A few months out from its likely launch window, we’re finally starting to get some insight into what Google’s next Pixel might look like. I’m not talking about the Pixel 11, of course — it’s the Pixel 10a that history suggests is set for a spring launch, bringing another value-focused smartphone to consumers. And yet, based on the few pieces of information we’ve seen so far, I’m not sure waiting for the Pixel 10a is the smartest move for your wallet.
Although we have yet to see a complete deluge of Pixel 10a leaks — it’s Google, though, so just be patient — we have learned a fair amount regarding both its design and its specs sheet. Early CAD renders for the Pixel 10a leaked in late October, showing a device practically unchanged from its 2025 predecessor. Google appears to be utilizing the same camera bump-less look that caused a small amount of controversy on the Pixel 9a. Regardless of where you fall on this style, it’s very consumer-friendly, sacrificing brand identity for the rare device that doesn’t add additional bulk in your pocket.
If there are changes, they seem destined to be relatively minor. Color refreshes seem obvious, though the blue seen in these CAD renders is a placeholder, so don’t get your hopes up just yet. Likewise, Google could shrink down the bezels seen on the Pixel 9a to something slimmer, though we’ll need to see a real-world leak before making a final judgement call.
If you think you’re interested in picking up an A-series Pixel, there is very little reason for you to wait until next year.
Okay, so if the outside isn’t changing, at least the inside might, right? We saw Google take a similar strategy with the Pixel 10 this year, delivering a new Tensor SoC alongside the addition of Pixelsnap but keeping the majority of the device unchanged from the prior year. Well, the Pixel 10a appears to take that decision to an entirely new level. Not only did a recent Verizon leak seemingly confirm no changes to its basic specs — including its camera sensors, RAM and storage allotments, battery capacity, and display size — but almost everything we’ve heard suggests the Pixel 10a will keep its Tensor G4 SoC for another generation.
On paper, this level of consistency doesn’t qualify as a dealbreaker. The Pixel 9a is one of my favorite phones of the year, and I don’t expect a repackaged version to force me to reconsider that opinion all too much. But simultaneously, I think it’s worth something of a PSA to potential budget-minded shoppers that might be holding off on buying a Pixel 9a while waiting for new hardware that they might know is coming down the pike. Simply put: if you think you’re interested in picking up an A-series Pixel, there is very little reason for you to wait until next year.
Not only does the Pixel 9a appear to match its upcoming successor almost perfectly in early leaks, but it’s on sale right now ahead of the holidays. Google might keep the Pixel 10a at that same $500 price point come March (or April, or May — this A-series has never been fully locked into a specific launch slot), but there’s no need to gamble when the 9a is just $400 on store shelves at this very moment.
There are a couple of caveats here. The Pixel 9a used a variant of the Tensor G4 with an older Exynos modem than the one found in the Pixel 9; it’s possible the Pixel 10a could swap to the standard Pixel 9 version. Likewise, I think Pixelsnap has a solid shot of finding its way into the 10a, bringing magnetic charging and accessory support to Google’s budget series.
Neither of these points really change my opinion here, though. The Pixel 10a, as we understand it today, just doesn’t appear like enough of an upgrade to wait out Google’s current hardware. And considering a global RAM shortage could very well lead to more expensive smartphones in just a few short months — even if only temporarily — it simply feels like the right time to jump in and grab a Pixel 9a for cheap.
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