Google officially launches the Pixel 10a: Everything you need to know

Google officially pulled back the curtain on the Pixel 10a this morning, announcing its latest A-series device with a starting price of $499. The announcement confirms a completely revamped flat design, battery upgrades, and the same Tensor G4 chip/8GB RAM combo that we saw in the Pixel 9a. And while this is an iterative update and this phone isn’t a spec sheet monster by any means, it delivers meaningful updates that keep the price below $500 and will allow many average consumers out there to experience a Pixel phone. So, let’s dive into everything that you need to know about the new Google Pixel 10a.

A refined, flat design

The most noticeable change to the Pixel 10a is the chassis. Google has completely flattened the back of the device, meaning the camera bar now blends seamlessly and sits perfectly flush with the rear glass. This should allow the phone to slip easily in and out of a pocket and lie perfectly flat on a desk.

Google is also heavily leaning into sustainability with this release. The device features an 81% recycled plastic back cover and a satin-finish 100% recycled aluminum frame. It also introduces recycled cobalt, copper, gold, and tungsten to the A-series for the first time. You can pick it up in four colors: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian.

Display and battery bumps

On the front, the display is stronger thanks to a new Gorilla Glass 7i covering. It also gets a bit brighter, pushing 11 percent higher to 3000 nits at its peak for better visibility in the sun. The device retains the same IP68 waterproofing as last year.

When it comes to power, you get a little bit faster wired and wireless charging. Wired charging jumped from 27-watts to 30-watts, and wireless charges at 10-watts instead of 7.5-watts. Google says the device can push past 30 hours of standard use, and up to 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.

Unfortunately, the Pixel 10A doesn’t have PixelSnap, Google’s version of MagSafe that lets you use magnetic snap-on chargers or accessories. And that omission is a bit of a bummer.

Camera and AI features

As for the camera specs, the 10a rocks a 48MP main sensor paired with a 13MP ultrawide, but the real draw is the camera software. The Pixel 10a comes with camera features like Auto Best Take, Camera Coach, and Add Me (which now supports large groups).

But, as we expected, the Pixel 10a is using last year’s Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM. Because of this, very few of the features that make the Pixel 10 series compelling trickled down to the 10a this year. You don’t get the good stuff that requires more power, like the new Magic Cue or Pixel Screenshots. RAM prices likely play a role in why Google couldn’t pack more memory in to power these advanced AI features.

It isn’t all bad news, though. You do get the Pixel 10’s SOS satellite communications, which is perfect if you get lost out in the woods and need to tell someone you need help. Quick Share is also along for the ride (which now works seamlessly with AirDrop), and the phone features full access to Gemini Live, Nano Banana for image generation, Circle to Search, and Call Screen. Google is also promising seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates.

Pre-order the Pixel 10a today

Pre-orders for the Pixel 10a are live today at the Google Store and major carriers for $499. Full availability starts on March 5. Google also announced matching cases and two new colors, Berry and Fog, for the Pixel Buds 2a to complete the ecosystem.