The Pixel 10a and Galaxy S26 aren’t new, but that’s because they aren’t for you
Source: 9to5Google
This week saw the debut of the Google Pixel 10a, which, frankly, feels like a mostly recycled Pixel 9a. As we approach the launch of another barely‑changed release—the Galaxy S26—it’s worth stepping back and remembering that, while these phones aren’t all that new, that’s partly because they’re not for you.
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Pixel 10a – What’s New?
- Camera design: Fully flat lens module.
- New colors (including the lavender shown above).
- Modem upgrade: Adds satellite support.
- Cover glass: Slightly thinner with imperceptibly smaller bezels.
While some of these changes are meaningful—especially the upgraded glass—they don’t feel like enough to justify a whole new smartphone.
Galaxy S26 – A Minor Refresh
The base and Plus models of the Galaxy S26 look like very minor upgrades:
- New chipset (a modest performance bump).
- Slight design tweak (mostly cosmetic).
In short, it’s a boring, incremental step.
Who Are These Phones For?
These devices aren’t aimed at the crowd that gets excited about every new model.
- The Pixel 10a, while only a tiny jump from the Pixel 9a, is a huge upgrade for someone still on a Pixel 4a, 5a, 6a, or 7a.
- Google’s trade‑in boost for older Pixels makes it clear that the target audience is users looking to move up from those older “a‑series” phones.
Why not just keep the Pixel 9a around for another year?
We discussed this on Pixelated, 9to5Google’s weekly podcast. The answers include branding (having a Pixel 9a on shelves alongside a future Pixel 11 would look odd) and carrier timelines (carriers often demand a fresh device each year). I’d love to see the industry drop the insistence on yearly refreshes (read more), but there are reasons the cycle continues.
The Galaxy S26 Angle
Like the Pixel 10a, the S26 feels like a phone designed to:
- Appeal to upgraders – a familiar device for someone moving from a Galaxy S21 or S22, now with a faster chipset, extended software support, and a handful of new features.
- Show Samsung moving forward – internal reports suggest the development of the S26 series was a “mess of last‑minute decisions” (source). Samsung can’t admit that publicly, so we get a slightly tweaked phone that still serves a purpose for those waiting for an upgrade.
What Do You Think?
Are these incremental upgrades enough, or is it time for manufacturers to rethink the yearly refresh model? Let us know in the comments!
This Week’s Top Stories
Pixel 10a launch
Haven’t heard enough about the Pixel 10a? Here’s our full launch coverage of Google’s latest release:
- Pixel 10a hands‑on: Peak design, peaked specs
- Where to pre‑order Pixel 10a: $100 gift cards, Pixel Buds 2a, free at carriers, more
- Pixel 10a gets boosted trade‑in values for iPhones, Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, Galaxy
- Google Store trade‑ins toward Pixel are now an instant discount (but not for everyone)
Google I/O 2026 dates are in
Following its usual puzzle, Google confirmed that its annual developer conference will take place from May 19‑20.
More Top Stories
- Google announces Gemini 3.1 Pro for ‘complex problem‑solving’
- Why ‘iPhone Fold’ can revive the foldable that even Google Pixel couldn’t make work [Gallery]
- Samsung’s ‘Wide Fold’ surfaces with near‑16:10 aspect ratio, wider than first Pixel Fold
- Google launches Snapseed camera for iPhone with pro manual controls, retro film
- Pixel Watch 4 gets a handy USB‑C charger for travel, starts at $9, restock soon
- Google Pixel ‘Project Toscana’ reportedly upgrades face‑unlock hardware, compares to iPhone Face ID
- Samsung knows exactly how you’ll use Galaxy S26 Ultra’s ‘Privacy Display’ in teaser [Video]
- Google Maps ‘limited view’ now hides reviews, images for signed‑out users
- Here’s how you’ll control and navigate Android XR glasses
- More leaked Galaxy Buds 4 images show Samsung is going back to basics
- Galaxy phones are suddenly getting Google Play system updates again
- Review: Even Realities G2 smart glasses add a simplistic yet engaging floating display for your face
- Google’s Tensor G6 rumored to be paired with new Titan M3 security coprocessor
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