Mumbai, December 11, 2025: Google’s Pixel 10A is expected to overtake Apple’s iPhone 17 in sales volumes during the mid-2026 quarter, according to a report by Counterpoint Research released on November 3. The projection rests on the Pixel 10A’s entry-level price of $499, which positions it strongly among cost-sensitive buyers in markets such as India. In the sub-$600 category, the device could claim as much as 15 per cent of the share.
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Sources privy to the matter said the Pixel 10A’s edge lies in Google’s targeted approach to artificial intelligence features, including Gemini enhancements and superior camera processing. “The Pixel 10 lineup, especially the 10A model, has posted a 28 per cent year-on-year sales increase in the United States in September 2025,” said Counterpoint analyst Varun Mishra. He added that this trend would likely persist, enabling the Pixel 10A to exceed the iPhone 17’s projected 12 million units in the April to June period.
The iPhone 17, introduced in September 2025, has achieved initial sales of more than 50 million units globally in its debut month, propelled by the A19 Bionic processor and extended battery performance. Industry watchers point out, however, that Apple’s starting price of $799 for the entry variant may constrain its penetration in emerging economies. By comparison, the Pixel 10A pairs a Tensor G5 chip with a 120Hz OLED screen and seven years of updates, attracting users who prioritise affordability alongside core functionality.
What has raised concerns among observers is the Pixel’s competitive showing against the iPhone 17. In the United States, Google’s foothold in the $600-plus segment reached 6.1 per cent in September, a rise from 0.1 per cent three years ago, even as the iPhone 17 made its entry. Activations on Verizon and T-Mobile for Pixel models accounted for 7 per cent of premium lines, while AT&T recorded 2.3 per cent. Mishra credited this to advertising that framed iPhones as routine, while portraying Pixels as forward-looking options.
In India, where annual smartphone shipments topped 150 million last year, the Pixel 10A’s value proposition could challenge the hold of Samsung and Xiaomi in the mid-range space. Pre-order figures from Flipkart and Amazon India reflect a 35 per cent uptick over the Pixel 9A, with interest centred on its cooling system for gaming and an ad-free Android 16 build. “For the typical city dweller balancing loans and expectations, the Pixel 10A brings high-end traits at accessible costs,” said Karan Khanna, technology analyst at TechArc Advisors.
Apple shows no signs of faltering. The iPhone 17’s integrated ecosystem, reinforced by tools like Apple Intelligence, sustains upgrades from its base. Counterpoint anticipates the Pixel 10A leading in unit shipments—possibly 18 million worldwide by mid-2026—while the iPhone 17 sustains Apple’s revenue lead through elevated pricing.
Observers note that this contest reflects wider patterns in technology access. As Mishra observed, “Google’s emphasis on artificial intelligence reliability and reach is influencing buyer preferences, notably in places like India where cost often outweighs loyalty.” For the present, the Pixel 10A’s path signals a potential turning point for Android’s value-driven growth.
