Google has quietly made the Pixel 10a considerably more expensive in regions like the UK, US and Canada. That puts it in a rather awkward position with the Pixel 11a already taking shape for next year.

The Pixel 10a previously cost $499 in the US, but that price has now risen to $599. In Canada, the Pixel 10a was listed at $529 CAD as recently as September 22, down from its original $679 CAD launch price. It’s now listed at $849 CAD on Google’s Canadian store.

The UK has seen a similar change. The phone cost £429 as recently as September 17, compared with its £499 launch price. It’s now listed for £599.

The US increase has also reached retailers including Amazon and Best Buy, so this isn’t just a Google Store quirk. Google hasn’t explained the price change yet, although rising component costs, particularly memory, could be behind it.

That’s a particularly unfortunate time for the Pixel 10a to become more expensive. Google is expected to launch the Pixel 11a in February or March next year, and early reports point to several upgrades for the upcoming model.

The Pixel 11a is expected to use Google’s Tensor G6 chip, alongside a redesigned camera module, a brighter display, an upgraded selfie camera and a new purple colour option. None of those details have been confirmed by Google yet, but they make the prospect of waiting for the newer model rather more appealing.

The timing also follows Google’s recent Pixel 11 series launch, which brought a $100 price increase across the range.

Google hasn’t said why the Pixel 10a suddenly costs more, so the memory-cost explanation remains speculation for now. Still, with the phone now $100 more expensive in the US and significantly pricier in some other markets, the Pixel 10a has become a much harder recommendation when its successor is already on the horizon.