Google has clearly opted for caution with the Pixel 10a.
Google has unveiled the Pixel 10a with a design that feels familiar and only slight hardware variations from the Pixel 9a. The device features the same display and camera setup but incorporates Gorilla Glass 7i and a subtly enhanced build. It operates on Tensor G4 rather than Tensor G5 but still offers some Pixel 10 AI functionalities and seven years of updates. The starting price for the Pixel 10a is $499, with pre-orders available now, and sales commencing on March 5, 2026.
Google has officially revealed the Pixel 10a on February 18, 2026. If this seems swift compared to the Pixel 9a series, you wouldn’t be mistaken, particularly since it hasn’t even been a full year — and the enhancements here are not particularly significant.
At first glance, the Pixel 10a appears strikingly similar to the Pixel 9a, and that’s because it largely is. The phone maintains the same minimalist back design featuring a capsule-styled camera module. One minor adjustment is that the Pixel 10a is 0.1 mm thicker, allowing the camera to fit completely flush. Additionally, it is approximately 3 grams lighter.
Google also proudly states this is the A-series phone crafted with the greatest amount of recycled materials to date. In terms of durability, it holds the same IP68 dust and water resistance rating as last year’s version.
On the front, not much has altered either. It sports the identical 6.3-inch pOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and fairly thick bezels. However, the display protection has been enhanced, as Google now includes the upgraded Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. The camera hardware remains the same as well, which means you still receive a 48MP main sensor alongside a 13MP ultra-wide camera.
Tensor G4 once more, for better or worse
Under the hood, the Pixel 10a is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, which stands out, as previous A-series devices typically utilized the same chip as the base flagship. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Pixel 10 lineup employs Tensor G5.
That said, it still integrates some AI features from the Pixel 10 series. These features include Camera Coach, which utilizes Gemini to analyze scenes and provide suggestions, in addition to Auto Best Take. Other AI functionalities like Add Me and conversational editing in Google Photos are also present.
The Pixel 10a arrives with Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive out of the box and will receive seven years of OS updates, keeping pace with other models in the Pixel 10 lineup. Importantly, the Pixel 10a also includes AirDrop for Quick Share support. This feature was recently expanded to the Pixel 9 series, but the Pixel 9a missed out (for the time being).
There are several other additions as well, including satellite SOS support, a first for an A-series Pixel. This feature enables users to connect to emergency services when mobile networks or Wi-Fi are not available.
The battery capacity holds steady at 5,100 mAh, and wired charging remains at 23W. However, wireless charging sees a modest boost, increasing to 10W from 5W on the Pixel 9a.
Pricing and new Pixel Buds 2a hues
The Pixel 10a begins at $499/€549/₹49,999 and still provides only 128GB of storage on the base model. It comes in four colors: Lavender (purple-blue), Berry (red-pink), Fog (light green), and Obsidian (black). In conjunction with the phone, Google has also launched two new colors for Pixel Buds 2a, Berry and Fog, to complement the Pixel 10a color scheme.
Pre-orders are currently available for both the Pixel 10a and Pixel Buds 2a in new colors, with general availability anticipated around March 5, 2026.
Android Central’s Perspective
This may be one of Google’s least thrilling upgrades in recent years. On paper, the Pixel 10a doesn’t appear significantly distinct from the Pixel 9a because, in many respects, it isn’t.
I would have preferred to see an upgrade to the Tensor G5 and possibly some camera enhancements, but Google seems to have opted for caution this time. That said, a proper hands-on experience might still alter that perspective.
The Pixel 10a adheres closely to the Pixel 9a formula with a familiar design, Tensor G4 chip, and 6.3-inch 120 Hz display. Nevertheless, there are a few minor enhancements such as satellite SOS, AirDrop-Quick Share support, and advancements in wireless charging. You also receive seven years of updates and some new AI features from the Pixel 10 lineup.