Google Pixel 10a launch today: Expected price, specifications, AI features and things to know about the ‘most durable’ Pixel A-series phone

Google is set to unveil its most affordable Pixel 10 series smartphone on Wednesday (February 18). The tech giant has been teasing the Pixel 10a as “the most durable Google Pixel A-Series yet,” signaling a an upgrade to its budget-friendly lineup. Apart from its built, the company has also teased that the phone will get AI features and camera-centric capabilities. Here is all we know about the Google Pixel 10a launch.

“To confirm the rumors, we’ll be introducing our Pixel 10a to our best-ever rated Pixel 10 series very soon,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said during the company’s Q4 earnings call.

Google Pixel 10a pre-orders will begin from 9pm IST, as per a landing page on Flipkart. The phone will also be available for pre-order through Flipkart and the Google Store in India. Google is also offering attractive deals on its online store, including exchange bonuses for eligible Pixel phones, no-cost EMIs of up to 24 months, and Google Store credit during promotions.

Official pricing and complete specifications will be confirmed at the official announcement. Last year, the Google Pixel 9a was launched at a starting price of Rs 49,999 for the lone 8GB RAM/256GB storage variant.

The Pixel 10a is expected to be priced similar.

As far as the colour options and variants are concerned, a report by French publication Dealabs, the Pixel 10a may be offered in 128GB and 256GB storage options. The phone is said to launch in Berry, Fog, Lavender and Obsidian colours.

The Pixel 10a will feature a design that is similar to the Pixel 9a – a completely flat rear camera module. The Flipkart microsite confirms the phone will feature a sleek metal frame and a pill-shaped horizontal camera island that sits flush with the rear panel. Google is also emphasizing durability, claiming this will be the toughest A-series Pixel yet.

While the official specifications are not released yet, rumours claim that the Pixel 10a is expected to sport a 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,000 nits. Under the hood, the phone is likely powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chipset, the same processor found in its flagship models.

The device is expected to pack a 5,100mAh battery and will come with IP68 dust and water resistance. The Pixel 10a is expected to feature a dual rear camera setup with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide shooter. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 13MP front-facing camera.

Here’s a table of expected specifications:

Google is going all-in on AI with the Pixel 10a. The company has confirmed that the phone will will have “Gemini [as] built-in AI assistant”.

Expected AI features include Gemini Nano, Gemini Live, Pixel Screenshots, Magic Cue, Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Call Assist.

“Finally, from Android to Pixel, we’re getting our best AI capabilities into people’s hands,” Pichai said during the earnings call.

The phone will also come with practical features like RCS messaging for better communication with iPhone users, easy data transfer tools, FaceTime compatibility for video chatting, and pairing with Apple devices like AirPods, Apple TV, and Wear OS smartwatches.