Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
If you’re in the market for an affordable Android phone, chances are you’ve been looking at cheap Pixel phones — specifically, the Google Pixel 9a. Released last April, the Pixel 9a is about as good as it gets for a budget handset. It’s well-made, has good cameras, and has incredible software. There’s a reason the 9a is our top pick for the best cheap phone to buy in 2026.
However, I’m here today to argue why you shouldn’t buy the Pixel 9a — at least, not right now. The Pixel 9a remains an outstanding Android phone, but if you want to be as smart with your money as possible, here’s why you should wait before buying.
Buy a Pixel 9a now or wait for the Pixel 10a? 13 votes Buy a Pixel 9a, it's at a good price right now. 62 % Wait for the Pixel 10a, the deals and promotions will be worth it. 38 %
Why buying a Pixel 9a right now would be a mistake
Joe Maring / Android Authority
My reasoning for this is simple: the Pixel 10a. Rumors strongly suggest that Google’s next cheap Pixel phone is right around the corner, with a reported launch date of February 18. In other words, the Pixel 9a is just a few days away from being replaced.
As for what we’re expecting from the Pixel 10a, the phone is shaping up to be a pretty minor upgrade. Hardware-wise, Google doesn’t appear to be changing much. The core design of the Pixel 10a should be almost identical to the Pixel 9a, save for slightly smaller display bezels. We also expect a “boosted” version of the Pixel 9a’s Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 10a, likely delivering better day-to-day performance. Since it’ll be a year newer, you’ll receive an additional year of software support from the 10a than from the 9a.
However, that’s basically it. Other aspects of the Pixel 10a — such as its cameras, battery life, charging speed, and software — should be identical to its predecessor. The Pixel 9a was a substantial upgrade over the Pixel 8a, but assuming the leaks/rumors are accurate, the Pixel 10a will be one of the tamest year-over-year hardware updates we’ve seen for a budget Pixel phone in a while.
It’s always possible that Google has some surprise features hidden up its sleeve that haven’t leaked yet, but all signs point to the Pixel 10a not being much more than a souped-up Pixel 9a — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
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