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Google has unveiled its new Pixel 10a smartphone in a surprise announcement. The Californian company only just confirmed the dates for its I/O developer conference, then revealed its newest budget-friendly handset overnight with little fanfare. The A series is designed to deliver flagship-level features without a hefty price tag.
Pixel 10a is the successor to the Pixel 9a delivered last year, and shares a lot in common with that handset. It packs Google's custom-built Tensor G4 chip for efficiency, advanced AI capabilities, and what the company calls its "best-in-class one camera system".
The arrival of the tech firm's newest mobile is set to rival other budget-friendly models expected to be released this year — including British startup Nothing's upcoming 4a series, a new addition to the Samsung Galaxy A Series, and the possible Apple iPhone 17e rumoured for its March 4 announcement.
So what exactly makes this handset stand out from the crowd? Here's everything you need to know about the new mobile – from its appearance to its overall performance.
The Google Pixel 10a differs from Google’s most recent flagship handsets in clear, measurable ways — while still keeping many of the features that define the Pixel experience.
For starters, at the heart of the Pixel 10a sits the previous-generation Tensor G4 processor, not the newest G5 system-on-a-chip. Despite this, G4 still enables access to Google Gemini, the company's personal AI assistant. The company has been investing quite a lot of time into new Gemini features. Most recently, new AI tools were unveiled for your Gmail inbox. Google Maps is also being treated to a free upgrade.
The phone will give you the ability to have natural, flowing conversations using Gemini Live, making it feel more like chatting with a friend than talking to your phone. You'll be able to ask it plenty of questions, like you would with other popular AI models such as ChatGPT or Claude AI.
You can ask questions and search for information with the Gemini Live feature on the Google Pixel 10a
|GOOGLE PRESS OFFICE
There's also Circle to Search, which lets you learn about anything on your screen simply by circling, tapping, or highlighting it. Photography enthusiasts will love Camera Coach, which is also featured in the rest of the Pixel 10 series, which uses Gemini models to offer step-by-step tips on lighting and composition, helping you improve your skills with every shot.
The camera setup features a 48MP main sensor paired with a 13MP ultrawide lens, which will help deliver results for close-up shots with Macro Focus and low-light photography through Night Sight.
This differs from the Pixel 10 Pro, as it features dedicated telephoto or periscope zoom lenses for enhanced long-distance photography.
You can also take advantage of Auto Best Take. This automatically analyses multiple frames when you snap a group photo to ensure everyone looks their best with just one press of the shutter
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And here's something fun – the current Add Me now feature, available in other models, works with both small and large groups, so you can squeeze the entire family into a reunion photo, then pop yourself in afterwards if you couldn't make it into the original picture.
The Pixel 10a is also built to be Google's toughest A-series phone yet, boasting IP68 water and dust protection alongside Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the display for better scratch and drop resistance.
The Pixel 10a is also built to be Google's toughest A-series phone yet, boasting IP68 water and dust protection alongside Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the display for better scratch and drop resistance
|GOOGLE PRESS OFFICE
Battery life competes with other existing Androids available, such as the Honor Magic8 Pro — you're looking at over 30 hours on a single charge, stretching to 120 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode switched on.
For the first time on an A-series device, there's also Satellite SOS, which lets you reach emergency services even without Wi-Fi or mobile signal.
Save up to £120 when you trade in your old device and pre-order the Google Pixel 10a from Three
You can save up to £120 on the new Pixel 10a when you trade in your old handset to mobile provider Three. Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, it unlocks full access to Gemini, including Gemini Live, Circle to Search and AI upgrades across Gmail and Maps. Its 48MP and 13MP dual-camera system supports Night Sight, Macro Focus and Auto Best Take — though unlike the Google Pixel 10 Pro, it lacks a dedicated telephoto zoom lens.
Google Pixel 10a
$499
$379
You can pre-order the Pixel 10a now through the Google Store and major carriers like Three, EE, O2, and more, with the handset hitting shelves on March 5, 2026. This model will start at £499 for 128GB of storage.
The phone comes in four standout colours – Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian – with matching cases available. Google's also launching Pixel Buds 2a for £129 in Berry and Fog to complement your new handset, which is also available for pre-order.
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