Google has unveiled the Pixel 10a, and it is about 99% the same as last year’s Pixel 9a in terms of specs. It doesn’t even look any different from last year’s phone, crowning it as probably the most needless phone launch of 2026 so far.

We did not even get support for Pixelsnap accessories, something many fans were hoping for. It almost feels like the Pixel 10a is only here to make the Pixel 9a feel like a much better deal, since it’s the same phone with a much lower price tag now.

The Pixel 10a is the first model in the lineup to incorporate recycled cobalt, copper, gold, and tungsten, making up at least 36 percent of its total weight. Its aluminum frame is built from 100 percent recycled material, and the retail packaging is completely plastic-free.

Design and Display

The phone carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, matching its predecessor. The rear panel is plastic, with 81 percent recycled content. Google has redesigned the internal structure to make the device easier to repair, though the exterior closely resembles the Pixel 9a, including the nearly flush camera module.

The front is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, replacing Gorilla Glass 3. The new glass offers improved scratch resistance and can survive drops from 1 meter or 3.3 feet. The display remains a 6.3-inch Actua panel, but peak brightness increases slightly to 3,000 nits, up from 2,700 nits, but who’s gonna notice?

The Pixel 10a is offered in four colors: Fog, Obsidian, Berry, and Lavender. Fog replaces Porcelain, while Berry and Lavender differ slightly from last year’s Peony and Iris shades.

Google has introduced a color-matched Pixel 10a Case made from 36 percent recycled plastic. Neither the phone nor the case includes built-in magnets.

Internals and Software

Powering the Pixel 10a is the same Tensor G4 chipset used in the Pixel 9a and other Pixel 9 series devices. The processor is manufactured on Samsung’s 4nm process. Memory remains at 8GB of RAM, with storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Performance is therefore expected to match last year’s model.

The phone launches with Android 16 and will receive seven years of software updates, including Pixel Drops.

Cameras

Camera hardware remains unchanged. The Pixel 10a includes a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide lens.

Google continues to rely on software features to enhance image quality. These include Camera Coach, which uses Gemini to provide photography suggestions, Auto Best Take for improving group shots, and Add Me, which blends images so the photographer can be included in the final photo.

Battery and Pricing

The Pixel 10a retains a 5,100 mAh battery, which Google says delivers up to 30 hours of regular use on a single charge.

Charging speeds see an “upgrade”. Wired charging now supports 30W, up from 23W on the previous model. Wireless charging increases to 10W from 7.5W, none of which you’re going to notice.

In the US, the Pixel 10a is priced at $500, with an additional $100 for the 256GB version.

Google Pixel 10a Specifications