Google’s Pixel 10a Budget Champion Returns Almost Unchanged

Google has unexpectedly launched the Pixel 10a, and the timing of the release feels unusual this time around. Pre-orders begin on February 18, 2026, far sooner than the Pixel 9a last year, which is perhaps all the more remarkable because it is a trend that will most certainly continue. Google announced the news with a brief YouTube teaser, giving everyone a proper look at the new phone. However, this one feels more like a solid stride forward than a radical reinvention.

At first glance, the teaser appears to follow the current A-series template, but with one change that makes a significant difference: the dual rear cameras are now flush with the back panel, with no raised bump in the way. That means the phone can sit perfectly flat on a table without moving about. Google emphasizes this difference in the video, and it’s likely the only thing you notice when glancing at the phone. The traditional pill-shaped camera housing is still horizontal, with a small LED flash and the Google logo peeking out the bottom. The rounded corners and flat metal edges make the whole item very comfortable to grip, and the matte coating should repel fingerprints far better than a glossy finish.

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The color options are actually rather exciting, as Google showcases a soft lavender shade in the teaser, which is a really pleasant, muted blue-purple color that I believe is a better over the Iris color from last year’s Pixel 9a. According to what we’ve heard so far, those aren’t the only alternatives; there might be a deep black (called Obsidian), a lively red (Berry), and a clean white or light grey (Fog). The aim is that these colors will offer purchasers a sense of personality without being overly bright or wild. That specific blue-purple color looks especially good when the light hits it, since it makes the phone feel like a high-end product that punches beyond its weight.

Performance expectations are all about building on the foundation laid by the Pixel 9 series, as many reports indicate that the Tensor G4 chip will power the device, and while there are some whispers about a slightly faster version with higher clock speeds to try and improve performance and thermal management, at the end of the day, it’s likely to be a very similar setup to what we’ve seen before, paired with 8GB of RAM. Of course, it should still be able to manage all of your daily chores, some multitasking, and Google’s growing suite of AI features without blinking an eye. Storage options will most likely remain 128GB and 256GB, which may not be the most exciting news for those in need of more storage capacity, but it will be sufficient for the majority of customers.

The display remains 6.3 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution, which is nearly identical to the Pixel 9a. Smoother scrolling and sensitive touch remain priority concerns, and I expect the display to look brilliant in almost any lighting scenario. The battery capacity is likely to be about 5,100mAh, which has routinely provided all-day durability in A-series models. I believe we can still expect fast charging and wireless charging support to round out the package.

The camera hardware follows a fairly common pattern, with a 48 megapixel primary sensor paired with a 13 megapixel ultrawide lens on the back, a combination seen on a variety of phones. Meanwhile, a 13 megapixel selfie camera handles portraits and video calls, but as usual, Google’s computational photography is what actually makes the difference, transforming somewhat ordinary photos into extremely detailed and balanced shots even in difficult lighting settings. You’ll also get extras like Magic Editor and Best Take, as well as some intriguing new Gemini-powered features that will be available for you straight out of the box, implying that the phone’s capabilities will sometimes appear to be ahead of its real hardware specs.

Pricing isn’t official yet, but all indications are that it will start at $499 for the 128GB model, which coincides with the price of the Pixel 9a. If we trust the leaks coming out of Europe, we’re looking at around €549, which is roughly equivalent to what they charge in the United States. Adding another 256GB to the mix could cost you an additional $50-100, depending on where you live.