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

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

TechnologyFebruary 18, 2026
2 min read
Google's Pixel 10a arrives on March 5 for $499 with specs and design of yesteryear
Google's new budget phone is here, but don't expect a big upgrade.

It's that time of year—a new budget Pixel phone is about to hit virtual shelves. The Pixel 10a will be available on March 5, and pre-orders go live today. The 9a will still be on sale for a while, but the 10a will be headlining Google's store. However, you might not notice unless you keep up with the Pixel numbering scheme. This year's A-series Pixel is virtually identical to last year's, both inside and out.

Last year's Pixel 9a was a notable departure from the older design language, but Google made few changes for 2026. We liked that the Pixel 9a emphasized battery capacity and moved to a flat camera bump, and this time, it's really flat. Google says the camera now sits totally flush with the back panel. This is probably the only change you'll be able to identify visually.

Specs at a glance: Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 10a Phone Pixel 9a Pixel 10a SoC Google Tensor G4 Google Tensor G4 Memory 8GB 8GB Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB Display 1080×2424 6.3" pOLED, 60–120 Hz, Gorilla Glass 3, 2700 nits (peak) 1080×2424 6.3" pOLED, 60–120 Hz, Gorilla Glass 7i, 3000 nits (peak) Cameras 48 MP primary, f/1.7, OIS; 13 MP ultrawide, f/2.2; 13 MP selfie, f/2.2 48 MP primary, f/1.7, OIS; 13 MP ultrawide, f/2.2; 13 MP selfie, f/2.2 Software Android 15 (at launch), 7 years of OS updates Android 16, 7 years of OS updates Battery 5,100 mAh, 23 W wired charging, 7.5 W wireless charging 5,100 mAh, 30 W wired charging, 10 W wireless charging Connectivity Wi-Fi 6e, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, sub-6 GHz 5G, USB-C 3.2 Wi-Fi 6e, NFC, Bluetooth 6.0, sub-6 GHz 5G, USB-C 3.2 Measurements 154.7×73.3×8.9 mm; 185 g 153.9×73×9 mm; 183 g

Google also says the new Pixel will have a slightly upgraded screen. The resolution, size, and refresh rate are unchanged, but peak brightness has been bumped from 2,700 nits to 3,000 nits (the same as the base model Pixel 10). Plus, the cover glass has finally moved beyond Gorilla Glass 3 to Gorilla Glass 7i, which supposedly has improved scratch and drop protection.

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Source: Ars Technica

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