Google's Pixel 10a arrives on March 5 for $499 with specs and design of yesteryear

Google opens Pixel 10a preorders today

Google launched the Pixel 10a today, opening preorders for the new budget smartphone ahead of its March 5 release date. The device starts at $499 for the 128GB model, maintaining the same entry price as last year’s Pixel 9a. Customers can purchase the phone through the Google Store immediately, with carrier availability expected to follow shortly.

The Pixel 10a arrives as a iterative update to Google’s mid-range lineup rather than a total overhaul. It retains the core design language introduced with the previous generation but introduces a few physical refinements. Google is offering the device in four colors: Lavender, Fog, Obsidian, and a new Berry option.

While the Pixel 9a will remain on sale for a limited time, the 10a now serves as the primary entry point for Google’s 2026 hardware ecosystem. The company is betting that consistent pricing and familiar hardware will attract buyers who are wary of the rising costs of flagship smartphones. A 256GB storage tier is also available for $599.

Small changes to the hardware

The most visible change to the Pixel 10a is the rear camera housing. Google moved to a completely flush camera bar that sits level with the back panel. This design choice eliminates the slight bump found on the Pixel 9a and distinguishes the A-series from the more expensive Pixel 10 flagships.

Google upgraded the display’s peak brightness to 3,000 nits, matching the base Pixel 10. While the resolution and refresh rate remain identical to the previous model, the increased brightness improves outdoor visibility. The company also swapped the aging Gorilla Glass 3 for Gorilla Glass 7i, which offers better resistance against scratches and drops.

The build materials reflect a heavier emphasis on sustainability and recycled components. Google used 100 percent recycled aluminum for the frame and 81 percent recycled plastic for the back cover. The internal components also feature a mix of recycled elements:

• 100% recycled aluminum in the internal housing
• Recycled gold, tungsten, cobalt, and copper making up 36 percent of the phone’s weight
• Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass for improved durability
• Physical SIM slot alongside eSIM support

The Tensor G4 stays inside

Google chose to reuse the Tensor G4 processor for the Pixel 10a instead of upgrading to the newer Tensor G5 found in the flagship 10 series. This marks a shift in strategy for the A-series, which typically shares the current generation’s silicon. Google representatives stated the decision allows the company to balance performance with the $499 price point.

The Tensor G4 provides sufficient power for Google’s suite of AI tools and daily tasks, but it lacks the efficiency gains of the G5. This choice likely stems from the rising costs of memory and storage modules in the 2026 supply chain. By sticking with the older chip, Google avoided the price hikes that have affected other mid-range competitors.

The camera hardware remains unchanged from the Pixel 9a, utilizing the same sensors and lenses. Google relies on its computational photography software to maintain the Pixel’s reputation for high-quality images. While the more expensive Pixels offer better zoom and low-light performance, the 10a targets users who prioritize a reliable point-and-shoot experience.

Faster charging and physical SIMs

The Pixel 10a introduces modest improvements to charging speeds and connectivity. Wired charging now supports up to 30W, an increase from the 23W limit on the 9a. Wireless charging also saw a small bump, moving from 7.5W to 10W, though the device does not include Qi2 magnetic alignment.

Google decided to keep the physical SIM slot on the Pixel 10a. This contrasts with the flagship Pixel 10 series, which transitioned entirely to eSIM in several markets last year. The inclusion of a physical slot provides more flexibility for international travelers and users who prefer traditional SIM card swapping.

The device features a USB-C 3.2 port for data transfers and charging. Despite the internal similarities to the previous model, these small quality-of-life updates aim to keep the 10a competitive in a crowded market. The battery capacity remains one of the largest in its class, focusing on multi-day endurance for average users.

Why Google kept the price low

Maintaining the $499 price tag was a primary goal for Google this year. As component prices fluctuate, many manufacturers have pushed mid-range devices toward the $600 mark. Google’s decision to reuse the Tensor G4 and existing camera sensors likely provided the financial headroom to keep the 10a affordable.

This strategy also creates a clearer distinction between the A-series and the flagship Pixel 10. By withholding the Tensor G5 and features like PixelSnap, Google ensures the $800 flagship remains an attractive upgrade. In previous years, the A-series often cannibalized sales of the more expensive models because the feature sets were too similar.

Google’s deep involvement in the AI industry may have also influenced this hardware cycle. With AI companies consuming vast quantities of memory and processing components, Google likely anticipated shortages early in the development process. The Pixel 10a represents a conservative approach to hardware design that prioritizes market stability over technical leaps.

• Price: $499 (128GB) / $599 (256GB)
• Processor: Google Tensor G4
• Charging: 30W wired / 10W wireless
• Display: 3,000 nits peak brightness
• Release Date: March 5, 2026

The Pixel 10a serves as a reliable, if unexciting, successor to one of the best budget phones of 2025. It targets buyers who need a dependable camera and a clean software experience without the flagship price tag. While the lack of a new processor might disappoint enthusiasts, the flush design and improved screen provide enough of a refresh to keep the lineup current.