Google officially announced the Pixel 10a on February 4, 2026, according to 9to5Google. With pre-orders starting February 18 and availability on March 5, Google's new budget offering promises a premium experience at a price that hasn't increased compared to the Pixel 9a. Is it worth it? Let's take a look at everything.
📱 Design: The Flat Camera Stands Out
According to 9to5Google, the most striking design change is the completely flat camera — fully flush with the back panel. Unlike the Pixel 9a, which had a raised bump around the camera pill, here the two lenses sit perfectly level with the surface. According to Abner Li, "the transition from the Google logo to the camera in the teaser video is impressive and well-crafted."
Otherwise, the design DNA remains the same: the same aesthetic introduced with the flagship Pixel 10 series carries over to the A-Series. The bezels appear slightly thinner according to early renders, but it's not a dramatic change.
⚙️ Features & Specs
According to leaked specs published by Evan Blass (evleaks) on 9to5Google, the Pixel 10a's specifications are:
- Display: ~6.3″ pOLED, 1080p resolution
- Processor: Tensor G4 (recycled from the Pixel 9 Pro chip, NOT the new G5)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Battery: 5,100mAh
- Main camera: 48MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide camera: 13MP f/2.2 (120°)
- Operating System: Android 16
- Connectivity: 5G
According to 9to5Google, if you didn't see the name at the top, “you'd think you were looking at the Pixel 9a specs” — that's how similar they are.
🧠 Tensor G4: Why Not G5?
This is the most controversial decision. While the flagship Pixel 10 series uses the brand-new Tensor G5 (TSMC, 3nm), Google chose to “recycle” the Tensor G4 for the Pixel 10a. According to multiple leaks reported by 9to5Google, this comes as no surprise — earlier codenames suggested that Google intended to keep the G4 for the budget lineup.
What does this mean in practice? The Tensor G4 is already a very capable chip. It handles AI tasks, photo processing, Google Gemini, and everyday use without any issues. You won't get the improved power efficiency of the G5, but for a phone under €550, the performance will be more than satisfactory.
📸 Camera: 48MP + 13MP
The camera is always the strongpoint of every Pixel — even the budget models. According to leaked specs, the Pixel 10a features:
- 48MP f/1.7 main: Same sensor as the Pixel 9a, but Google's AI processing works wonders. Night Sight, Magic Eraser, Best Take — all available.
- 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide (120°): For landscape photos and group shots.
There's no telephoto camera — that remains a flagship exclusive. But thanks to Google AI upscaling, even the digital zoom delivers acceptable results. The Pixel 10a will most likely also receive the new AI photography features released with the Pixel 10 series, including Gemini integration.
💰 Price: Same as the Pixel 9a
In an era where everything is getting more expensive, Google kept prices steady. According to a Dealabs report published on 9to5Google:
- 128GB: €549
- 256GB: €649
If you're in the US, the price is expected to be around $499 — unchanged. According to Ben Schoon, “this is good news, especially given the uncertainty in the electronics market.” All four colors will be available in both storage variants.
🎨 Colors & Availability
According to leaks, the Pixel 10a will be available in four colors:
- Obsidian — classic black
- Fog — off-white/gray
- Lavender/Indigo — blue-purple (leaked in official renders by Evan Blass)
- Berry — red/pink
The Lavender/Indigo color looks stunning in the leaked renders — according to 9to5Google, it closely resembles the “Indigo” released on the flagship Pixel 10 but in a slightly lighter shade.
📊 Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a vs Pixel 10: Which One Should You Get?
If you're wondering whether the upgrade is worth it or if you should spend more:
Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: According to leaked specs, the changes are minimal. Same storage, same RAM, nearly identical cameras, same battery. The main upgrade is the design (flat camera, thinner bezels) and software support (Android 16 out of the box). If you already have a Pixel 9a, the upgrade isn't worth it.
Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: Here the difference is much clearer. The Pixel 10 ($800) features the new Tensor G5, a telephoto camera, a larger display, and 16GB RAM. If you can spend an extra $300, the upgrade is worth it. According to Android Police, “given that the Pixel 10 now has a telephoto camera, it's an excellent choice.”
✅ Pros & Cons
👍 Pros:
- Same price as its predecessor — no increase
- Premium design with flat camera
- Excellent Google AI camera (Night Sight, Magic Eraser)
- Pure Android 16 — no bloatware
- Large 5,100mAh battery
- 7 years of updates
👎 Cons:
- Tensor G4 instead of G5 — recycled chip
- Nearly identical to the Pixel 9a in specs
- Only 8GB RAM (vs 16GB on the Pixel 10)
- No telephoto camera
- 128GB base storage with no microSD slot
🏆 Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 10a is the ideal choice for anyone who wants a pure Android experience, an excellent camera, and long-term support without spending more than €550. It's not a major upgrade from the Pixel 9a, but if you're coming from an older phone or it's your first Pixel, there's no better value at this price.
According to Will Sattelberg of 9to5Google, “the Pixel 9a is one of the best phones under $500 you can buy” — and the 10a follows exactly the same path. Pre-orders start February 18 on the Google Store.
"If you didn't see the phone's name at the top, you'd think you were looking at the Pixel 9a specs — that's how similar they are."
