The Pixel 10a is lastly right here, and it is… acquainted. Google’s newly unveiled mid-range Pixel is up for preorder now and can hit shops on March 5, supplying you with a few weeks to determine if it is for you. Nonetheless, for those who’re acquainted with Google’s current Pixel launches, together with final yr’s Pixel 9a, the choice may not be simple.
At first look, there’s lots to love concerning the Pixel 10a, however there’s lots that will make you hesitate to buy one over one other Pixel gadget. So let’s break down what we all know concerning the Pixel 10a that can assist you determine if it is price shopping for and to spotlight who the 10a is de facto for.
Why you can purchase the Pixel 10a
Out of the gate, one of the apparent causes you can purchase the Pixel 10a is the worth. At $499, the Pixel 10a is squarely within the mid-range and virtually half the worth of the bottom Pixel 10. This is similar value the Pixel 9a launched at, and it is good to see that Google did not increase it regardless of the reminiscence scarcity ravaging the tech trade.
The Pixel 10a might be one of many higher choices at this value level. Not solely does it include a (technically) flagship chipset, however you get all the advantages of different Pixel smartphones, together with Google’s Gemini AI options and lengthy software program replace promise (seven years of OS upgrades, safety patches, and Pixel Drops).
Along with the digicam high quality and options we have come to count on from most Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 10a gives some you will not discover on the Pixel 9a, similar to Macro Focus. Auto Finest Take is one in all our favourite options that helps you seize higher group photographs, permitting you to pick out the right expressions for every individual. Digital camera Coach is one other function launched with the Pixel 10 collection, which makes use of AI that can assist you compose higher images based mostly on the picture topic.
The Pixel 10a additionally brings another notable upgrades that we like to see on a $500 telephone. The upgraded Gorilla Glass 7i ought to present extra safety than the Pixel 9a, and the display screen can be brighter at 3,000 nits, making it a lot usable open air. Satellite tv for pc SOS additionally is not a standard function on Android telephones, and it may be helpful if you end up in an emergency with no community reception.
Lastly, the improved battery and charging specs ought to attraction to anybody who prefers to have their telephone final all day. Regardless of having the same-sized battery as its predecessor, the 10a is rated to last more on a single cost: 30+ hours or as much as 120 hours with Battery Saver. We referred to as the Pixel 9a the “Energizer telephone” after we reviewed it final yr, and we count on the Pixel 10a to stay as much as the identify.
The quicker 30W charging is a pleasant improve, particularly because it’s technically quicker than the $800 Galaxy 25, and for those who like wi-fi charging, Google has upped the velocity from 7.5W on the Pixel 9a to 10W on the Pixel 10a. It is not a velocity demon, but it surely’s nonetheless a pleasant improve nonetheless.
Why you should not purchase the Pixel 10a
The Pixel 10a is not a foul telephone for the worth, however when in comparison with its predecessor and different telephones in its value vary, some might discover it arduous to justify shopping for this over one thing else. In actual fact, it is most likely one of many smallest generational upgrades we have seen on Pixel telephones.
You’d must squint to see the variations between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a. The latter has a extra flush again, which ought to make the general design a tad nicer, however in the end, for those who weren’t a fan of the Pixel 9a’s design, you will not like this one both. At 9mm, it is a thick telephone, thicker than the Galaxy S25 Extremely and even the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (not counting the cameras). And you will doubtless need to throw on a case, which is able to make the telephone even thicker.
Talking of cameras, for those who want a telephoto lens, the Pixel 10a may not be for you. True, Google’s Tremendous Res Zoom can ship spectacular outcomes, but it surely’s simply not the identical as a devoted telephoto sensor. A telephone just like the Galaxy S25 FE can be a greater possibility for those who do not thoughts spending a bit extra for a telephoto lens and quicker 45W charging.
The Pixel 10a additionally lacks Qi2 assist, which was launched on the Pixel 10 collection. This doubtless would have made the telephone thicker and costlier, but it surely’s unlucky that Google did not even embrace the spec sans the built-in magnets, just like the Galaxy S25 collection. Google already has Pixelsnap circumstances, which embrace built-in magnets themselves, so it might have simply leaned on this whereas giving us quicker wi-fi charging speeds.
However after all, I’ve to handle the elephant within the room: the chipset. The Pixel 10a is powered by the identical Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM discovered within the Pixel 9a. It is a curious transfer to not use the Tensor G5, one doubtless made to maintain the 10a inexpensive amid the reminiscence scarcity. Nonetheless, it appears to restrict the 10a’s efficiency and capabilities, because the telephone doesn’t assist sure AI options discovered on the Pixel 10 collection, similar to Magic Cue and Pixel Screenshots.
That is to not say the Tensor G4 is not nonetheless a tremendous chip, however Tensor already tends to fall quick subsequent to comparable Snapdragon chips, so we’d have appreciated to see some enhancements on the chipset entrance, at the very least to the newest model. I already hate seeing firms like Motorola pull the identical transfer with their midrange smartphones, which generally sport the identical chips as their predecessors.
Google Pixel 9a half 2
Finally, the Google Pixel 10a is a combined bag so far as upgrades go. There are some noteworthy adjustments and spec bumps, however the telephone is almost similar to its predecessor, in and out. It feels much less like a less expensive Pixel 10 and extra like a redo of the Pixel 9a.
Google little question needed to make some powerful decisions to maintain the 10a inexpensive. On paper, it is not a foul telephone, however as a shopper, why get the brand new factor when the outdated factor is just about the identical and sure going to be cheaper? Particularly when the outdated factor will almost definitely obtain most of the similar “new” options. That stated, if you could find some good Pixel 10a preorder offers, then it’d very properly be price grabbing.
Tell us what you suppose: Are you interested by shopping for the Pixel 10a? Additionally, try this unique article from IDC, which highlights why the Pixel 10a is definitely a sensible transfer from Google.
