Smartphones don't change dramatically year after year, and that's never been truer than with the Pixel 10a. Breaking tradition with its prior A-series phones, Google's new midrange handset is nearly identical to last year's Pixel 9a—even sharing the same Tensor G4 chipset in the older phone instead of using the Tensor G5 that debuted in last fall's Pixel 10.

The Pixel 10a costs $500 and is largely unchanged from the Pixel 9a — it still uses Google's Tensor G4 chip, not the G5 featured in the rest of the Pixel 10 line. The smartphone features a flush camera bump,

Google (GOOG) (GOOGL) took the wraps off its budget Pixel 10a smartphone on Wednesday, ahead of the near imminent launch of Apple's (AAPL) iPhone 17e. The Pixel 10a has a satin-finish and sports a 100% recycled aluminum frame and an 81% recycled plastic back,

Like the 9a, the Pixel 10a uses the Tensor G4 chipset, which Google says was kept to keep the phone's price down. It retains the IP68 rating as well. The Pixel 10a is available starting March 5 for $500,