Google Pixel 10a Confirmed: Same Tensor G4, Higher Price for Mid-Range Phone

Google's Pixel 10a launches tomorrow with last year's Tensor G4 chip, unchanged cameras, and European pricing starting at €549 - €150 more than its predecessor despite minimal upgrades.

Google's Pixel 10a launches tomorrow, but European retailer Vanden Borre has already spilled the beans on what appears to be a surprisingly conservative update to Google's mid-range smartphone lineup.

Same Silicon, Higher Price

The most eyebrow-raising detail? Google is sticking with last year's Tensor G4 chipset for the Pixel 10a, even as the flagship Pixel 10 series moves to the newer Tensor G5. This marks a departure from Google's usual practice of bringing at least some generational improvements to its A-series devices.

Vanden Borre confirms the Pixel 10a will feature:

6.3-inch Actua display with 120Hz refresh rate
Tensor G4 processor (same as Pixel 9a)
Unchanged camera hardware from previous generation
Storage options: 128GB (€549) and 256GB (€649)
Color choices: Blue, Grey, and Obsidian

Pricing Raises Questions

The €549 starting price ($650) represents a significant jump from the Pixel 9a's launch price of €399. That's a €150 premium for what appears to be largely the same internal hardware. The 256GB model at €649 ($769) pushes the Pixel 10a into territory typically occupied by more premium devices.

This pricing strategy is particularly puzzling given that:

The processor is a year old
Camera hardware remains unchanged
The main upgrades appear to be the display and design (flat camera housing)

Market Context

Google's decision to use last year's silicon in its mid-range offering comes at a time when competitors are pushing harder in the budget segment. Samsung's Galaxy A series, Nothing's Phone lineup, and various Chinese manufacturers continue to offer competitive specifications at lower price points.

The Pixel 10a's positioning seems to blur the lines between mid-range and premium, potentially cannibalizing sales of the standard Pixel 10 models. With the flagship Pixel 10 starting at €799, the €549 Pixel 10a might appeal to budget-conscious buyers, but the minimal upgrades make the price hike harder to justify.

What This Means for Buyers

For consumers, the Pixel 10a presents a dilemma. If you prioritize software updates, camera quality, and the Pixel experience, the 10a remains a solid choice. However, the lack of hardware improvements and the significant price increase make last year's Pixel 9a or even the Pixel 8a potentially better value propositions.

The Pixel 10a goes on sale tomorrow, February 18, 2026. Whether Google's brand loyalty and software advantages can overcome the perception of a minimal upgrade at a higher price remains to be seen.