Google has launched the Pixel 10a, which is largely similar to last year’s Pixel 9a in design and specifications, making it one of the most incremental phone releases of 2026. The Pixel 10a does not include support for Pixelsnap accessories, and the exterior closely resembles the previous model, including the nearly flush camera module.
The device is the first in the Pixel lineup to incorporate recycled materials, including cobalt, copper, gold, and tungsten, which make up at least 36 percent of the phone’s total weight. Its aluminum frame is 100 percent recycled, and the packaging is completely plastic-free. The phone carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and the rear panel is made of 81 percent recycled plastic. Gorilla Glass 7i protects the front display, offering improved scratch resistance and drop protection up to 1 meter.
The Pixel 10a retains a 6.3-inch P-OLED display with HDR support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The phone is offered in four colors: Fog, Obsidian, Berry, and Lavender, with Fog replacing Porcelain and Berry and Lavender slightly updated from last year’s Peony and Iris. A color-matched Pixel 10a case is also available, made from 36 percent recycled plastic.
Internally, the Pixel 10a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset built on Samsung’s 4nm process, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. Performance is expected to match the Pixel 9a, and the phone ships with Android 16 with seven years of software updates, including Pixel Drops.
Camera hardware remains unchanged, featuring a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. Google continues to rely on AI-driven software features to enhance photos, including Camera Coach, Auto Best Take for group shots, and Add Me, which integrates the photographer into images.
The battery capacity remains 5,100 mAh, offering up to 30 hours of typical use. Charging speeds have been increased to 30W wired and 10W wireless. In the US, the Pixel 10a is priced at $500, with the 256GB version available for $600. The combination of recycled materials, minor performance updates, and environmental focus positions the Pixel 10a as a sustainable option for users seeking an affordable Pixel device.
