Google Pixel 10a preorders are live, but I wouldn't pay full price! Here's how to get yours for free

Pixel 10a shown in four colors against yellow background
(Image credit: Google)

The first Pixel 10a pre-order deals are starting to roll in. The new phone, which could be a top contender for best cheap phone of 2026, will be available for purchase on March 5.

Fortunately, the Pixel 10a has kept its $499 starting price. Like its predecessor, it features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED 60-120Hz display, Tensor G4 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. There's also a 48MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide camera, and 13MP selfie camera. That's almost identical to its predecessor, which is why I wouldn't recommend paying full price for this phone.

In terms of Pixel 10a deals — Verizon is offering the phone for free when you purchase it online with an eligible unlimited data plan. It may be a few days before we see more confirmed deals, so make sure to bookmark this page as I'll be listing the best Pixel 10a deals as they're released.

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Pixel 10a deals

Google Pixel 10a: $20/month + unlimited @ T-Mobile
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Google Pixel 10a: $20/month + unlimited @ T-Mobile
T-Mobile isn't offering any freebie Pixel 10a deals per se. At least not yet. Instead, you can pre-order for $20/month with a 24-month installment plan.

Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 10a: at Verizon
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Pixel 10a: free w/ new line + unlimited @ Verizon
The Pixel 10a is a solid contender for best budget phone. It features a 6.3-inch Actua pOLED (2424 x 1080) 120Hz display, Tensor G4 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 48MP (f/1.7) main and 13MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, whereas on the front there's a 13MP (f/2.2) lens. New and existing Verizon customers can get it for free with a new Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Welcome plan.

Pixel 10a: $3/month w/ unlimited @ AT&T
Free Pixel Buds 2a
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Pixel 10a: $3/month w/ unlimited @ AT&T
AT&T is offering the Pixel 10a for $3.99/month when you buy it with any unlimited data plan. Plus, you'll get a free pair of Pixel Buds 2a. It features a 6.3-inch Actua pOLED (2424 x 1080) 120Hz display, Tensor G4 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 48MP (f/1.7) main and 13MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, whereas on the front there's a 13MP (f/2.2) lens. In our Pixel 10a hands-on we said Google has made iterative changes that refine the look and feel of the phone, such as shaving even more off the camera housing. Otherwise, Pixel 9a owners have no reason to upgrade.

Google Pixel 10a: from $45 w/ trade-in @ Google
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Google Pixel 10a: from $45 w/ trade-in @ Google
Open an account at the Google Store and you can get the Pixel 10a for $399 for the unlocked version of the phone. Or get it for just $49 with select trade-ins.

Pixel 10a hardware

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Google Pixel 9a

Starting price

$499

Display

6.3-inch "Actua" pOLED

Refresh rate

60 - 120Hz

Rear cameras

48MP main (ƒ/1.7), 13MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2)

Front camera

13MP selfie (ƒ/2.2)

Chipset

Google Tensor G4

RAM

8GB

Storage

128GB, 256GB

Battery

5,100 mAh

Charging speed

30W wired, 10W wireless

Size

6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches (153.9 x 73 x 9 mm)

Weight

6.5 ounces / 183 grams

Colors

Lavender, Berry, Fog, Obsidian

Dust/water resistance

IP68

The $499 Pixel 10a is a true budget smartphone. It's powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip and coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. You also get a larger 6.3-inch Actua display, 48MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide camera, and 13MP selfie camera. If that sounds oddly familiar, it's because it's the exact same spec sheet as its predecessor, the Pixel 9a.

In our Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a comparison you'll see why we called the Pixel 10a one of the smallest phone upgrades of the year. Very little hardware has changed, if any, and the software differences aren't likely to be much larger either. In our Pixel 10a hands-on, we said we're thrilled it remains $499, but if you currently own a Pixel 9a, there's no reason for you to upgrade.

Louis Ramirez

As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.

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