Google Pixel 10a

The Google Pixel 10a was released on 18 February 2026. This launch brings Google’s latest budget-friendly smartphone to customers in the United Kingdom through Vodafone.

• You can purchase it on Pay monthly plans or Pay as you go plans

• Find your nearest Vodafone store to see it in person

The February 2026 release makes the Pixel 10a one of the first significant smartphone launches of the year, offering an affordable gateway into Google’s Pixel family.

The Google Pixel 10a is powered by the Tensor G4 processor, Google’s fourth-generation custom chipset built specifically for Pixel devices. Think of your smartphone’s chipset as its command centre – it coordinates everything from launching apps to processing photos, managing your battery, and running AI features.

The Tensor G4 stands out because Google designed it exclusively for Pixel phones, meaning that it works seamlessly with Android and Google services. This custom approach delivers:

• Faster AI processing for features like real-time translation and advanced photography

• Smoother multitasking when you’re juggling multiple apps

• Intelligent battery management that extends your usage time throughout the day

• Enhanced security with on-device processing

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a supports 5G connectivity across multiple frequency bands. 5G represents the newest generation of mobile networks, delivering substantially faster data speeds and more responsive connections than 4G.

With the 5G support of the Pixel 10a on Vodafone’s expanding 5G network, you’ll experience:

• Quicker downloads when grabbing files or apps

• Smoother streaming for high-quality video without buffering

• Better responsiveness for video calls and online gaming

• More reliable connection in crowded areas

The phone supports 5G Sub-6 bands – a frequency-optimised, wider-range 5G technology – that provide widespread coverage throughout the UK. When 5G isn’t available, your Pixel 10a seamlessly switches to 4G LTE, 3G, or 2G to maintain connectivity wherever you travel.

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a has dual SIM capability, letting you run two phone numbers simultaneously on one device. You can use either one physical nano-SIM card plus one eSIM, or two eSIMs (with no physical SIM card).

Having dual SIM functionality proves valuable in various situations:

• Keep work and personal numbers separate without carrying two devices

• Maintain your UK number while using local data abroad

• Switch between networks for better coverage in different areas

• Take advantage of different plans for calls and data

Both connections remain active simultaneously, allowing you to receive calls and messages on either number while using the other for data.

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a supports eSIM technology. An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. eSIM technology offers several advantages:

• Instant activation – no need to wait for a physical card to arrive

• Flexible carrier switching – ideal for international travel

• Use alongside a physical SIM – dual SIM functionality

• More environmentally friendly – no plastic card

The Pixel 10a supports multiple eSIM profiles, allowing you to store different carriers and switch between them as needed. You can have up to two eSIMs active at the same time (or one eSIM plus one physical nano-SIM).

Learn how to set up your eSIM with Vodafone

The Google Pixel 10a delivers over 30 hours of battery life from its 5,100mAh capacity. This means you can reliably use your phone throughout the day and into the next without needing to charge.

Your actual battery performance varies based on how you use your device. Several factors affect battery life:

• Screen brightness and refresh rate settings

• Apps running in the background

• Network signal strength and connectivity

• Usage patterns like gaming or video streaming

The Tensor G4 chip intelligently manages battery consumption based on your usage patterns, learning when you typically use certain apps and adjusting power accordingly. Google’s Adaptive Battery feature limits battery usage for apps you rarely use, while Extreme Battery Saver mode can extend usage even further when you’re running low.

The Google Pixel 10a has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, which is the highest one available for smartphones. This certification means your device is completely dust-tight and can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for about 30 minutes.

This protection safeguards your Pixel 10a from everyday accidents like spills, splashes, and brief submersion. You can confidently use your phone in the rain, near the pool, or during kitchen mishaps. However, water resistance isn’t permanent and may decrease over time through normal wear. Avoid deliberately submerging your device, using it underwater, or exposing it to saltwater, chlorinated water, or other liquids besides fresh water. While your device resists moisture, it’s best to keep it dry when possible – the IP68 rating doesn’t cover damage from water exposure.

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a supports wireless charging – it uses the Qi standard, which is the universal wireless charging technology supported by most charging pads and stands. Simply place your Pixel 10a on any Qi-certified wireless charger – it begins charging automatically without needing to plug in a cable. Wireless charging offers convenient, cord-free power top-ups throughout your day. Shop accessories at Vodafone

The Google Pixel 10a also supports battery share functionality, allowing you to wirelessly charge compatible devices, like earbuds, by placing them on the back of your phone. Although wireless charging is typically slower than wired charging, it provides excellent convenience for overnight or desktop charging while you work.

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a supports fast charging that can reach up to 50% battery capacity in about 30 minutes when using an appropriate charger. This USB-C fast charging capability means you can quickly top up your battery during short breaks rather than waiting hours for a full charge.

For optimal fast charging speeds, use Google’s 45W USB-C charger. The actual charging speed varies depending on several factors, including the charger wattage, cable quality, current battery level, and phone temperature. The Pixel 10a intelligently manages charging speed to protect battery health, sometimes slowing charging when the battery is nearly full or when the phone temperature rises. Browse charging accessories at Vodafone

The box contents for the Google Pixel 10a typically follow Google’s environmental initiative, which means the phone doesn’t include a power adapter in the box. This practice reduces electronic waste and packaging materials across the smartphone industry.

When you purchase a Google Pixel 10a, the box includes the phone itself, a USB-C-to-USB-C charging cable, a SIM ejector tool, and a quick-start documentation. If you don’t already own a USB-C charger, you’ll need to purchase one separately. Any USB-C wall charger works with the Pixel 10a, but using a higher-wattage charger enables faster charging speeds.

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a is built around artificial intelligence, powered by the Tensor G4 chip specifically designed for AI tasks. These intelligent features enhance your experience across the entire device.

The AI capabilities include:

• Photography improvements with automatic scene and lighting adjustments

• Learning usage patterns to optimise battery life and performance

• Real-time language translation for conversations and texts

• Natural voice command understanding for hands-free control

• Contextual action suggestions based on what you’re doing

Unlike phones with generic processors, the Tensor G4 of the Pixel 10a handles AI processing directly on your device, making these features faster, more private, and more reliable without depending on internet connectivity. Learn more about the best AI phones

The Google Pixel 10a features a capable dual camera system with a 48MP wide camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera. The 48MP primary lens captures detailed photos with excellent colour accuracy, while the 13MP ultrawide lens allows you to fit more into your shots, perfect for landscapes and group photos.

The camera system benefits significantly from Google’s computational photography powered by the Tensor G4 chip. Key features include:

• Night Sight – capture clear photos in low light without flash

• Magic Eraser – remove unwanted objects from photos

• Real Tone – accurately represent diverse skin tones

• Photo Unblur – fix blurry images after they’re taken

• Super Res Zoom – digitally enhance zoomed photos up to 8x

The combination of capable hardware and intelligent software processing makes the camera system of the Pixel 10a particularly strong for its price range.

The Google Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display with Smooth Display functionality supporting refresh rates between 60Hz and 120Hz. The screen uses OLED technology, delivering vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast across the display.

The 6.3-inch size strikes a balance between comfortable one-handed use and generous screen space for content. The Smooth Display automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on what you’re viewing, using 120Hz for scrolling and gaming where smoothness matters, while dropping to 60Hz for static content to save battery. The Actua display reaches up to 2,000 nits peak brightness, ensuring good visibility, even in bright sunlight. Screen dimensions are measured diagonally across the display, meaning that the actual viewable area is slightly smaller due to rounded corners and bezels.

The Google Pixel 10a is available in four colour options. Each colour features a premium finish designed to suit different personal styles and preferences:

• Obsidian – a classic black finish

• Berry – a vibrant pink shade

• Fog – a soft grey tone

• Lavender – a light purple hue

Your colour choice is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect the performance, features, or specifications of the Pixel 10a. Colour availability may vary depending on your chosen storage capacity and purchase plan. Find your nearest Vodafone store to see the Pixel 10a in person.