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, providing you with a few weeks to resolve if it is for you. Nevertheless, when you’re accustomed to Google’s latest Pixel launches, together with final yr’s Pixel 9a, the choice won’t be straightforward.
At first look, there’s rather a lot to love concerning the Pixel 10a, however there’s rather a lot which will make you hesitate to buy one over one other Pixel system. So let’s break down what we all know concerning the Pixel 10a that will help you resolve if it is value shopping for and to spotlight who the 10a is actually for.
Why you should purchase the Pixel 10a
Out of the gate, one of the vital apparent causes you should purchase the Pixel 10a is the value. At $499, the Pixel 10a is squarely within the mid-range and nearly half the value of the bottom Pixel 10. This is identical value the Pixel 9a launched at, and it is good to see that Google did not elevate it regardless of the reminiscence scarcity ravaging the tech business.
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 digital camera high quality and options we have come to anticipate from most Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 10a affords some you will not discover on the Pixel 9a, equivalent to Macro Focus. Auto Greatest Take is certainly one of our favourite options that helps you seize higher group pictures, permitting you to pick the right expressions for every individual. Digital camera Coach is one other characteristic launched with the Pixel 10 collection, which makes use of AI that will help 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 can be brighter at 3,000 nits, making it lots usable outdoor. Satellite tv for pc SOS additionally is not a standard characteristic 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 known as the Pixel 9a the “Energizer telephone” once we reviewed it final yr, and we anticipate the Pixel 10a to reside as much as the title.
The sooner 30W charging is a pleasant improve, particularly because it’s technically sooner than the $800 Galaxy 25, and when you like wi-fi charging, Google has upped the velocity from 7.5W on the Pixel 9a to 10W on the Pixel 10a. It isn’t a velocity demon, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant improve nonetheless.
Why you should not purchase the Pixel 10a
The Pixel 10a is not a nasty telephone for the value, however when in comparison with its predecessor and different telephones in its value vary, some might discover it laborious to justify shopping for this over one thing else. The truth is, it is most likely one of many smallest generational upgrades we have seen on Pixel telephones.
You’d should 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, when you 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 seemingly wish to throw on a case, which is able to make the telephone even thicker.
Talking of cameras, when you want a telephoto lens, the Pixel 10a won’t be for you. True, Google’s Tremendous Res Zoom can ship spectacular outcomes, nevertheless it’s simply not the identical as a devoted telephoto sensor. A telephone just like the Galaxy S25 FE can be a greater possibility when you do not thoughts spending a little bit extra for a telephoto lens and sooner 45W charging.
The Pixel 10a additionally lacks Qi2 assist, which was launched on the Pixel 10 collection. This seemingly would have made the telephone thicker and costlier, nevertheless it’s unlucky that Google did not even embody the spec sans the built-in magnets, just like the Galaxy S25 collection. Google already has Pixelsnap instances, which embody built-in magnets themselves, so it might have simply leaned on this whereas giving us sooner wi-fi charging speeds.
However in fact, I’ve to deal with 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 seemingly 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, equivalent to Magic Cue and Pixel Screenshots.
That is to not say the Tensor G4 is not nonetheless a superb chip, however Tensor already tends to fall quick subsequent to comparable Snapdragon chips, so we’d have favored to see some enhancements on the chipset entrance, a minimum of 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
In the end, the Google Pixel 10a is a blended bag so far as upgrades go. There are some noteworthy modifications and spec bumps, however the telephone is almost an identical 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 robust decisions to maintain the 10a inexpensive. On paper, it is not a nasty telephone, however as a client, why get the brand new factor when the previous factor is just about the identical and sure going to be cheaper? Particularly when the previous factor will more than likely obtain lots of the similar “new” options. That stated, if you’ll find some good Pixel 10a preorder offers, then it’d very properly be value grabbing.
Tell us what you assume: 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 wise transfer from Google.
