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 determine if it is for you. Nonetheless, in case you’re acquainted with Google’s current Pixel launches, together with final yr’s Pixel 9a, the choice may not be straightforward.
At first look, there’s quite a bit to love in regards to the Pixel 10a, however there’s quite a bit that will make you hesitate to buy one over one other Pixel machine. So let’s break down what we all know in regards to the Pixel 10a that will help you determine if it is price 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 apparent causes you should 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 worth 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 worth 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 anticipate from most Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 10a provides some you will not discover on the Pixel 9a, equivalent to Macro Focus. Auto Finest Take is considered one of our favourite options that helps you seize higher group pictures, permitting you to pick the proper expressions for every particular person. Digital camera Coach is one other function launched with the Pixel 10 sequence, which makes use of AI that will help you compose higher photographs based mostly on the picture topic.
The Pixel 10a additionally brings another notable upgrades that we like to see on a $500 cellphone. 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 outside. Satellite tv for pc SOS additionally is not a typical 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 cellphone 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 cellphone” after we reviewed it final yr, and we anticipate the Pixel 10a to reside as much as the identify.
The sooner 30W charging is a pleasant improve, particularly because it’s technically sooner than the $800 Galaxy 25, and in case you like wi-fi charging, Google has upped the pace from 7.5W on the Pixel 9a to 10W on the Pixel 10a. It isn’t a pace demon, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant improve nonetheless.
Why you should not purchase the Pixel 10a
The Pixel 10a is not a foul cellphone for the worth, however when in comparison with its predecessor and different telephones in its worth vary, some might discover it onerous to justify shopping for this over one thing else. The truth is, it is in all probability one of many smallest generational upgrades we have seen on Pixel telephones.
You’d need to 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 finally, in case you weren’t a fan of the Pixel 9a’s design, you will not like this one both. At 9mm, it is a thick cellphone, thicker than the Galaxy S25 Extremely and even the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (not counting the cameras). And you will possible wish to throw on a case, which is able to make the cellphone even thicker.
Talking of cameras, in case you want a telephoto lens, the Pixel 10a may not 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 cellphone just like the Galaxy S25 FE can be a greater choice in case you do not thoughts spending a bit extra for a telephoto lens and sooner 45W charging.
The Pixel 10a additionally lacks Qi2 assist, which was launched on the Pixel 10 sequence. This possible would have made the cellphone thicker and dearer, nevertheless it’s unlucky that Google did not even embrace the spec sans the built-in magnets, much like the Galaxy S25 sequence. Google already has Pixelsnap instances, which embrace built-in magnets themselves, so it may have simply leaned on this whereas giving us sooner wi-fi charging speeds.
However in fact, 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 possible made to maintain the 10a reasonably priced amid the reminiscence scarcity. Nonetheless, it appears to restrict the 10a’s efficiency and capabilities, because the cellphone doesn’t assist sure AI options discovered on the Pixel 10 sequence, equivalent to Magic Cue and Pixel Screenshots.
That is to not say the Tensor G4 is not nonetheless a effective chip, however Tensor already tends to fall quick subsequent to comparable Snapdragon chips, so we might have appreciated to see some enhancements on the chipset entrance, not less than to the newest model. I already hate seeing corporations 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 cellphone is sort of equivalent to its predecessor, inside and outside. It feels much less like a less expensive Pixel 10 and extra like a redo of the Pixel 9a.
Google little doubt needed to make some robust decisions to maintain the 10a reasonably priced. On paper, it isn’t a foul cellphone, however as a shopper, why get the brand new factor when the outdated factor is just about the identical and certain going to be cheaper? That mentioned, if yow will discover some good Pixel 10a preorder offers, then it’d very properly be price grabbing.
Tell us what you assume: Are you curious about shopping for the Pixel 10a? Additionally, take a look at this unique article from IDC, which highlights why the Pixel 10a is definitely a sensible transfer from Google.
