The Pixel 10 lineup was only announced two weeks ago, but the rumor mill churns ever on as new Pixel 10a leaks have already started to filter out. But these early leaks aren't painting a compelling picture of Google's next budget-friendly phone..
Google's Pixel A series phones usually come out in the first half of the year, bringing many of the Pixel flagship features to a more affordable device. However, the latest Pixel 10a rumors sound like that upcoming model will have more in common with the Pixel 9 than the Pixel 10.
According to the tipster Mystic Leaks (via Android Police) the Pixel 10 will feature UFS 3.1 storage. This is slower and older than the UFS 4.0 NAND now in the Pixel 10 Pro models. The newer storage is significantly faster and more power-efficient than the 3.1 version.
Additionally, Mystic Leaks claims the Pixel 10a will not have a telephoto lens. Google just added one to the standard Pixel 10 this year, though perhaps it's not surprising that Google would not extend that feature to the midrange Pixel 10a.
Weaker chip
It's rumored that Google will use the older Tensor G4 chip in the 10a, rather than the G5 processor in the Pixel 10 series. That does mean that new AI features might not be available on the Pixel 10a.
One casualty could be the genius AI feature Magic Cue that uses on-device AI to "understand" you via contextual information from your apps and services like a proactive sidekick.
As an example, in text messages a friend asks for your flight details. Magic Cue will read the conversation and will show your itinerary which it pulled from Gmail — no searching and copy-pasting needed.
The Tensor G4 chip may not be powerful enough for this feature, but we'll see if it filters down to the Pixel 9 series over the coming months. Google could change its mind between now and then.
It's not unprecedented for the Pixel A phone to miss out on AI features introduced in the flagships. This year's Pixel 9a doesn't offer the Pixel Screenshots app or Call Notes feature found on the Pixel 9, as the 9a relies on a scaled-back version of Gemini Nano.
Outlook
Additionally, Android Police reports that the Pixel 10a display will got a slight brightness boost to 2,000 nits, a bit bigger than the 1,800 nits on the Pixel 9a.
We'll see if Google makes other improvements over the Pixel 9a to make the Pixel 10a a more compelling upgrade once it arrives in 2026.
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