Google Pixel 10a ‘Stallion’ Factory Images Now Available
▼ Summary
– Google has released factory images for the Pixel 10a, which is internally codenamed “stallion.”
– There are two software builds available: the original out-of-the-box version and a day-one Android 16 update.
– These factory images are primarily used to restore a phone with software issues to its original firmware.
– The release confirms Google’s continued use of racehorse-themed codenames for the entire Pixel 10 series.
– The Pixel 10a is not currently part of the Android Beta Program but is expected to join with Android 17 Beta 3.
Google has officially released the factory images for the newly available Pixel 10a smartphone, a key resource for advanced users and developers. These system files, which correspond to the device’s internal codename “Stallion,” allow for the restoration of a phone to its original software state, particularly useful for troubleshooting or recovering from a corrupted operating system. The company has made two distinct builds available for this 2026 mid-range model.
The first build, labeled 16.0.0 (BD6A.251031.001.A4, Mar 2026), represents the exact software that ships on the device straight out of the box. The second, 16.0.0 (CP1A.260305.018, Mar 2026), is the important day-one update. This update brings the device to Android 16 QPR3 and includes the critical March 2026 security patch. For most users looking to manually update or restore their device, Google explicitly recommends sideloading the full OTA (Over-the-Air) image, noting it is generally a simpler and safer process than using the factory images; these OTA files were also released concurrently.
The publication of these files solidifies the Pixel 10a’s place within Google’s established naming convention. The “Stallion” codename continues the company’s racehorse theme for its device families. This naming strategy includes “Frankel” for the standard Pixel 10, “Blazer” for the Pixel 10 Pro, “Mustang” for the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL, and “Rango” for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. While the Pixel 10a is now commercially available, it is not currently part of the Android Beta Program. Industry observers anticipate it will gain access to beta testing channels, likely starting with the upcoming Android 17 Beta 3 release expected later this month.
(Source: 9to5Google)
