Introduction
On February 5, Google officially announced that the Pixel 10a will be available for pre-order on the Google Store starting February 18. This launch comes much earlier than the release of the Pixel 9a last year.
Google’s Pixel “a” series has long been popular for offering strong value at an affordable price. If you’re currently deciding whether to upgrade to the Pixel 10a in 2026 or take advantage of the significant discounts now available on the Pixel 9a, here we will break down the differences between the two models and help you decide which option makes the most sense for you.
What Do We Know About the Pixel 10a So Far?
Google has not shared full technical specifications for the Pixel 10a so far. The announcement only included official renders and a short 15-second teaser video. However, based on the design and several leaks, we can still get a fairly clear picture of what to expect.
In terms of design, the Pixel 10a looks almost identical to its predecessor. It keeps the same size, the same display, and the same dual-camera setup. Even the color option appears to match the Iris finish from the previous generation, with Google’s familiar soft blue-purple tone. At first glance, you might not notice the design changes at all.
(Image source: YouTube video published by Made by Google)
The most noticeable difference is that the Pixel 10a’s camera module is now completely flush with the back of the phone. There is no camera bump anymore, which means users who don’t use a phone case can place the phone flat on a table. For people who care about small design details, this is a nice improvement. That said, the camera bump on the Pixel 9a is already very minimal, and if you use a case, the phone can also lie flat without any issues.
According to recent leaks, the Pixel 10a is not expected to bring a major upgrade in performance. It will likely use an enhanced version of the Tensor G4 chip, rather than the newer Tensor G5 found in other Pixel 10 models. This may feel a bit disappointing for some users. Other leaked specs also sound very familiar, including 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB.
Overall, compared to the design changes and hardware improvements that the Pixel 9a brought over the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 10a update feels relatively minor, with few truly new or exciting upgrades.
Is the Pixel 9a a Good Deal Right Now?
Personally, I’ve always felt that one of the biggest strengths of Google’s Pixel phones (compared with Apple, Samsung, and many other brands) is their value after discounts. Pixel devices often receive strong price cuts not long after launch, and early models sometimes come with bundle deals like free earbuds or smartwatches. These offers make Pixel phones especially competitive in terms of value for money.
Because of this, a $500 Pixel 10a doesn’t feel more attractive than the Pixel 9a, which is already available at a much lower price. Based on current leaks, the hardware differences between the two phones appear to be very small. In fact, in the YouTube comments under Google’s official teaser video, one user joked that the Pixel 10a looks more like a “Pixel 9.1a.”
Right now, you can find the Pixel 9a with discounts of more than $100 at retailers like Best Buy and other deal websites. At this price, it becomes a very solid option for a mid-range phone. Compared to the previous generation, the Pixel 9a brings meaningful improvements, including a cleaner design, Google’s Tensor G4 chip with competitive performance for its price, and most importantly, excellent software support for users who enjoy the Google ecosystem.
If you’re currently using an older Pixel phone or thinking about switching to Google from another brand, the Pixel 9a offers a very cost-effective upgrade that’s hard to ignore.
Final Thoughts
Compared to the oversized and sometimes uncomfortable camera bumps found on many smartphones today, a completely flat camera design is refreshing. However, since the Pixel 10a does not appear to offer major improvements over the previous generation, I still believe the Pixel 9a (now priced under $400 in many deals) remains the better value overall.
That said, the final verdict will depend on the full specifications of the Pixel 10a. Several factors could change how competitive it really is, such as whether it supports magnetic fast charging, how much performance improvement the enhanced Tensor G4 actually delivers, and whether the modem is the same as the previous generation. If the Pixel 10a brings meaningful upgrades in these areas, it could still be a solid option—especially since flat-backed phone designs have become increasingly rare.
If you decide to go with the better-value Pixel 9a, don’t forget to pair it with a practical wireless charger. The SwanScout 708G2 can wirelessly charge your Pixel 9a, Pixel Watch 2/3, and Pixel Buds at the same time, offering stable and efficient charging. With its foldable design and built-in adjustable clock, it works just as well as part of an elegant desk setup as it does for keeping your devices powered while traveling.
So, which one would you choose between the upcoming Pixel 10a or the discounted Pixel 9a? Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know what matters most to you.
