Google just teased the Pixel 10a — and it's launching sooner than expected

Google has officially teased the Pixel 10a with a February 18, 2026 launch date — months earlier than expected. As reported by PCMag, the company released a teaser video showing the device's design whilst confirming pre-orders begin the same day. The 'a' series typically offers flagship features at budget prices, with the Pixel 9a launching at $499.

What the Pixel 10a looks like

The teaser video reveals the Pixel 10a's full design, and it looks remarkably similar to the flagship Pixel 10. The key difference is the camera system — Google has ditched the prominent camera bay for a modest-looking, flat dual-camera setup.

This design choice aligns with Google's 'a' series philosophy of maintaining premium aesthetics whilst cutting costs. The flatter camera module should also reduce wobble when placed on flat surfaces, addressing a common complaint about modern flagship phones.

Google's cryptic tagline "A phone with more in store, in store soon" suggests additional features beyond what's visible, though specifics remain under wraps until launch day.

Expected pricing and value proposition

Google hasn't revealed Pixel 10a pricing, but the Pixel 9a launched at $499 compared to $799 for the standard Pixel 9. If Google maintains this pricing strategy, the Pixel 10a should undercut the $899 Pixel 10 by roughly $400.

However, ongoing memory shortages could affect pricing. The industry-wide component shortage has forced manufacturers to consider higher prices or reduced memory configurations to offset costs. Google may need to balance affordability with rising component prices.

The Pixel 9a currently sells for $399, down from its $499 launch price. This suggests Google has room to maintain competitive pricing even if component costs rise slightly.

Early launch strategy

The February 18 launch represents a significant shift in Google's release schedule. The Pixel 9a didn't arrive until April 2025, meaning the 10a is launching roughly two months earlier in the cycle.

This earlier timing could help Google compete better against other budget flagships that typically launch in the first quarter. Samsung's Galaxy A series and various Chinese manufacturers often dominate early-year releases, so Google may be positioning the 10a to capture attention before the market gets crowded.

Google is offering an "exclusive offer" for users who sign up for Google Store emails before launch. Whilst details remain unclear, similar promotions have included discounts, bundled accessories, or extended warranties.

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