Should you buy the Google Pixel 10a? Well, the answer isn’t that simple
Google Pixel 10a: Familiar Yet Fresh, A Mid-Range Marvel with a Twist
The Google Pixel 10a has finally arrived, and the tech world is buzzing with a familiar yet intriguing blend of excitement and déjà vu. Officially up for preorder and hitting shelves on March 5, this mid-range marvel promises a compelling package at $499. But with the Pixel 9a still fresh in our minds, is the 10a a worthy upgrade or just a subtle refresh? Let’s dive deep into the details to help you decide if this is the Pixel for you.
Why You Should Buy the Pixel 10a
Price Point Perfection: At $499, the Pixel 10a hits the sweet spot in the mid-range market. It’s almost half the price of the base Pixel 10, offering incredible value in a market grappling with a memory shortage that’s driving prices up. This price point makes it one of the best cheap Android phones available, delivering flagship-level features without the flagship price tag.
Flagship Features, Mid-Range Price: Don’t let the price fool you. The Pixel 10a packs a punch with a technically flagship chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps. You also get access to Google’s Gemini AI features, enhancing your smartphone experience with intelligent assistance and automation. Plus, Google’s commitment to seven years of OS upgrades, security patches, and Pixel Drops ensures your device stays secure and up-to-date for years to come.
Camera Upgrades That Matter: While the camera system might seem familiar, the Pixel 10a introduces some exciting new features. Macro Focus allows you to capture stunning close-up shots with incredible detail, revealing a world you might have missed. Auto Best Take is a game-changer for group photos, intelligently selecting the best expressions for each person, ensuring everyone looks their best. Camera Coach uses AI to provide real-time guidance on composition, helping you take better photos every time.
Durability and Display Enhancements: The Pixel 10a boasts Gorilla Glass 7i, offering enhanced protection against drops and scratches compared to its predecessor. The display is also brighter, reaching 3,000 nits, making it easily viewable even in direct sunlight. Satellite SOS is a crucial safety feature, providing emergency communication capabilities even without network reception, a rarity in mid-range Android phones.
Battery Life That Lasts: The Pixel 10a is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. With a 30+ hour battery life and up to 120 hours with Battery Saver, you can go longer between charges. The 30W wired charging is faster than the Pixel 9a and even outpaces the $800 Galaxy S25. While wireless charging is bumped up to 10W from 7.5W, it’s still not the fastest, but it’s a welcome upgrade nonetheless.
Why You Might Hesitate
A Familiar Design: Let’s be honest, the Pixel 10a looks a lot like the Pixel 9a. The design changes are subtle, with a more flush back being the most noticeable difference. If you weren’t a fan of the Pixel 9a’s design, you might not be thrilled with the 10a either. At 9mm thick, it’s a chunky phone, even thicker than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7 (excluding the cameras). You’ll likely want to use a case, which will only add to the thickness.
Missing the Telephoto Lens: If you’re a photography enthusiast who relies on a telephoto lens for zooming in on distant subjects, the Pixel 10a might disappoint. While Google’s Super Res Zoom can produce impressive results, it’s not a substitute for a dedicated telephoto sensor. Phones like the Galaxy S25 FE offer a telephoto lens and faster 45W charging for a slightly higher price.
No Qi2 Support: The Pixel 10a lacks Qi2 support, a feature introduced with the Pixel 10 series. This means you won’t get the benefits of faster wireless charging and magnetic alignment. Google could have included Qi2 without the magnets, similar to the Galaxy S25 series, or relied on its Pixelsnap cases with built-in magnets.
The Same Old Chipset: Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the use of the Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM, the same as the Pixel 9a. While the Tensor G4 is a capable processor, it falls short of comparable Snapdragon chips. The lack of the newer Tensor G5 means the Pixel 10a misses out on certain AI features found on the Pixel 10 series, such as Magic Cue and Pixel Screenshots.
Google Pixel 10a: A Second Chance?
The Google Pixel 10a is a mixed bag. It offers some noteworthy upgrades, but it’s also remarkably similar to its predecessor. It feels less like a cheaper Pixel 10 and more like a redo of the Pixel 9a. Google likely made tough choices to keep the 10a affordable in the face of a memory shortage. On paper, it’s not a bad phone, but as a consumer, you might wonder why you should buy the new thing when the old thing is pretty much the same and likely to be cheaper. Especially when the old thing will likely receive many of the same “new” features.
However, if you can find some good Pixel 10a preorder deals, it might be worth grabbing. The Pixel 10a is a solid mid-range phone with a compelling price tag and a suite of features that make it a strong contender in its category.
What do you think? Are you interested in buying the Pixel 10a? Let us know in the comments below! Also, be sure to check out this exclusive article from IDC, which highlights why the Pixel 10a is actually a smart move from Google.
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