Google’s Pixel 9 sequence was a success, serving to the corporate surpass OnePlus and Motorola to turn out to be the third-largest smartphone firm by quantity within the US in 2024. 2025’s Pixel 10 sequence may have massive footwear to fill and maintain the momentum going. We’ve our first leaks for 2026’s Pixel 10a, pointing to a giant and probably significant shake-up of the lineup.
For years, Google’s flagship Pixel telephones have been launched within the fall, with the corresponding A-series variant within the following spring at a lower cost. This was achieved in some ways: cheaper construct supplies, easier cameras and different parts, and a smaller dimension, to call a number of.
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One factor that has traditionally remained true for all of the units of the identical era is that they use the identical system on a chip (SoC). By utilizing the identical chipset a number of months later, Google enjoys higher economies of scale and manufacturing yields, which assist it obtain a decrease invoice of supplies (BOM).
As an illustration, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8a are powered by the Tensor G3. This ensured there wasn’t a distinction within the efficiency achieved by these units. Lately, with the appearance of CPU-enabled AI options, having the identical processor additionally implies that the 12 months’s new options are ultimately out there on the brand new, cheaper telephones. Whereas it is a great point for customers, we won’t assist however think about that this hurts the gross sales of the premium fashions of the era, which offers Google with increased margins.
For sure, Google might use some larger variations between its high-end and mid-range fashions to keep away from cannibalization.
Google would possibly work out how to try this elegantly in 2026. No, you didn’t learn that incorrect. We’re speaking a couple of telephone that’s greater than a 12 months away. A latest leak means that Google would possibly low-cost out on 2026’s Pixel 10a by equipping it with the Tensor G4. The Tensor G4 will probably be two years previous, having debuted on 2024’s Pixel 9 sequence.
Hey, Google, do it!
When smartphone refresh cycles have been shortened to 6 months, it might seem to be Google will shoot itself within the foot if it chooses to go forward with a Tensor G4-powered Pixel 10a in 2026. However hear me out: this is likely to be good for customers.
First and most notably, this is able to create a much bigger distinction between the Tensor G5-equipped Pixel 10 and the cheaper Pixel 10a. Contemplate Samsung’s Fan Version telephones or Apple’s SE iPhones. They combined present and former generations of tech to create a less expensive providing that does not compromise the person expertise.
Google nonetheless would not have the type of fan following the place folks would know each distinction between its fashions. Not having the identical chipset on its newest telephone might entice folks into shopping for the dearer Pixel 10. You do not should be tech-savvy to know {that a} Tensor G5 is best and newer than a Tensor G4. If Google cannot create a transparent distinction that positions the Pixel 10 above the Pixel 10a, it is in all probability higher off not launching the latter.
Utilizing an N–1 (N minus one, a product growth time period referring to the “earlier era”) SoC on the Google Pixel 10a ought to enable for a lower cost. When a brand new chipset is designed and fabricated, it’s costly initially and turns into cheaper over the months. A two-year-old flagship platform ought to provide a very good steadiness between efficiency and value. By promoting the Pixel 10a at a lower cost and with an older processor, there ought to be much less confusion between it and the remainder of the Pixel 10 sequence.
Possible higher worth for cash
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The Tensor G5 is meant to be the primary utterly self-designed SoC by Google (earlier Tensors had been primarily based on Samsung’s Exynos processors), providing an uptick in efficiency or effectivity. Nonetheless, this seemingly implies that Google has needed to incur main capital expenditures to convey the Tensor G5 to life, equating to the next part value. If that is the case, utilizing the Tensor G4 on a 2026 gadget ought to create a formidable price range smartphone expertise.
Google’s product and advertising groups might want to work carefully to drag this off.
This might have one other impact from a product advertising perspective. If the Pixel 10a is comparatively cheaper, it might decrease the entry level for brand spanking new customers of the newest Pixel units. Most normal patrons are unlikely to note or care about an older processor, making it a wise answer to Google’s woes.
Lastly, no dialogue of Pixel units is full with out speaking about AI. Synthetic intelligence options have performed a giant function in Google’s worth proposition. It should get larger within the years to come back. Google has principally stopped speaking concerning the efficiency enhancements at latest Pixel launches, primarily specializing in the brand new good options that the merchandise provide.
If Google plans to proceed on this path, its messaging efforts should align with what issues to customers and the way the Pixel 10a will serve them adequately, even with a Tensor G4.