Google Pixel 10a launched in India with improved durability, 7 years of OS updates, and more

Google’s affordable Pixel phone for 2026 is here, and it’s called the Pixel 10a. The smartphone is official globally and is up for pre-order in India starting today. As a successor to last year’s Pixel 9a (review), the Pixel 10a offers a similar design language with improved durability, long software support, and a bunch of AI features. However, some hardware remains unchanged, including the Tensor G4 chipset and rear camera system.

Google Pixel 10a costs the same as Pixel 9a

Priced at Rs 49,999, the Pixel 10a costs the same as its predecessor. It will be available in a single 8GB RAM model.

While pre-orders start today, the Pixel 10a will be on sale from March 6th. Launch offers include Rs 3,000 cashback on select HDFC Bank Cards, up to 24-month no-cost EMI instalment plans, and a Rs 3,000 exchange bonus.

Additionally, the Pixel 10a is part of Google’s Pixel Upgrade Program, which allows you to buy the phone with zero down payment and zero interest, with a low monthly instalment plan and the option to upgrade to the latest Pixel phone after 9 EMIs, regardless of the condition of the old phone.

What’s new

Last year’s Pixel 9a ditched the familiar camera visor for a flush camera setup. But the camera module still had a slight protruding lip. Google has removed that lip on the Pixel 10a for a completely, 100 percent bumpless design for a clean and minimal look. The phone comes with a textured matte back and a satin metal frame. It will be available in four colour options: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian.

Google has focused on durability this time around, and they even took us to Taiwan for an exclusive look at their testing process (drop tests, water jet, etc.), which you can read about here. The Pixel 10a is their most durable A-series phone yet, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the display and IP68 dust- and water-resistance.

Durability is not just on the outside but also on the inside, with the Pixel 10a promising to stay up to date for at least 7 years, including OS and security updates. It ships with Android 16, and a clean, stock one at that, and will receive updates well into 2030. Android 16 brings Material 3 Expressive, which includes new wallpaper effects, refined app UI, and a more modern notification shade, among other things.

This is a Pixel phone after all, which means it gets Google’s suite of AI tools, such as Add Me in camera, which lets you be part of a group photo you’re capturing, or simply ask for edits in Photos instead of manually making changes by selecting tools and adjusting sliders. Gemini is, of course, baked into the Pixel 10a to help you get things done across apps.

What hasn’t changed

Here’s where things are pretty much the same as last year’s Pixel 9a. First, the Pixel 10a uses the same Tensor G4 chip that powered not only the Pixel 9a last year but also the Pixel 9 series the year before. Yes, the Pixel 10a uses a two-year-old Tensor chip. This is curious, given that the Pixel 10 series launched last year with the Tensor G5, so one would assume the 10a would receive the same treatment.

Google’s decision to use Tensor G4 may be to keep the Pixel 10a price unchanged from its predecessor, given that phones are getting more expensive this year due to the ongoing memory chip shortage.

Using the Tensor G4 means you shouldn’t expect dramatically different performance from the Pixel 9a. But it also means rivals will offer significantly better performance as they use newer chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

Second, the Pixel 10a features the same 48MP main and 13MP ultra-wide camera system as the Pixel 9a. However, the phone introduces Camera Coach for the first time in an A series. For those who are unaware, Camera Coach offers composition tips and step-by-step instructions to help you capture the best scene.

Third, this is still a compact phone with a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Lastly, the battery is the same at 5,100mAh, though charging speed has improved marginally from 23W to 30W. The phone also supports 10W wireless charging.

The Pixel 10a is up for pre-order in India starting today. Given its specifications, it appears the phone is intended to attract Pixel 8a or older users. The Pixel 10a may not offer enough to entice Pixel 9a users to upgrade. For non-Pixel users, the Pixel 10a offers a clean, stock Android 16 experience with long-term support, along with a minimalist, compact design.