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Pixel 10a release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades

By Iskra Petrova

Published: Jan 20, 2026, 6:22 AM

Pixel 10a release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades

What we know so far

The Pixel 10a may be just around the corner. Rumors and leaks have given us glimpses of what we can expect, and surprisingly, this time around, it seems the upgrades are... almost non-existent.

The Pixel 10a looks pretty much like the Pixel 9a, with some differences in color options. We know that the two phones may look identical in terms of design, including sporting the same thickness and dimensions. The Pixel 10a is said to sport the same 6.3-inch display as its predecessor.

The phone is expected to rock either the Tensor G4, which was powering its predecessor as well, or, less likely, the Tensor G5, which is in the Pixel 10 series. For whatever reason, most rumors indicate we're getting the older chip, making the Pixel 10a even a lesser upgrade than it has to be.

We also expect the same camera system, with a 48MP main and a 13MP ultra-wide camera. The battery is also said to be the same size as the Pixel 9a's.

Pixel 10a release date

Rumor has it that the Pixel 10a is going to be announced earlier than its predecessor. Most leaks are currently focused on February 18 for the announcement, and March 5 for the general release of the device.

Device family	Announcement	Market release
Google Pixel 10a	February 18, 2026*	March 5, 2026*
Google Pixel 9a	March 19, 2025	April 2025
Google Pixel 8a	May 7, 2024	May 14, 2024
Google Pixel 7a	May 10, 2023	May 10, 2023

* - probable dates

Pixel 10a price

The Pixel 10a is rumored to keep the same price as the Pixel 9a.

Pixel model	Starting price for 128GB
Pixel 10a	$499*
Pixel 9a	$499
Pixel 8a	$499
Pixel 7a	$499
Pixel 6a	$449

*- anticipated prices

Recently, we had the European prices for the device leak: €549 for the 128GB version, and €649 for the 256 GB version. These prices are the same list prices for the Pixel 9a in countries like France. This pretty much indicates that the Pixel 10a may come with the same price as its predecessor. In the U.S., that would mean starting at $499.

Pixel 10a camera

Unfortunately, it seems that Google hasn't planned a camera upgrade for the Pixel 10a. Rumors indicate we're going to see the same camera system as on the Pixel 9a.

Pixel 10a rumored camera setup:

Main camera: 48MP, f/1.7
Ultra-wide camera: 13MP, f/2.2
Selfie camera: 13MP

Maybe we will see some changes in terms of software processing, but most likely, expect nearly identical results from the Pixel 10a's camera. In general, that's a good performing camera already. It should be able to perform well with dynamics and colors, with realistic greens and blues. It may come with some exposure boost though, just like on the Pixel 9a, so don't expect the most realistic of photos at all times.

Pixel 10a storage

Rumors claim there won't be any changes in the storage department for the Pixel 10a either.

Pixel 10a rumored storage capacity:

256 GB
128 GB

Pixel 10a design

The Pixel 10a has already leaked in high quality renders back in October. Unfortunately, we're seeing the same design as the Pixel 9a, so if this phone looks familiar to you – worry not, it's not you, it's Google.

As you can see, the Pixel 10 looks like the Pixel 9a in all ways that matter, including the dimensions and weight of the phone. According to leaks, the Pixel 10a will measure 154.7 x 73.2 x 8.9 mm, which is just like the Pixel 9a. The mid-range phone is said to weigh 186 gr, so no surprises here either.

On top of it all, we expect the materials to be the same: the Pixel 10a may reportedly sport an aluminum frame and a plastic back, just like the 9a.

Expect the same IP68 rating for water and dust-resistance as well.

The only difference, in terms of design, that leaks suggest is the appearance of some new colors. The Pixel 10a is said to be available in Obsidian, Berry, Fog, and Lavender color options. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a was available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony.

The Pixel 10a is said to come with the same optical fingerprint sensor as the 9a for biometric authentication. It may also sport a face unlock system that's more secure than the general Android picture-based one.

Pixel 10a display

Pixel 10a	Screen size	Brightness
Pixel 10a	6.3-inch*	2,700 nits peak brightness*
Pixel 9a	6.3-inch	2,700 nits peak brightness

* - anticipated sizes

In the display department, rumor has in that the Pixel 10a is once again copying its predecessor. You can basically expect the same 6.3-inch OLED display with 120Hz display refresh rate. The display may be covered with Gorilla Glass 3. Unfortunately, judging by leaked renders and rumors, the bezels around the display are not going to be shrunk from the 9a.

These display specs are by no means terrible, though. The Pixel 10a's rumored display sounds decent, especially for a mid-ranger. It may just be disappointing for anyone looking for upgrades here from last year's model.

Pixel 10a battery

Oh well, we're likely not seeing an upgrade in the battery department of the Pixel 10a either. Rumor has it the phone is going to come with the same 5,100mAh battery as the Pixel 9a, as well as the same charging speeds: 23W wired and 7.5W wireless. This may be a bit of a letdown, especially the wireless charging speeds, as even the iPhone 17e is rumored to get an upgrade in the charging department this time around.

Meanwhile, the 5,100mAh battery cell is not a small battery by any means. Google bumped the battery size with the Pixel 9a, and it's a pretty big one, especially for a phone sporting a 6.3-inch display.

In our battery tests, the Pixel 9a fared really good with dependable battery life. It did beat the competition (the iPhone 16e and Galaxy A56) in all the categories that we test: browsing, video playback, and gaming. So, it's a great battery that lasts quite a lot, so maybe that's why Google decided no upgrades were necessary. As we all know, if it ain't broken, no need fixing it, right?

Pixel 10a features and software

The Pixel 10a will likely come with Android 16 out of the box. Android 16 started rolling out in the summer of 2025, but Android 17 will likely not be out by the time the Pixel 10a is released.

One big change is smarter notifications. Android can now group alerts better and show live updates from apps like ride shares and deliveries right on your lock screen, so you don't have to open each app to see what's happening.

The update also includes deeper security tools, new privacy controls, and ongoing work toward a fresh design language called Material 3 Expressive, which makes colors, icons, and layouts more expressive (some of these UI bits are rolling out with later updates).

For the Pixel 10a, these improvements mean a cleaner, more useful software experience from day one. You'll get better organized notifications and smoother interaction with apps, plus long-term support. Even if the 10a doesn't have all the high-end AI extras of flagship Pixels, the core Android 16 features help make everyday tasks easier and more secure.

Pixel 10a hardware and specs

Pixel 10a's rumored specs:

CPU: Tensor G4 (or G5)
RAM: 8GB
Battery: 5,100mAh
Charging: 23W wired, 7.5W wireless
Storage: 128, 256GB
Camera setup: 48MP main, 13MP ultra-wide

It seems that the Pixel 10a is going to sport the same specs as its predecessor with very little rumored changes or upgrades, apart from the colors. There are contradictory rumors about the chipset that the phone may sport. However, the majority of sources claim that Google is going to use the G4 once again in the 10a, instead of the Tensor G5, which is found in the Pixel 10 series.

The Tensor G4 is built on a 4nm process. It's not a performance beast like other flagship processors like Qualcomm's and Apple's, but it's still pretty good for daily life tasks. It's also designed with on-device AI in mind.

In real life, the Pixel 10a may feel snappy and capable; yet, it would clearly lag behind competitors like the upcoming iPhone 17e, which is said to come powered by the processor that's found in the iPhone 17.

Pixel 10a preliminary comparisons

Should I wait for the Pixel 10a?

You should wait for the Pixel 10a if you're coming from an older Pixel device like the 8a, for example, and you want to get the latest Google mid-range phone.

You should not wait for the Pixel 10a if you currently have the Pixel 9a. Also, if you're looking for notable upgrades over the Pixel 9a.

Latest rumors about the Pixel 10a:

These might be the final Pixel 10a prices and exact release date

Yes, Google's Pixel 10a will be released early, but likely not as early as previously rumored

Pixel 10a battery and charging: Everything you need to know

There may finally be a reason to consider the Pixel 10a—and no, it's not the specs

A new Google Pixel phone is apparently arriving next month

Samsung’s $400 phones are falling behind, and the Galaxy A37 is its chance to fix that

Thanks to Verizon, these key Google Pixel 10a specs are now practically etched in stone

Will the Google Pixel 10a see a price hike? What we can piece together so far

First Google Pixel 10a leaked renders drop, suggesting this might be a hard pass

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Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.

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