Google's next generation of the Pixel A-series, the affordable option for the series, is just around the corner. However, the big debate is whether this is an update worth your time or if you're better served by either the existing Pixel 10 series or even the older Pixel 9a.
When it comes to the Pixel 10a, there are a few things that we’re looking for. Ideally, we want a phone that offers improved power, which will be dependent on whether it comes with the Tensor G4 chip or the newer Tensor G5. We also want to see improved battery performance and decent cameras. However, the real teller will be the price of the phone, with A-series devices usually costing at least a little less than the mainline Pixel series.
As with any new phone, it can be easy to get confused by all the leaks and rumors out there. As such, we here at Tom's Guide have gathered everything that we've heard about the new phone here to help you.
Updated February 17
• Google's Pixel 10a could cost the same as the Pixel 9a
• Google officially reveals Pixel 10a in a teaser video
• New leaks reveal how similar the Pixel 10a could be to the Pixel 9a
• New Pixel 10a CAD renders showcase how the new phone could look
• Evan Blass posted on X, revealing some of the potential specs for the Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 10a: Rumored specs
Google Pixel 10a (rumored) |
|
Display |
6.28 inch AMOLED |
Refresh rate |
120Hz |
Cameras |
48MP f/1,7 main camera, 13MP f/2,2 Ultrawide |
Front Camera |
13MP |
Chipset |
Tensor G4 |
RAM |
8GB |
Storage |
128GB, 256GB |
Battery |
5,100 mAh |
Charging |
23W wired, 7.5W wireless |
Operating System |
Android 16 |
Water/dust resistance |
IP68 |
Google Pixel 10a: Expected price and release date
In the past, Google announced its new devices at its yearly Google I/O event, which usually happens in May. However, Google broke that trend with the Pixel 9a, and some rumors seem to agree that the same could happen with the sequel.
According to reputable leaker billbil-kun, Google will launch pre-orders for the Pixel 10a on February 18, releasing the phone two weeks later on March 5, 2026. That February date aligns with the pre-order date Google has shared in its teaser video for the Pixel 10a. The early March release was seemingly backed up by well-known leaker Evan Blass, so it appears that we won’t have long to wait before we see the new phone.
The big question when it comes to the Pixel 10a will be the price. The Pixel 9a costs $499, the same price as the Pixel 8a. While we haven’t seen many rumors about the price, one potential leak from the French publication Dealabs indicates that Google will keep the same price for the Pixel 10a in the European market, meaning the 128GB model could cost €549, while the 256GB version will land at €649. We should know for sure its price, as Google has a February 18 date for pre-orders.
Recently, it was revealed in a leak that Google will be keeping the same price for the Google Pixel 10a. As such, we'd expect that the phone will launch with a base price of $499.
Hopefully, the same will be true in the American market, especially with fears of rising prices due to the current RAM shortages.
Google Pixel 10a: What we know
Despite the short time frame between now and when we expect more of a reveal on February 18, there aren’t all that many reputable leaks and rumors around the Google Pixel 10a, but we know exactly what it will look like.
Past CAD renders of the Google Pixel 10a make it look very similar to the Google Pixel 9a, which is substantiated by the images we se of the phone in Google's teaser trailer and online landing page. This includes the same flat design and camera block, which appears to feature the same two camera lenses. As such, it doesn’t appear that the new phone will follow the Pixel 10’s example and add a telephoto sensor to the device. However, there is one noticeable difference in Google's teaser, namely, the bezel looks thinner than on the Pixel 9a.
Upon closer inspection of the video, it looks like the camera compartment got a smidge taller, but it's still flush. Additionally, it appears to show off a new purple-blue colorway.
On X, the ever-reliable Evan Blass posted certification of the Pixel 10a for the Verizon network. The screenshot suggests the 10a will have a 6.285-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, a 48MP rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture, an ultrawide 13MP lens with an f/2.2 aperture, 128GB of internal storage, 8GB RAM and a 5,100mAh battery. Every one of these specs is also present on the Pixel 9a.
In terms of internal hardware, it doesn't look like much will change. According to rumors, 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, but the phone is also expected to feature the Tensor G4 instead of the Tensor G5, meaning we’re not likely to see any major performance improvements.
The same leak also appears to confirm that the Pixel 10a will not feature a telephoto camera, though perhaps it's not surprising that Google would not extend that feature to the midrange Pixel 10a. Another potential casualty is that the phone won’t feature the genius AI feature Magic Cue that uses on-device AI to "understand" you via contextual information from your apps and services like a proactive sidekick.
Pixel 10a: What we want to see
So far, the rumors don’t paint the most promising picture when it comes to the Google Pixel 10a. At a glance, it appears that the phone will essentially be a rebranded Pixel 9a with little to no difference between the models. Yet, Google could certainly throw us a curveball at its anticipated February 18 pre-order availability.
One of the big questions has to be around the price, and recent rumors and leaks seem to indicate the Pixel 10a will cost the same as the Pixel 9a. This raises some difficult questions, especially if we see the Pixel 9a go lower in response. If it does, then it will become much harder to recommend the Pixel 10a compared to it's predeccossor, especially regarding the hardware.
In terms of hardware, there certainly isn’t much that looks impressive; there are some areas that Google could improve on. For instance, a larger battery would go a long way in helping the Pixel 10a stand out, especially if it has the same Tensor G4 chip. The Pixel 9a featured a 5,100 mAh battery, which offered a battery life of around 13 hours. Ideally, Google will find a way to build on that, even if it does feature the same cell.
The best thing that Google can do to help the phone stand out is to focus on the Pixel series strengths, namely AI. If the Pixel 10a can offer a unique and powerful AI experience at a lower price, then it could help it to stand out from the competition and find a place as one of the best affordable phones.
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