What you need to know
- Google is launching a Japanese-only Isai Blue edition of the Google Pixel 10a.
- Created with Heraldbony, the design focuses on the “individual,” with navy depth and a meaningful cultural angle.
- Priced at ¥94,900 (~$593), it’s the same as the regular 256GB model, with pre-orders live and shipping from May 20.
Google is giving the Pixel 10a a new look, but only in one area. The company recently announced a special edition called Isai Blue, but this is a Japanese-only release created in collaboration with the artist.
The Isai Blue Pixel 10a is the result of a collaboration with Heralbony, a Japanese creative group that works with disabled artists. Globally, the Pixel 10a comes in Lavender (blue/purple), Berry (red/pink), Mist (light green/white), and Obsidian (black). The Isai Blue version of its latest budget phone uses a dark, deep navy. The word “Isai” means “individual,” and Google is focused on that idea.
It’s not just a different phone color. The software is designed to match, with nine exclusive wallpapers of Heraldbony artists such as Midori Kudo and Kaoru Iga. When you use these wallpapers, the app icons automatically change to match the colors of the artwork.
The article continues below
This is the first time that a Pixel color has a Japanese name. Google says the goal is to celebrate “diverse people” (machine translated).
Deep software integration
There’s more to this phone than just the green back plate. Google is fully committed to collaboration. The Isai Blue Pixel 10a comes with exclusive Material You features. There are nine wallpapers created by Heraldbony artists Shigaku Mizukami, Midori Kudo, and Kaoru Iga. When you select a background image, your app icons change their colors to match the artwork.
Inside the box, Google adds a matching blue bumper case. This frame style cover leaves the back exposed so you can see the end of the phone. There’s also a sticker pack by artist Nozomi Fujita, featuring custom characters and Pixel-themed designs. The package itself features Midori Kudo’s artwork on the sleeve.
The Isai Blue Pixel 10a is available in one version: 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for ¥94,900, which is $593. This is the same price as the standard 256GB model in other colors. Pre-orders are open now, and shipping begins on May 20.
For everyone outside of Japan, only four colors are available. Google hasn’t mentioned any plans to release Isai Blue elsewhere, so it’s unlikely to happen. Japanese Pixel fans can buy this model while it’s still available, as Google says it’s a limited run.
Android Central Take
I understand the idea of ”celebrating humanity,” and the art is really impressive. Still, this is still a classic case of FOMO. After years of seeing Google offer regional specialties, it feels unfair that the “incomparable personality” of Isai Blue is only one location. We finally get the Tensor G4-powered 10a at a good price, but the best design for years is only available if you go to Tokyo.