Pixel 10a Hardware Concerns Surface in New Leak

A significant specifications leak has revealed details about Google’s upcoming budget smartphone. The Pixel 10a, codenamed “stallion,” will reportedly not feature the latest flagship chipset. This news has disappointed fans hoping for a performance boost in the affordable model.

According to information shared by Mystic Leaks and reported by 9to5Google, the device will instead use the previous generation Tensor G4 silicon. This decision marks a shift from the strategy used in some previous ‘a’-series models.

Pixel 10a Specifications Point to Performance Compromises

The leak provides several key specifications for Google’s upcoming mid-range phone. The device will apparently ship with 128GB of storage using the UFS 3.1 standard. This is slower than the UFS 4.0 storage found in current premium smartphones.

The display is said to reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. This would provide excellent visibility in direct sunlight. However, the chipset news has overshadowed this positive feature.

Tensor G4 Choice Raises Thermal and Performance Concerns

Google’s decision to use the Tensor G4 instead of the Tensor G5 is drawing criticism. The Tensor G3, used in previous models, faced overheating issues due to its packaging technology. It utilized Samsung’s less efficient IPoP method instead of more advanced FOPLP packaging.

There is no confirmation about which packaging technology will be used for the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 10a. Industry experts also suspect the budget model will lack advanced cooling features like a vapor chamber. This could lead to performance throttling during intensive tasks.

The move is likely a cost-saving measure by Google. The Tensor G5’s advanced 3nm N3P technology is more expensive to produce than Samsung’s 4nm process used for the Tensor G4. For the phone to succeed, it will need an aggressive price point to justify these technical compromises.

The Pixel 10a specifications leak suggests Google is making significant compromises with its upcoming budget model. The combination of an older chipset and slower storage might disappoint performance-seeking buyers. This strategy will likely push more consumers toward the standard Pixel 10 models instead.

Thought you’d like to know

What chipset will the Pixel 10a use?

The Pixel 10a will reportedly use the Tensor G4 chipset. This is the same processor expected to power the standard Pixel 10 models, not the more advanced Tensor G5.

How much storage will the Pixel 10a have?

The leak suggests the base model will feature 128GB of storage. It will use the older UFS 3.1 standard rather than the faster UFS 4.0 technology.

When will the Pixel 10a be released?

Google typically releases its ‘a’-series phones in mid-2025. Based on this pattern, we can expect the Pixel 10a to launch around July or August of next year.

Will the Pixel 10a have a bright display?

Yes, reports indicate the display will reach 2,000 nits peak brightness. This would provide excellent outdoor visibility, matching some current flagship devices.

Why is Google using an older chipset?

The decision is likely based on production costs. The Tensor G5’s 3nm manufacturing process is more expensive than the 4nm process used for the Tensor G4.