models, the Pixel 10a is expected to be powered by the Tensor G4 rather than the Tensor G5 found in the Pixel 10. This move would likely be aimed at keeping production costs down while still providing solid performance for a mid-range device.

According to Android Headlines, the Tensor G4 will likely be a higher-clocked version of the chip found in the Pixel 9a, ensuring that the Pixel 10a retains competitive performance at an affordable price point. Still, we’ll need to wait for a formal announcement—or additional leaks—to confirm the specifics of the device’s performance.

Conclusion

With the Pixel 10a expected to launch in early 2026, it’s clear that Google is aiming to refine its A-series lineup while maintaining the hallmark features that made the Pixel 9a such a standout device. The camera bar-free design, paired with slight changes in dimensions and a new chip, promises to offer an interesting alternative to the flagship models. Whether the Pixel 10a will become a fan favorite or generate mixed reactions remains to be seen, but as we inch closer to its release, more details are sure to emerge.

For now, we’ll keep an eye on future leaks to see just how Google plans to make the Pixel 10a stand out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market.