Google on Wednesday introduced the Pixel 10a, a $499 entry-level smartphone that is available for preorder now with shipments starting March 5. The device comes in four colors: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian. It features a flat back where the camera bar blends flush with the phone’s body.
The Pixel 10a sports a 6.3-inch Actua display, which Google notes is 11% brighter than the previous Pixel 9a. Battery life is rated at more than 30 hours, extending up to 120 hours with the “Extreme Battery Saver” setting enabled. Charging speeds have also been improved compared to its predecessor. Under the hood, the phone runs on the Tensor G4 chip, the same processor used in last year’s Pixel 9a.
Camera hardware includes a 48 MP main sensor and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. Google claims this setup offers the best camera performance available on a phone under $500. The device also inherits AI-powered software features from the flagship Pixel 10 series, including “Auto Best Take,” which captures multiple frames in a single press to ensure the best expression in group photos, and “Camera Coach,” which provides step-by-step guidance on lighting and composition.
New functionality for the A-series includes Satellite SOS, allowing users to contact emergency services without Wi-Fi or cellular service. Google is also committing to seven years of software and security updates for the Pixel 10a. However, the device lacks the “PixelSnap” magnetic Qi charging feature found on the higher-end Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold models.
The launch positions the Pixel 10a against Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17e, which is expected to debut at $599, following the pricing of last year’s iPhone 16e. Additionally, Google announced the release of Pixel Buds 2a in Berry and Fog colorways to match the new smartphone.
