New details about Google's upcoming budget-friendly smartphone, the Pixel 10a, have surfaced through an official carrier certification. While the leak provides a concrete look at potential hardware, it also paints a picture of a device that may bear a striking resemblance to its predecessor, sparking debate about Google's upgrade strategy for its affordable AI phone line.
Leaked Specifications Point to Incremental Update
A certification listing on U.S. carrier Verizon's network, shared by renowned leaker Evan Blass, has revealed key specifications for a device believed to be the Google Pixel 10a. The listing details a phone with a 6.3-inch Full HD+ plastic AMOLED display capable of a 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the device is a sizable 5,100 mAh battery, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The camera system, according to the filing, consists of a 48-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, complemented by a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.
Reported Google Pixel 10a Specifications (via Verizon Leak):
- Display: 6.3-inch FHD+ Plastic AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Rear Camera: 48MP main (f/1.7) + 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
- Front Camera: 13MP (f/2.2)
- Memory/Storage: 8GB RAM + 128GB storage (no expansion)
- Battery: 5,100 mAh
- Network: LTE Cat 19
- Internal Codename: STA5 ("Stallion")
A Case of Déjà Vu: Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a
The most intriguing aspect of this leak is how closely the listed specifications mirror those of the current Pixel 9a. From the display size and battery capacity down to the exact camera resolutions and memory configuration, the two models appear identical on paper. This has led to immediate speculation within the tech community. Some analysts suggest this could be a deliberate strategy by Google, focusing its annual upgrades on software and AI features rather than hardware for the 'a'-series, positioning it as a consistent value proposition. Others caution that carrier certifications often use placeholder data from previous models, meaning the final Pixel 10a could still feature different components.
The "Stallion" Codenamed for AI Focus
The certification document identifies the device with the internal codename "STA5," which aligns with the previously rumored "Stallion" moniker. The description within the file emphasizes that this is "the only phone fully designed by Google" with the goal of delivering "the Google AI experience at an incredible value." This language strongly reinforces the Pixel 10a's intended market position. It is not meant to compete on raw specs with flagship devices but to serve as the most accessible gateway to Google's suite of on-device and cloud-based artificial intelligence features, such as enhanced call screening, Magic Editor, and Circle to Search.
Key Context from the Leak:
- The source is a Verizon carrier certification filed in the United States, shared by leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks).
- All listed hardware specs are identical to the current Pixel 9a, leading to questions about their accuracy as final specs.
- The certification description highlights the phone as being "fully designed by Google" to deliver "AI experience at an incredible value," cementing its budget AI-phone定位.
Market Context and Expected Release
If Google follows its established release pattern for the 'a'-series, the Pixel 10a will likely be officially unveiled and launched in the spring of 2026, possibly around March or April. The device will enter a competitive budget segment where consumers increasingly expect meaningful year-over-year improvements. The apparent hardware similarity to the Pixel 9a could be a double-edged sword. It may disappoint enthusiasts hoping for a spec bump, but it could also allow Google to potentially maintain or even reduce the launch price, strengthening the phone's value-for-money argument. The ultimate success of the Pixel 10a will hinge on whether Google can package compelling new AI software experiences that feel like a genuine upgrade over the previous generation.