The Google Pixel 10a may very well be essentially the most boring telephone launch in a decade

For the previous few months, rumors have been swirling about what Google has deliberate for the Pixel 10a, its upcoming mid-range different to the Pixel 10 and the successor to the Pixel 9a. Google launched the Pixel 10 sequence in August, and it normally rolls out the A-series within the first half of the yr following a flagship launch. For reference, the Pixel 7a arrived in Might 2023, the Pixel 8a in Might 2024, and the Pixel 9a dropped in April final yr. This yr, it appears just like the Pixel 10a might arrive even earlier.

In accordance with a submit by leaker Roland Quandt on Bluesky, the Pixel 10a is predicted to launch in mid-February (through Android Authority). If true, that may imply the Pixel 10a is launching nearly two months sooner than the Pixel 9a did final yr.

Along with teasing the launch date, Quandt additionally shared that the telephone can be out there in two storage choices, 128GB and 256GB, and are available in 4 colours: Obsidian, Berry, Fog, and Lavender.

Whereas it is good that the Pixel 10a may very well be arriving sooner than anticipated this yr, all of the rumors have me questioning if the early launch is as a result of Google is not truly altering a lot from the Pixel 9a.

The Pixel 10a may very well be a copy-and-paste of the Pixel 9a

With delicate modifications

Again in December, there was a reasonably substantial leak concerning the Pixel 10a, courtesy of dependable leaker @evleaks, who shared a screenshot displaying the telephone being licensed for Verizon’s community. The screenshot revealed some specs, together with a 6.3-inch FHD+ AMOLED show, 128GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, a 5,100mAh battery, and two rear cameras — a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide.

If that sounds acquainted, it is as a result of the Pixel 9a has the very same specs. Whereas Blass’ leak did not point out the chipset, earlier studies recommend the Pixel 10a will use the identical Tensor G4 chip because the 9a, simply clocked barely increased, as an alternative of leaping to the Tensor G5. Often, A-series telephones get the identical chipset because the flagship, however this yr, Google is likely to be taking a distinct strategy, presumably to chop prices.

Leaked renders from Android Headlines additionally present the Pixel 10a trying nearly equivalent to the 9a design-wise, with the one noticeable change presumably being barely thinner bezels.

With that in thoughts, if the specs and design are almost equivalent and the one actual variations are colour choices, it is smart why Google might launch the Pixel 10a so early in February. Final yr, Google fully revamped the Pixel 9a in comparison with the 8a, upgrading the design, chipset, and battery. But when these leaks maintain true, the Pixel 10a appears like a straight copy-and-paste of the 9a, which might make for a reasonably underwhelming launch.

When you’ve been ready to improve, the Pixel 10a might nonetheless be value it — particularly should you’re on an older gadget just like the Pixel 6a or 7a, and Google retains the worth at $500. However should you’re on a good finances, the Pixel 9a remains to be a stable possibility, significantly since it’s going to possible have the identical specs — and you may usually discover it on sale for as little as $400.

Personally, I hope a few of these leaks are improper and the Pixel 10a has just a few surprises in retailer. However proper now, it is trying more and more possible that the telephone may very well be fairly boring, given how closely it is rumored to carefully mirror the Pixel 9a.