Google has dropped the latest member of its premium Pixel smartphone family — the Pixel 10a. The baby sibling to 2025’s Pixel 10 series, the 10a comes packed with high-end specs, AI enhancements and a tough all-day battery, but at a lower price. But is it really an improvement on the Pixel 9a — and can you find a better deal by sticking with an older device?
Google Pixel 10a: key specs and features
Here’s a quick overview of the Google Pixel 10a's key specifications:
- From $849 AUD RRP
- 6.3-inch Actua pOLED display
- 5,100 mAh battery with Extreme Battery Saver
- 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB internal storage
- Google Tensor G4 processor with Titan M2 security
- Dual rear-camera setup (48MP wide + 13MP ultra-wide camera)
- 13MP front-facing camera
- Android 16 operating system
- 5G connectivity
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Dual SIM/eSIM
- Available in Obsidian, Lavender, Berry and Fog colours
What is the Google Pixel 10a release date in Australia?
The Google Pixel 10a is now available for pre-order, and will hit stores on March 5. You can buy the device outright from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, The Good Guys and Harvey Norman, as well as on device and SIM-only plan bundles from Telstra and Optus.
How much does the Google Pixel 10a cost?
The good news is that Google hasn’t jacked up prices when compared to last year’s Pixel 9a — prices for the 10a in each storage size are exactly the same. This is good news in light of predicted smartphone price rises, due to skyrocketing pricing for RAM.
Outright prices for the Pixel 10a range are:
Google Pixel 10a 128GB: $849
Google Pixel 10a 256GB: $999
In comparison to other lower-priced flagship spin-offs, the 10a is slightly cheaper. Apple's iPhone 16e begins at $999 for 128GB of storage, while the 128GB Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is $949.
Telstra Pixel 10a deal: Save $300
Telstra is currently offering $300 off the price of the Pixel 10a for customers who pre-order on a 12, 24 or 36-month device payment plan. Ends March 5, terms apply.
Score a hot deal on other Google Pixel smartphones
With the 10a landing in stores in a matter of weeks, several telcos are making room by offering serious discounts on other Pixel devices — including a FREE Pixel 9a valued at $849.
Here’s what shoppers can currently score:
Optus
- Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro Fold and 10 Pro XL: Get a bonus 128GB Pixel 9a free when you buy any Pixel 10 model on a 24 or 36 month device payment plan (ends March 22, terms apply).
Vodafone
- Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: save $750 when you buy on a 36-month device payment plan and stay connected (terms apply).
Telstra
- Google Pixel 10: Save $350 when you buy on a 12, 24 or 36-month payment plan or outright and pair with a Telstra SIM plan (ends February 23, terms apply).
What features does the Google Pixel 10a include?
Design and display
Google has carried over its main design change from the Pixel 9a — removing the old horizontal camera back in favour of a completely flat back. It’s a general ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach, but Google has increased its sustainability efforts with a 100% recycled aluminium frame and 81% recycled plastic rear cover.
The 10a offers the same-sized 6.3 inch Actua display as last year, but with an 11% increase in brightness, giving you up to 3,000 nits in peak sunlight. You’ll also get a 60-120Hz refresh rate for easy scrolling.
The screen itself is covered by tough Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and the phone is IP68 dust and water resistant, so it can survive a swim in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
Performance and battery
Unlike the flagship Pixel 10 range, which includes the Google Tensor G5 processor, the Pixel 10a is powered by the Tensor G4. While it’s not the newest and fastest Google chipset, the G4 still offers an efficient, AI-ready performance, and is paired with the Titan M2 co-processor for enhanced security and data protection.
AI is still the name of the game, even in the cheaper 10a. Google has continued to integrate the device’s hardware with its Android software and Gemini AI, offering faster and smarter assistance and AI processing. Pixel 10a users will have access to a full range of key Gemini features, including:
- Gemini Live: Real-time, voice-activated AI conversation and assistance.
- Gemini Nano: AI assistance that doesn’t require WiFi or a network connection.
- Circle to Search: Search directly from photos, text or video by drawing a circle.
- Live Translate: Instantly translate text, plus translate messages and live audio.
- Pixel Call Assist: Includes call screening, clear calling and the option to let Pixel wait on hold for you.
- Live Caption and Live Transcribe: Instant real-time text and captions of audio and video.
The Pixel 10a comes with a hefty 5,100mAh battery capacity, good for up to 30 hours of use on a single charge (and 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled).
As with other new Pixel releases, the 10a will receive seven years of Pixel Drop, security and Android software updates from the time of launch. Customers will also get the newest Android 16 operating system out of the box, and an included two-year trial of Satellite SOS, which allows you to contact emergency services via satellite when you’re away from a mobile or WiFi network.
Cameras
The 10a includes the now-standard dual rear camera lineup: a 48-megapixel wide rear camera with Optical and electronic image stabilisation, plus a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens. It also features a 13-megapixel front-facing camera, plus 4K video recording in both the front and back.
Some of the camera features enabled by Google's Gemini AI include:
- Super Res Zoom: Zoom in up to 8x.
- Magic Eraser: Delete objects and background sounds in photos and videos.
- Magic Editor: Reframe, resize or reposition objects and people in photos with one tap.
- Reimagine: Add AI-created backgrounds and images to your photos.
- Best Take: Combine multiple shots into one group photo.
- Photo/Face Unblur: Sharpen blurry faces or objects in photos.
- Add Me: Swap in participants in group shots so no-one is left out, even the photographer.
- Camera Coach: Offers suggestions when taking photos based on lighting, subject matter and more.
Other key camera modes include improved Night Sight, Astrophotography, Panorama and Macro Focus.
Wrapping up the Google Pixel 10a’s main features, buyers will also get 5G connectivity, eSIM and dual SIM, and a choice of 128GB or 256GB storage sizes, each with 8GB of RAM. You can pick from Obsidian, Berry, Fog and Lavender colours.
Should you buy the Google Pixel 10a?
At first glance, the Google Pixel 10a is a feature-packed phone that offers serious value for money in the under-$1,000 space. However, its overall improvements compared to the Pixel 9a are incremental: you'll get the same processor, camera hardware and battery size.
The 2026 10a offers some software and AI enhancements, as well as an improved display. But ultimately, both phones are pretty similar — so there's no need to drop your 2025 phone to grab the 10a just yet.
If you're overdue for an upgrade, however, the Pixel 10a could be a great choice for customers wanting flagship quality at a more reasonable price. However, Android lovers may also want to consider the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, especially if you're looking for a bigger screen and a superior triple rear camera.
