The Google Pixel 10a Smartphone Is Not Much Different From the Pixel 9a.
Every year at the beginning of the year, Google releases a budget A-series phone that’s a stripped-down version of its latest mainstream Pixel phone. For example, the Pixel 9a featured the same chip as the Pixel 9, reduced memory and camera capacities, and, most importantly, a slimmer design that finally eliminated the obstructive camera bar. The Pixel 10a, announced today, is a bit different. Instead of upgrading to the same chip as the Pixel 10, it also features the same chip as the Pixel 9, with only minor improvements to everything else the Pixel 9a already featured. So, is it worth the upgrade?
Pixel 10a specifications
The Pixel 10a’s specs are nearly identical on paper to the Pixel 9a’s. Both phones feature a Tensor G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. They also have the same camera system: a 48MP main lens, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 13MP front-facing camera. Battery life is also claimed to be over 30 hours with a typical 5,100mAh battery (though charging speeds are about 3W faster with both wired and wireless charging). The only real difference on paper is that the 6.3-inch screen is slightly brighter, with a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits instead of 2,700. The bezels are also supposed to appear about 10% thinner, though I needed confirmation to notice this while testing the Pixel 10a.
Even the MagSafe-like Pixelsnap feature is gone from the Pixel 10, meaning you won’t be able to use this phone with any magnetic accessories, at least not without adhesive magnets or special third-party cases.
However, there are a few hardware changes, particularly in the phone’s appearance. Like the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a also ditched the camera bump and, following Google’s latest budget model, features a completely flat back panel. This means there’s no bump or lip around the rear camera, creating a perfectly smooth and seamless surface. It certainly looks neat, but even on the 9a, the tiny camera bump was practically unnoticeable during my review .
Meanwhile, to appreciate the other design improvements, we need to learn more about them. Google claims the Pixel 10a features improved Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, making it more resistant to drops and scratches, but I wasn’t able to verify this while handling the company’s demo units.
In fact, based on specs alone, the Pixel 10a doesn’t look like a cut-down version of the Pixel 10 at first glance, but rather like another iteration of the Pixel 9. But Google hopes its software will win you over.
Pixel 10a camera features with AI and satellite SOS.
The Pixel 10a differentiates itself from the Pixel 9a in terms of AI, introducing two AI camera features that debuted in the main Pixel 10 series: Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, though one of them is also a variation of a feature that debuted with the Pixel 8 .
This is a feature called Auto Best Take. It essentially detects when you’re in a group photo with other people and takes up to 150 shots with the click of a button. It then intelligently selects the best frame from these shots and discards the rest, and if a good shot can’t be found, it combines elements from multiple shots so everyone can see each other. You’ll know when a photo has been stitched using Auto Best Take (it’ll look like a Gemini icon), and you can choose a non-AI-assisted version if you prefer. The ability to stitch photos is still a few generations behind, but not having to choose when to upload is handy if you like AI-powered photos.
If you’re new to artificial intelligence, Camera Coach lets you get help with photo editing without actually using it. Essentially, the program will analyze your camera image, generate the perfect shot, and then guide you through the necessary steps to recreate it. You essentially hand over the creative process to Gemini, but without the risk of creating illusory images in your photos.
In addition to the new photography features, Satellite SOS is a new feature on the A series phones. It allows you to connect to a satellite if you’re out of Wi-Fi or mobile coverage, allowing you to contact emergency services if needed. We hope you’ll never need to use this feature, but it will give you peace of mind.
Is the Pixel 10a worth buying?
Like the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a costs $500, so if you’re choosing between the two and aren’t looking to buy the 9a at a discount on the secondary market, the choice is clear. New color options are also available, including a bright red “Berry” option and a purple-blue shade called “Lavender.”
But if you already own a Pixel 9a and are considering an upgrade, it’s harder to justify. The most significant changes are in the software, and Google has previously released Pixel 10-exclusive software for older phones (albeit with mixed success ). This means the 9a will likely remain relevant for a few more years and may eventually feature all the same features as the 10a, minus the completely recessed back panel.
The standard Pixel 10 series will likely remain a good choice as well. When I reviewed it, I thought the 9a was better than the Pixel 9 , but since the 10a doesn’t even have the same chip as the regular Pixel 10, it’s unlikely to replace it, no matter how clean its appearance.
If that doesn’t put you off, you can pre-order the Pixel 10a now on Google’s website , with shipping and availability in retail stores starting March 5.