Google Pixel 10a: Everything We Know About the Latest Release

In summary

The Pixel 10a is Google’s upcoming mid-range smartphone

Launch and pre-order officially set for 18 February

Teased images show a similar design in a new color with no camera bump at all

Specs are rumored to be very similar to the Pixel 9a

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.

We’re now at the point where everything is finalized, Google has even shown off the design of one color and officially revealed when the mid-range phone will launch.

Here’s everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 10a based on leaks, rumors, and our expert opinion and analysis.

When will the Google Pixel 10a be released?

In summary

Pre-orders go live 18 February

Full launch expected 5 March

Pixel 9a launched in March 2025

We now have official confirmation that the Pixel 10a will launch on 18 February.

Taking to X, Google dropped a short video to announce that the Pixel 10a will be available to pre-order 18 February, which is quite a bit sooner compared to last year’s March reveal for the Pixel 9a.

Although we know the pre-order date. It’s unclear when the phone will go on sale, with Google only saying “in store soon,” though 5 March is a tipped date. The Pixel 9a was released in April, following a March announcement, so this would tally up.

By coming to the market a bit earlier, however, Google has placed itself in a decent position to leapfrog competing devices like the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A57 or the Nothing Phone (4a). After all, it’s much easier to point to a device that’s readily available than to suggest holding off on a purchase until all the big options for the year have come to market.

As a reminder, here are the launch dates of the previous models, showing it hasn’t been very consistent:

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, otherwise, it will be a hard sell. Even then, we think Google needs a good Pixel 10a pre-order deal to make buying the phone outright attractive.

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

The camera bump has been removed completely

Possibly a cut-down Tensor G5 chip or G4 to keep costs down

The battery, cameras, and resolution are likely to be unchanged

Wired charging at 45W could be one of the biggest upgrades

An upgrade in durability is now confirmed

Although details about the Pixel 10a are scarce, some early rumors provide hints about what the device may offer.

Design

On the design front, very little has changed from the Pixel 9a so if you weren’t a massive fan of Google’s revamped look then it’s unlikely that the Pixel 10a will win you over.

Despite the key difference in the camera bump being gone completely, the cameras themselves remain unchanged from the Pixel 9a. This means that the Pixel 10a will still feature the same camera setup as its predecessor, which is a bit surprising considering Google’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.

While this might disappoint some fans who were hoping for a significant upgrade in this department, it’s worth noting that the cameras on the Pixel 9a were already quite impressive. The lack of changes to the camera setup could be seen as Google’s way of sticking with what works and focusing on other areas of improvement for the Pixel 10a.

Overall, while the cameras on the Pixel 10a may not be groundbreaking, they should still deliver the high-quality results that Google is known for. It will be interesting to see how they perform in real-world testing and whether Google’s decision to keep them the same pays off in the long run.

The upcoming Pixel 10a is set to feature a 48Mp f/1.7 main camera, a 13Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide camera, and a 13Mp f/2.2 front camera, similar to the Pixel 9a. While the specs may not be groundbreaking, Google’s renowned computational processing ensures high-quality images. The phone’s AI technology enhances photos post-capture, maintaining a certain level of image quality.

In terms of battery and charging, the Pixel 10a is expected to retain the same 5100mAh battery capacity as its predecessor, the Pixel 9a. Charging speeds are likely to remain unchanged, with wired charging potentially reaching 45W and wireless charging staying at 7.5W. The inclusion of Google’s Qi2-enabled Pixelsnap technology could make wireless charging more convenient.

When it comes to software, the Pixel 10a is anticipated to launch with the latest Android version, possibly Android 16. As with previous Pixel devices, users can expect a clean software experience without bloatware, along with seven years of OS and security updates.

Overall, the Pixel 10a is shaping up to be a solid addition to Google’s smartphone lineup. Stay tuned for more updates on this device, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the upcoming Pixel 11. Transform the following statement into a question:

“You are going to the store later today.”

Are you going to the store later today?