TL;DR: Amazon has given the top-rated Google Pixel 10a a rare 15% discount, just in time for Back to School season.

The Pixel 11 series is set to be unveiled on August 12th — just in time for Back to School shopping — but for folks who don't want to wait, last year's Google Pixel 10a remains a tempting and budget-friendly alternative.

Currently selling for just $424 at Amazon (a 15% discount), the Google Pixel 10a is easily one of the best Android phones for students in 2026, with exceptional battery life, flagship-level camera tech, and an approachable price tag that won't break the bank. We probably won't see another A series Pixel phone until early 2027, so I'm grabbing this discounted Pixel 10a while I can — the Google Pixel 11 can wait.

The Google Pixel 10a is a cheap Android phone that punches way above its weight class. The phone impressive with a stunning 6.3-inch pOLED display and IP68 durability out of the box, while under the hood you get the tried-and-tested Tensor G4 chipset, Android 16, and seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates.

The Pixel 10a also comes with the same main and ultrawide camera lenses found in the more-expensive Google Pixel 10, while the cheaper phone actually boasts a bigger battery than its flagship counterpart.

It's not the most powerful Android phone on the market, but if you're shopping for a new smartphone on a student's budget and you don't want to sacrifice the latest specs and features, the Google Pixel 10a is an unbeatable device.

Again, the only real catch with this deal is that the Google Pixel 11 lineup is going to be revealed on August 12th with some preorder deals in tow. These early offers will largely be confined to wireless carriers, but if you want to wait and try to get a Pixel 11 through your phone plan, go for it.

However, if you want an unlocked phone ASAP, I'd jump on this Google Pixel 10a deal while you can. The Pixel 11 isn't going to get any straight discounts any time soon, and as it's expected to start at $899, the new device is not nearly as cost-effective as the Pixel 10a offer described here.

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