Google confirms Pixel 10a launch with pre-orders set for February

Google has officially announced the upcoming launch of the Pixel 10a, confirming that the new smartphone will soon join its mid-range Pixel A-series lineup. While the company has stopped short of revealing full technical details, it has released a brief teaser and provided a timeline for when consumers can place their orders.

According to Google, pre-orders for the Pixel 10a will open on 18 February. The announcement marks the first formal acknowledgement of the device following weeks of industry speculation and unofficial leaks. Google has not yet shared pricing or regional availability, but the confirmation signals that a full unveiling is likely to follow shortly.

The company’s teaser image offers an early look at the phone’s design. It suggests a flat-backed body with no visible camera bump, a notable shift from recent Pixel models that typically feature a raised camera bar. The image also indicates that the device will include a dual-camera system on the rear, continuing a familiar approach for Google’s more affordable smartphones.

The handset appears in a distinctive bluish-purple colour, which stands out from Google’s usual muted tones. The finish has drawn comparisons to Apple’s Ultramarine colour option seen on the iPhone 16, suggesting Google may be aiming for a more playful aesthetic to appeal to younger or style-conscious buyers.

Design clues and expected hardware features

Although Google has not confirmed the Pixel 10a’s specifications, the teaser has reinforced several rumours circulating within the technology community. The flat design, in particular, points to a cleaner and potentially more durable build, which could appeal to users who prefer simpler phone profiles without protruding camera modules.

Industry rumours suggest the Pixel 10a will feature a 6.28-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. If accurate, this would represent a significant upgrade for the A-series, placing the device closer to premium smartphones in terms of screen smoothness. A higher refresh rate is generally associated with smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness, features increasingly expected by consumers even in mid-range devices.

Camera capabilities are also expected to remain a key selling point. Reports indicate the Pixel 10a may include a 48-megapixel main camera paired with a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens. While these figures have not been officially confirmed, Google’s reputation for computational photography suggests the company will likely focus on software optimisation alongside hardware improvements.

The device is expected to be powered by Google’s Tensor G4 system-on-chip, the same processor reportedly used in the Pixel 9a. If this proves correct, it would allow the Pixel 10a to support many of Google’s latest AI-driven features, including on-device processing for photography, voice recognition and security tools. Using the same chip across models could also help Google maintain consistent performance and software support across its range.

Pre-order plans and early interest incentives

Ahead of the official pre-order date, Google is encouraging potential buyers to register their interest through the Google Online Store. The company has introduced an incentive for early sign-ups, signalling an effort to build momentum ahead of the phone’s release.

Users who register their interest before 13 February at 3:59 pm will receive a special offer via email. This offer can be redeemed once pre-orders for the Pixel 10a begin. While Google has not disclosed the nature of the promotion, past campaigns have included discounts, store credit, or bundled accessories.

This approach reflects Google’s broader strategy of using its online ecosystem to engage directly with consumers. By capturing early interest, the company can gauge demand while also rewarding loyal customers who closely follow its product launches. It also helps drive traffic to the Google Online Store, which remains the primary sales channel for Pixel devices in many markets.

The Pixel A-series has traditionally played an important role in Google’s smartphone portfolio, offering core Pixel features at a lower price point. With the Pixel 10a, Google appears to be continuing that strategy while refining the design and potentially narrowing the gap between its mid-range and flagship models.

As the pre-order date approaches, further details are expected to emerge, including official specifications, pricing and availability. For now, Google’s confirmation has provided a clearer picture of what to expect, positioning the Pixel 10a as a notable addition to the company’s growing hardware lineup.