Breaking: Google to launch cheapest Pixel yet — Pixel 10a coming earlier than expected

Google has teased the budget Pixel 10a ahead of schedule, revealing a flat redesign and February 18 pre-orders, with leaks pointing to a 120Hz display, Tensor G4 chip and $500 price.

By MediaBites | Technology Desk

Google has officially teased its next budget smartphone, the Pixel 10a, signaling an earlier-than-usual launch and intensifying competition in the mid-range smartphone market.

The company released a short teaser video on YouTube showing the device in blue with a metal frame and a flat, clean back — notably without the prominent camera bump seen in many modern phones. The smoother design means the phone can sit flat on a table without wobbling.

Google confirmed the Pixel 10a will open for pre-orders on February 18, 2026, about a month earlier than last year’s Pixel 9a, which debuted in March.

Expected features (from leaks)

Although full specifications are not official yet, multiple leaks reveal key hardware details:

• 6.3-inch 120Hz AMOLED display

• Tensor G4 chipset (same as Pixel 9a)

• 5,100 mAh battery

• 23W fast charging support

• Clean flat rear design without camera bump

The phone is expected to arrive in four colors: Obsidian (black), Lavender, Berry (pinkish red) and Fog (gray).

Price and positioning

The Pixel 10a is likely to cost around $500, keeping it in line with previous A-series models. Analysts say the limited hardware changes compared to Pixel 9a may help Google maintain a lower price while still offering premium features.

The device targets users seeking flagship-level camera performance and smooth Android experience at a mid-range cost — a segment increasingly dominated by Samsung and Chinese brands.

More details are expected at launch later this month.