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Google Pixel 10a

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Key features

• Processor: Google Tensor G5 • Titan M2 security chip
• Display: 6.3″ OLED Actua display • 1080 × 2424 • 60–120 Hz
• Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Rear cameras: 48 MP wide angle (macro) • 13 MP ultra wide angle • 10.8 MP 5× telephoto lens
• Front camera: 10.5 MP ultra-wide angle
• Battery and charging: ~4970 mAh • fast wired charging • Qi2 wireless charging (15 W)
• Connectivity: 5G • Wi-Fi • Bluetooth • NFC
• Durability and biometrics: IP68 • fingerprint reader
• AI Features: Gemini Nano • Circle to Search • Live Translation
• Operating system: Android 16
• Software support: 7 years of OS, security and Pixel Drops updates

If you quickly compare it to the Pixel 9a, not much has changed on the hardware front.

A tour around the Google Pixel 10a

When you get the Pixel 10a in your hand, you immediately notice two things: the new colors and the back. Our test model came in the color "Lavender" which is a delicate purple, but there are also options in Berry, Fog and Obsidian.

Most importantly, for some people anyway, Google has completely eliminated the "camera bump" on the back. The module is now completely flush with the rest of the phone, meaning it sits perfectly flat on a table without tilting. It's a small but incredibly satisfying detail in my book.

The phone itself feels sturdy. It's built from glass and metal (with a plastic back), but the matte satin finish on the recycled aluminum means it doesn't feel cheap. The screen has been upgraded to Gorilla Glass 7i, which should offer better scratch protection than the aging Gorilla Glass 3 on its predecessor.

The buttons, located on the right side of the frame, are large, flat, and sturdy. On the opposite side, you'll find the SIM card slot, which has been moved from the bottom compared to the 9a. The bottom now looks a bit cleaner with matching cutouts for the speaker and microphone.

The 10a is neither thin nor particularly light. But it is small, and because of the flat back, it feels thinner than it is and the visual profile is smaller when it lies completely flat on a table.

The 6.3-inch display is bright and beautiful. Google claims a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which is on par with the flagship Pixel 10. The only thing that gives away that we are in the budget class are the relatively thick black borders around the screen.

There's an optical fingerprint reader under the screen, which will light up a dark room more than you'd expect. The more expensive Pixel models now have ultrasonic sensors, which are generally faster and more accurate. The sensor on the 10a is certainly good enough considering the price, and was an expected downgrade from its big brother.

Traditionally, the "a" models have been a bargain because they contained exactly the same brains as the flagships. That's not the case this year.

While the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro have the new Tensor G5 chip, the Pixel 10a has to make do with the Tensor G4 from last year's Pixel 9 series.

Is it a disaster? No. The difference in raw CPU and GPU power from the G4 to the G5 is minimal. It's primarily in the AI performance (the NPU) that the G5 pulls back.

But that means the "value for money" factor has dropped. You get a slightly older engine, 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. If you play heavy 3D games or use Google's advanced AI features, you'll notice the limitations, but for general everyday use it's plenty fast.

On the other hand, you get rid of some of the heaviest AI bloatware (like Pixel Studio), as the phone doesn't have the power to run it locally. For many, this will actually be a plus, but it's worth noting that you don't get the full AI capabilities with the Pixel 10a.

Camera

The camera hardware is unchanged from the Pixel 9a. That sounds disappointing until you see how solid a camera in this price range can perform. You get a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide.

There's no optical zoom, and you shouldn't expect miracles if you zoom in more than 2x. But when it comes to point-and-shoot, the Pixel 10a is still untouchable in this price range.

Google's software magic handles difficult lighting conditions, sharp contrasts, and moving subjects significantly better than many other phones in the same price range. You just get a great photo every time, without having to mess with settings.

These may not be images that can handle being pulled up on a large 4K monitor. Realistically, most of the photos we take on our smartphones live on social media and smaller screens, and in those circumstances the Pixel 10a can do it.

See a collection of full-resolution images here.

Software

One of the things I've always liked most about the Pixel phones is the clean implementation of Android. There's not a lot of bloatware or adware that you can experience on other phones.

The software on the phone is Google's own apps, and if you already use them, you're ready from the start.

Google's version of Android is the most robust implementation of "Material 3 Expressive," which uses the colors of the background image to give system elements and supported apps a consistent theme.

One of the things that is missing here compared to the larger Pixel phones, however, is certain AI features, as the full suite of Google's generative tools is not included in 10a.

As with last year's budget Pixel, you're missing things like Pixel Screenshots, weather forecasts, and Pixel Studio. Google reserves these for flagship phones with their more powerful hardware.

The biggest selling point for the Pixel 10a is not the hardware, but the software.

You get the purest version of Android without third-party bloatware. And most importantly: Google guarantees 7 years of updates. That means this phone will receive security updates and new Android versions until 2033.

No one else in this price range (except Samsung on selected models) offers this.

Test

I've been using the Pixel 10a for a few weeks, and despite coming from the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL, I don't really feel like I've been limited in any serious way in terms of performance.

The biggest difference is the physically smaller form factor of the phone, and then the noticeably thicker bezels around the screen. It wasn't something I thought much about after a while, but they are clear when you compare the two phones head-to-head.

Despite the fact that the Pixel 10a has an “old” processor, it still has plenty of power for 90% of what I use my phone for in my everyday life. Social media, YouTube, and web browsing don’t need flagship hardware to run smoothly.

Of course, all of this will depend a lot on how you use your phone. For example, if you want to be able to play demanding mobile games, you'll fall short with the Pixel 10a.

The same of course also applies if you want access to the full suite of Google AI tools.

One feature that I miss a LOT from the Pixel 10 Pro XL, however, is Pixel Snap. The ability to use magnetic chargers and mounts quickly became an integral part of my everyday life, and it was a noticeable downgrade not to have that option with the Pixel 10a.

Similarly, I've also felt a bit limited on the camera when I came from the larger phone. However, it's mostly been in relation to Zoom, where the Pixel 9a just can't compete. However, for everyday point and shoot situations with animals and children, the results have been super fine.

The 5100 mAh battery has also been more than adequate for my needs. Even during a testing period like this, where I typically use a phone more than I would under normal circumstances, I have had no trouble getting through a full day.

Charging can be done with up to 45W and Google states that you can do 0-50% in about half an hour, which worked very well during my test, despite the fact that I did not use Google's own 45W charger.

Price

At the time of writing, I can find the Google Pixel 10a with prices of either $499,00 or $599,00 depending on whether you want 128 GB or 256 GB of storage.

Conclusion

The Pixel 10a is a tough phone to review. If you look at the specs, it's almost identical to last year's Pixel 9a. The fact that Google has chosen to reuse the old processor makes it less attractive as a "cheap power phone."

But in practice, it's an excellent smartphone. It's compact, takes great photos, and 7 years of updates provide a level of security rarely found in the mid-range.

If you already have a Pixel 8a or 9a, there's no reason to upgrade. But if you're looking to get a new phone for around $400, and you just want something that works, takes great photos, and lasts for years, the Pixel 10a is still a great Android choice.

We land with a final score of 8, for a solid and beautiful smartphone in the purest form of Android.

Advantages:

• Excellent camera for the price (point-and-shoot)
• Completely flat back (no camera bump)
• 7 years of guaranteed software updates
• Pure Android experience

Disadvantages:

• Reuses last year's processor (Tensor G4)
• Thick screen bezels
• Not suitable for heavy gaming
• Lacks certain Google AI features