- The Google Pixel 10a might launch on February 17
- It could also cost less than the Pixel 9a
- However, a leaked render and previous specs leaks suggest it's barely an upgrade
Exciting news for fans of the Google Pixel series: the Pixel 10a may be arriving sooner than anticipated, with leaks indicating a launch date of February 17. This release could also come with a more attractive price tag than the Google Pixel 9a.
The primary source of this information is @MysteryLupin, a reliable leaker, who suggests that the Pixel 10a will hit the market earlier than the Pixel 9a, which launched on March 19 last year.
According to the same source, the starting price for the Pixel 10a will be around €500 for the 128GB model, increasing to approximately €600 for the 256GB version. This pricing would place it about €50 lower than the Pixel 9a's launch price, which translates to a potential cost of less than $499 / £499 / AU$849 in other regions.
Retailer listings hint at the Pixel 10a being available in various colors, including Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, and Fog for the 128GB model, while the 256GB variant will reportedly be limited to Obsidian. Although these details should be taken with caution, Roland Quandt, another reputable leaker, corroborates much of this information, including the color options and storage capacities.
However, a recent leak from Android Headlines presents a less encouraging picture, showcasing a render of the Pixel 10a that appears nearly identical to the Pixel 9a. This similarity is disappointing, particularly since the Pixel 9a has been criticized for its design.
Barely an upgrade
While the latest leaks do not provide extensive specifications beyond storage options, previous leaks suggest minimal changes, with the primary upgrade being a “boosted” version of the Pixel 9a’s Tensor G4 chipset. This could justify a lower price point, as a lack of significant improvements might make the device less appealing.
Even at a reduced price, if the main enhancement is a slightly improved chipset that debuted 18 months ago in the Google Pixel 9, it may struggle to attract buyers.
We hope for more substantial upgrades to ensure the Google Pixel 10a can compete effectively with the upcoming iPhone 17e. In our Pixel 9a review, we noted several areas needing improvement, including design, camera quality, battery life, software, and overall performance, and we hope Google addresses at least some of these concerns.