The Google Pixel 9a isn’t official yet – past rumors suggest that could change in the next few weeks – and we’re already talking about its successor, the Pixel 10a. This should arrive in early 2026, and a new rumor today claims that Google is thinking a lot about cutting costs on this one.
In particular, the chipset is the one that will suffer. Reportedly, Google will either go with a lower-performance version of the Tensor G5 chipset that will power the rest of the Pixel 10 devices, or choose to equip the Pixel 10a with the Tensor G4, which will also be in the Pixel 9a. .
Leaked image of Google Pixel 9a
It will break the tradition of the “a” model using the latest Tensor SoC and will certainly make the Pixel 10a a less attractive offering compared to its competitors. Of course, Google could compensate for this with other hardware upgrades, but not much information has been leaked yet.
The Tensor G4 made its debut in the Pixel 9 series last August, so it will be almost two years old by 2026. It won’t be a great look for sure. Additionally, going this route could seriously impact the 10a’s AI capabilities, as the Tensor G5 is said to enable much more AI content.
Obviously, the reason for this is cost. The Tensor G5 may be too expensive to keep the Pixel 10a’s price in line with its predecessor, and Google may decide that raising the price will boost its sales too much. Then again, going with a 2024 SoC on a 2026 smartphone could end up with exactly the same result.
Source | Image source
