Pixel 10a Leaks Suggest Major Downgrades, Echoing Pixel 9 Specs
Following the recent launch of the Google Pixel 10 lineup, the rumour mill is already in full swing, with new leaks about the upcoming Pixel 10a suggesting it may be a step back rather than a significant upgrade. According to tipster Mystic Leaks, the next budget-friendly Pixel phone could feature more in common with the Pixel 9 series than the new Pixel 10.
The leaks, widely circulated and reported by various tech outlets including Android Police, point to several key hardware compromises. Most notably, the Pixel 10a is rumoured to use the older Tensor G4 chip, the same processor found in the Pixel 9 series, instead of the newer Tensor G5 that powers the flagship Pixel 10 models. This would break Google’s tradition of including the latest-generation Tensor chip in its “a-series” phones.
The use of the older processor could have a significant impact on performance, particularly for new AI features. The leaks suggest that a key on-device AI feature from the Pixel 10, known as “Magic Cue,” may not be available on the Pixel 10a. This feature uses contextual information from apps to proactively assist users, and the Tensor G4 may not be powerful enough to handle it.
Beyond the processor, other rumoured downgrades include slower storage and a less capable camera system. Mystic Leaks claims the Pixel 10a will feature UFS 3.1 storage, which is older and slower than the UFS 4.0 NAND used in the Pixel 10 Pro. Additionally, the phone is expected to lack a telephoto lens, a feature that was just added to the standard Pixel 10 this year.
However, the leaks aren’t all negative. A minor improvement is expected for the display, with a slight brightness boost to 2,000 nits, an increase from the 1,800 nits on the Pixel 9a.
While these leaks are unconfirmed and Google could change its plans before the Pixel 10a’s anticipated release in early 2026, they suggest a strategic shift for Google’s budget lineup. By leveraging older hardware, Google may be able to offer the Pixel 10a at a more competitive price point, but it could also risk alienating users who have come to expect flagship features in the more affordable “a-series” devices.
