It has been lower than per week since Google’s Pixel 10 lineup hit retailer cabinets, and the rumor mill has already shifted focus to the Pixel 10a. Attributable to launch in late Q1 or early Q2 subsequent 12 months, the Pixel 10a would be the most cost-effective member of the household, bringing the perfect options of its dearer sibling at a extra inexpensive worth level. Nonetheless, if a brand new leak is correct, the Pixel 10a might need extra in frequent with the Pixel 9 than the Pixel 10.
Early Pixel 10a leaks indicated Google would possibly low-cost out on the SoC, sticking to the identical Tensor G4 chip discovered on the Pixel 9. A brand new leak from a dependable supply hints that much more {hardware} might keep the identical between the Pixel 10a and its predecessor.
As per Mystic Leaks, the Pixel 10a will use the slower and older-generation UFS 3.1 storage. Google lastly switched to sooner UFS 4.0 NAND on the Pixel 10 lineup, albeit solely on the 256GB and better variants. The newer NAND commonplace brings considerably sooner learn/write speeds whereas decreasing energy consumption.
Virtually all main smartphone producers have switched to UFS 4.0 storage for his or her mid-range and premium units. It could be disappointing if Google caught with the older and slower NAND for one more technology, particularly for the reason that Pixel 10a is predicted to obtain 7 years of OS updates.
That is not the one disappointing a part of the leak. Primarily based on Mystic Leaker’s findings, the Pixel 10a won’t characteristic a telephoto digicam — regardless that Google added one to the bottom Pixel 10 this 12 months.
No Magic Cue on Pixel 10a
Google’s subsequent price range Pixel can even miss out on Magic Cue, one of many headlining new AI options of the brand new Pixels. It makes use of on-device AI to floor related, contextual info out of your apps and companies throughout calls and conversations.
Because the Pixel 10a’s launch is over six months away, Google would possibly change its stance and add Magic Cue assist. However, for now, all indicators level to this not taking place. This is sensible since Magic Cue depends on AI processing, and the Pixel 10a’s older Tensor G4 chip won’t be highly effective sufficient for the duty.
Lastly, the Pixel 10a’s show would possibly get a modest brightness increase, bumping it to 2,000 nits — up from 1,800 nits on the Pixel 9a. There isn’t any phrase but on Google adopting an LTPO panel with full 1-120Hz refresh fee assist.
All in all, it appears the Pixel 10a would possibly share extra in frequent with the 2024 Pixel 9 household than with the Pixel 10. That might make its $500 price ticket tougher to justify.