Google Teases Pixel 10a: New Design, Conflicting Launch & Pricing Details Emerge
Google has officially teased the Pixel 10a, showcasing a new design, as various reports and leaks surface regarding its potential launch dates, specifications, and pricing. Information from multiple sources indicates pre-order availability in mid-February, though details on release timelines, regional pricing, and available color configurations present some conflicting reports.
The Pixel 10a is set to introduce a completely flat dual-camera system and an earlier-than-usual pre-order window, yet specific release dates and pricing remain a point of contention among leaked information.
Anticipated Launch & Pre-orders
Google has confirmed the Pixel 10a will be available for pre-order starting Wednesday, February 18, through the Google Store. This pre-order date aligns with claims by leakers such as @MysteryLupin, who cited retailer listings pointing to a February 17 launch, and journalist Roland Quandt, who suggested a mid-February retail release.
Other reports from Dealabs indicate a pre-order date of February 18, with an official release date set for March 5, 2026, a timeline also suggested by leaker Evan Blass. However, some earlier speculation had anticipated a Spring launch, potentially in March or April. The reported February availability would be earlier than previous Pixel "a" series launches; for instance, the Pixel 9a was announced in mid-March and released in April.
Refined Design & Color Palette
The Pixel 10a's design was officially teased in a 15-second video from Made by Google. A notable feature is a completely flat dual-camera system, which appears flush with the rear panel, differentiating it from previous models that featured a raised camera bump. Overall, the design is reported to largely resemble the Pixel 9a, featuring a flat back and prominent display bezels, consistent with Google's stated approach for three generations of its A-series phones. The device is expected to include two rear cameras and a front hole-punch camera.
Color Options
Leaked images and reports have identified multiple color options:
- Obsidian (black)
- Fog (off-white, sometimes described with a green hue)
- Berry (pink/red, potentially a red hue similar to Nest Cam's 'Berry' color)
- A blue/purple variant, referred to as Lavender, Indigo, or Iris, which was showcased in the official teaser. The appearance of "Indigo" in some leaks suggests previous information regarding the "Lavender" color may have been inaccurate.
While some reports suggest the 128GB variant may be available in all four colors, with the 256GB model potentially limited to Obsidian, other details from Dealabs indicate all four colors are expected for both storage variants in some regions.
Core Specifications
The Pixel 10a is anticipated to offer specifications that either represent a modest upgrade or closely mirror its predecessor. Reports regarding the processor have varied:
- Some initial expectations indicated it might not feature a Tensor chip upgrade.
- Other leaks suggest the inclusion of a Tensor G4 chipset, distinguishing it from the main Pixel 10 series.
Further expected specifications include:
- Display: A 6.3-inch (actual 6.285-inch) display with a 120Hz refresh rate, capable of switching to 60Hz. It is not expected to be a full LTPO display.
- Memory & Storage: 8GB of RAM and available in 128GB and 256GB internal storage configurations.
- Battery: A 5,100mAh capacity battery, with an estimated maximum charging speed of 23W. The battery technology is not expected to be silicon-carbon.
- Cameras: A dual-rear camera setup with 48MP and 13MP sensors, along with a 13MP selfie camera.
The retail package is expected to include a USB 2.0 cable and a SIM tool, suggesting the Pixel 10a will retain a physical SIM card slot, a feature that may vary by region and differentiate it from other models in the Pixel 10 series.
Pricing & Availability
Reports on pricing for the Pixel 10a present differing information.
- Leaker @MysteryLupin suggested European pricing for the 128GB model could be approximately €500 (~$582), and the 256GB model around €600 (~$699). These prices would represent a reduction compared to the Pixel 9a's European launch prices.
- Conversely, details from Dealabs suggest that in France, the Pixel 10a will maintain its previous pricing, with the 128GB model at €549 and the 256GB model at €649.
Pixel 10a cases are anticipated to cost approximately €20 (~$23).