If you’ve been waiting for the Google Pixel 10a, there’s some encouraging news. According to recent leaks, the phone could arrive sooner than expected — and it may also be cheaper than the Pixel 9a.
The most notable leak comes from @MysteryLupin, a source known for a strong track record. They claim the Pixel 10a will launch on February 17, which would be earlier than last year’s Pixel 9a, released on March 19.
The same leaker also points to lower pricing. Reportedly, the Pixel 10a will start at around €500 for the 128GB model, with the 256GB version priced at roughly €600. That’s about €50 less than the Pixel 9a’s launch price. While direct currency conversions aren’t always reliable, this could translate to a slightly lower starting price than the Pixel 9a’s $499 / £499 / AU$849 in other markets.
Color options have also leaked. The 128GB model is said to be available in Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, and Fog, while the 256GB variant may be limited to Obsidian only. While leaks should always be treated cautiously, well-known leaker Roland Quandt has echoed much of this information, including the colors, storage options, and a mid-February launch window.
Not all the news is positive, though. Android Headlines has shared what appears to be an official render of the Pixel 10a, and it looks almost identical to the Pixel 9a. That’s disappointing, especially given that the Pixel 9a wasn’t exactly praised for its looks — our review even labeled it “the ugliest Pixel phone ever.”
A minimal refresh
Aside from storage details, the latest leaks don’t reveal much about specifications. Earlier reports suggest the changes may be minimal, with the biggest upgrade being a slightly enhanced version of the Tensor G4 chipset used in the Pixel 9a. If that’s true, a lower price would make sense — otherwise, the phone could be hard to justify.
Even with a price cut, however, a modestly improved chipset that originally debuted 18 months ago in the Pixel 9 doesn’t sound like a recipe for a major hit. As things stand, it’s difficult to imagine the Pixel 10a becoming a strong seller on that basis alone.
Hopefully, Google has more upgrades in store. To seriously compete with the upcoming iPhone 17e, the Pixel 10a will need meaningful improvements. In our Pixel 9a review, we highlighted the design, cameras, battery life, performance, and overall power as key areas needing attention — and ideally, Google will address at least some of those with this new model.
