Alphabet’s Google has introduced the Pixel 10a, its latest mid-range smartphone, emphasizing sustainability and software-driven features while keeping much of the hardware unchanged from the previous generation.
The Pixel 10a is the first in the company’s “a” series to incorporate recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten, accounting for at least 36% of the device by weight. Its aluminum frame is made from 100% recycled material, and the packaging is fully plastic-free. The back panel is composed of 81% recycled plastic.
Under the hood, the device runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, the same processor used in the Pixel 9a and other Pixel 9 series models. Built on Samsung’s 4nm process, the chip is paired with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, leaving overall performance largely unchanged from last year’s model.
The Pixel 10a ships with Android 16 and comes with a commitment of seven years of software updates, including feature updates known as “Pixel Drops.” Google is positioning artificial intelligence capabilities — including its Gemini assistant and Gemini Live voice features — as key differentiators in the competitive mid-range segment.
The phone retains an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and upgrades to Gorilla Glass 7i for improved durability. The 6.3-inch Actua display now reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, up from 2,700 nits previously.
Camera hardware remains the same, featuring a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Google is instead highlighting AI-powered photography features such as Camera Coach, Auto Best Take and Add Me to enhance the user experience.
Battery capacity remains at 5,100mAh, which Google says provides up to 30 hours of typical use. Charging speeds have improved, with wired charging increased to 30W from 23W, and wireless charging rising to 10W from 7.5W.
The Pixel 10a is available in four colours — Fog, Obsidian, Berry and Lavender. In the United States, the device is priced at $500 for the 128GB model, with a $100 premium for the 256GB version. It is priced at £500 in the United Kingdom and €550 in Europe.
The launch reflects Google’s continued focus on sustainability and artificial intelligence as central pillars of its smartphone strategy, even as hardware changes remain incremental.
