In summary
- The Pixel 10a is Google’s upcoming mid-range smartphone
- Could launch as soon as February 2026
- It could end up using the older Tensor G4 chipset
- Very little seems to be changing, especially for the cameras
The anticipation surrounding Google’s Pixel 10a is building, and it’s set to arrive this year to replace one of the best mid-range phones of 2025, the Pixel 9a.
As Google is currently hard at work in the final stages of development for its next mid-range phone, speculation is rife about the release date, pricing and what the phone will offer in terms of features and specs.
Here’s everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 10a based on leaks, rumours and our expert opinion and analysis.
When will the Google Pixel 10a be released?
In summary
- Rumoured to launch on 17 or 18 February
- Would then be released around 5 March
- Pixel 9a launched in March 2025
Although the Pixel 10 phones were announced on 20 August during the brand’s Made by Google event, the Pixel 10a was a no-show.
Don’t worry, though, because that’s a normal part of Google’s current release schedule; the flagship range gets announced in the summer – normally August – and then the mid-range model arrives in the following spring.
However, could the Pixel 10a launch earlier than expected? According to a popular leaker, the phone will go to retail “around mid Feb”. Two further leaks get more specific, suggesting a launch on 17 or 18 February. The latter also predicts a release date of 5 March.
But another source suggests that pre-orders will begin towards the end of February, instead, so it remains to be seen.
Either way, this could be the earliest we’ve ever seen a Pixel phone in the calendar year. For context, the Pixel 9a was unveiled in March 2025, and its release date was then immediately postponed to April.
As a reminder, here are the launch dates of the previous models, showing it hasn’t been very consistent:
- Pixel 9a – April 2025
- Pixel 8a – May 2024
- Pixel 7a – May 2023
- Pixel 6a – July 2022
- Pixel 5a – August 2021
- Pixel 4a 5G – November 2020
- Pixel 4a – August 2020
Sources: Android Headlines | Roland Quandt via Bluesky | Arsène Lupin via X | Evan Blass via X | Dealabs
How much will the Google Pixel 10a cost?
In summary
- EU price leak suggests €549 starting price – same as Pixel 9a
- Pixel 9a started at £499/$499
- Likely to be very similar
There is no official word on pricing for the Pixel 10a, but it’s expected to remain competitive within the mid-range market. Previous Pixel A models have typically been priced between £349/$349 and £499/$499 at launch.
However, one report indicated that cost-cutting measures, such as potentially using an older processor, could allow Google to reduce the Pixel 10a’s price compared to its predecessors.
Indeed, a respected leaker reports that the Pixel 10 will start at around €500 in the EU for 128GB of storage, with the 256GB model retailing for approximately €600. Given that the Pixel 9a started at €549, that would suggest a price drop in the UK and US.
However, a subsequent report suggests that the phone will indeed start at €549, while doubling the storage to 256GB would cost €549. That would suggest that the £499/$499 UK and US starting prices would be maintained, too.
If Google decides to use the Tensor G4 processor instead of the newer Tensor G5, this could significantly impact the pricing strategy, keeping the Pixel 10a affordable for its target audience.
Of course, there’s always the theory that these cost-cutting measures are simply a means of ensuring that the price of the Pixel 10a doesn’t exceed that of the Pixel 9a amidst a fairly turbulent worldwide economy.
Ultimately, the £499/$499 starting price, as it has remained since the Pixel 8a, should be the most it will be.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
For context, here are the launch prices of the previous models:
- Pixel 9a – £499/$499
- Pixel 8a – £499/$499
- Pixel 7a – £449/$499
- Pixel 6a – £399/$449
- Pixel 5a – $449 (no UK release)
- Pixel 4a 5G – £499/$499
- Pixel 4a – £349/$349
Sources: Android Authority | Arsène Lupin via X | Dealabs
What specs and features will the Google Pixel 10a have?
In summary
- Almost an identical design is expected
- Possibly a cut-down Tensor G5 chip or G4 to keep costs down
- The battery, cameras and resolution are likely to be unchanged
- Unclear whether it will get Qi2 Pixelsnap magnetic charging
Although details about the Pixel 10a are scarce, some early rumours provide hints about what the device may offer.
Design
There was already plenty of speculation surrounding the idea that the Pixel 10a would have an almost identical design to its predecessor, and now, thanks to CAD designs based on the known dimensions and other factors about the phone, it seems as though these rumours were spot on.
Credit: Android Headlines, OnLeaks
The published CAD designs point towards the Pixel 10a being almost identical to the Pixel 9a. Note that the colour is unconfirmed and just for example, and looks to be based on the Indigo Pixel 10.
Another, supposedly more official render, shows the black model sporting an identical design.
Android Headlines
In case you needed any more evidence, subsequent leaked renders from another source reveal the exact same design.
The phone appears to retain the same controversial camera array that is embedded within the device itself, going against the camera bump that has now become the iconic look for most Pixel phones.
The only major difference we can see (and it’s only apparent when the two phones are looked at side by side) is that the Pixel 10a has slimmed down the bezel this time around.
Although such an addition would have more of an effect on charging and battery life, if Google does bestow the Pixel 10a with its MagSafe alternative known as PixelSnap, then this might lead the 10a to be slightly heavier than what we’ve used before. It would also allow for more accessories to be incorporated into the phone’s design, such as a magnetic wallet.
Otherwise, it’s very much a continuation of what we know already, which does beg the question as to whether Google can convince potential upgraders to pick the 10a over the 9a, especially when the latter can already be bought at a significant discount.
Credit: Android Headlines, OnLeaks
The phone will apparently be available in four colours: ‘Obsidian’, ‘Fog’, ‘Lavender’ and a new ‘Berry’.
Sources: Android Headlines (2) (3) | Evan Blass via X | YTECHB
Display
Even though the initial CAD renders of the Pixel 10a showcased thinner bezels, it now seems as though the phone will actually have a slightly smaller display, one that rings in at 6.285-inches (down from 6.3 inches).
Still, such a minute difference won’t be obvious to the naked eye, and the phone will still carry the 60-120Hz refresh rate of before (meaning no LTPO to drop to 1Hz), alongside FHD+ resolution.
However, given that we know that the cameras and the chipset are likely to remain unchanged over the Pixel 9a, there is a chance that the 10a might be looking to upgrade its screen brightness to ensure that Google has at least a few talking points to help lure in potential adopters.
Sources: Evan Blass via X
Performance
One of the most debated aspects of the Pixel 10a is its processor. A suggests Google is considering either a stripped-down version of the Tensor G5 chip, which will power the Pixel 10 series, or reusing the older Tensor G4 from the Pixel 9a.
If the Tensor G4 is chosen, it could mean the Pixel 10a would lack some of the advanced AI and camera features enabled by the newer G5. While this may help control costs, it could also make the device less appealing than some mid-range rivals in the same price range.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The Pixel 9a’s Tensor G4 is paired with 8GB of RAM and either 128- or 256GB of non-expandable storage. We expect the Pixel 10a to feature at least the same configurations.
Sources: Android Authority | Evan Blass via X
Cameras
Cameras have long been one of the most crucial aspects of any Pixel phone, with Google’s handsets consistently putting out some of the best mobile photography results we’ve ever seen. This time around, however, it seems as though Google might be looking to rest on its laurels for a generation.
During the same aforementioned Verizon leak, the entire spec list for the Pixel 10a’s cameras was unveiled and, would you believe it, not a thing has been altered. The phone will sport a 48Mp f/1.7 main camera, a 13Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide, and a 13Mp f/2.2 front camera, just like the Pixel 9a.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
While this is a bit underwhelming, it’s worth remembering that the majority of Google’s photography prowess is owed to the computational processing which takes place after you’ve snapped a photo.
Google’s AI is incredibly adept at drawing out the best possible version of an image, so while we don’t anticipate any uptick in quality over the Pixel 9a, the 10a’s photos should still adhere to a certain degree of quality.
Sources: Evan Blass via X
Battery & Charging
Anyone hoping for an upgrade in the battery department may want to sit down for this one. While the Pixel 9a did see a leap forward with a larger 5100mAh cell, not to mention a jump to 23W charging, it seems as though nothing will change on its successor.
According to a recent leak from Verizon of all places, the Pixel 10a will also be getting a 5100mAh battery, and although the charging speed isn’t mentioned in the leak, it’s unlikely that that will see any change either. Significantly, it won’t be using the new silicon-carbon technology.
Wired charging is set to remain at 23W, while wireless charging is expected to make a return with the same 7.5W speed from before.
The big question this time around is whether or not the phone will feature Google’s Qi2-enabled Pixelsnap technology. If the tech does appear, then it’ll be much easier to use the Pixel 10a with certain wireless chargers – ones that can stay firmly in place via a magnetic connection.
We think it will, otherwise Google will have a very samey device on its hands, which may struggle to convince people to upgrade.
Sources: Evan Blass via X | Android Headlines
Software
The Pixel 10a is expected to launch with the latest version of Android, likely Android 16, but it depends on its release date.
As with all Pixel devices, users can anticipate a clean, bloatware-free software experience, along with class-leading seven years of OS and security updates.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
That’s all we know about the Pixel 10a so far, but we’ll keep you up to date all the way up to its official announcement. Also, check out how the Pixel 11 is shaping up.
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