Google Pixel 10a Review: Minor Updates, Still a Great Budget Phone
Google’s Pixel “a” series has, in recent years, consistently delivered exceptional value. By strategically balancing cost savings with essential features – years of platform and security updates, a capable camera leveraging Google’s computational photography prowess, and a smooth Android experience – each iteration has earned the title of best affordable Android phone. And, thankfully, that trend continues with the release of the Pixel 10a.
Despite relatively minor external changes, the Pixel 10a manages to impress once again with a combination of refinement and powerful features, all at a price point under £500 – significantly less than the newly released iPhone 17e. However, a concerning trend looms.
Before delving into that, let’s examine the phone itself. It retains the playful color options and completely flat back seen in previous models. It’s IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, features Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, supports Dual SIM functionality, includes stereo speakers, and houses a 5,100 mAh battery capable of lasting a day and a half on a single charge, with wired charging speeds up to 45W. Wireless charging is also supported. A curious omission, however, is PixelSnap, Google’s new MagSafe-like magnetic attachment system. Given Apple’s criticism for excluding MagSafe on the 16e, the same scrutiny now falls on Google.
Looking at the images, it’s immediately apparent that the design is largely unchanged. In fact, it’s almost identical to its predecessor. Ports, buttons, battery – everything remains consistent. This extends to the display as well, which appears to be the same 6.3-inch Actua display with a 1080×2424 resolution through a pOLED panel, offering the same pixel density and Smooth Display functionality with refresh rates of either 60 or 120 Hz.
The rear camera system is also familiar, again offering a dual-lens setup with a standard wide and an ultra-wide lens. The wide lens boasts 48 megapixels with an f/1.7 aperture, while the ultra-wide lens features 13 megapixels with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. While the camera isn’t dramatically improved, the image quality remains excellent, surpassing many other phones in this price range. However, with the same “body,” camera, and display, one would expect significant internal upgrades, right?
Surprisingly, the Pixel 10a utilizes the same Tensor G4 SoC as last year’s model, paired with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage (expandable). This means we’re essentially looking at a slightly refined version of last year’s phone. While it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to carry over key components between generations, Here’s arguably the most drastic example in recent memory.
There are a few minor improvements. The screen can now reach a peak brightness of 3000 NITS, slightly brighter than before, and the Corning Gorilla Glass 7i is a new addition. Wireless charging is also marginally faster. The inclusion of Satellite SOS, allowing communication with emergency services even outside of cellular coverage, is a welcome safety feature.
But that’s largely it. Does this make the Pixel 10a a bad phone? Absolutely not. Especially considering the Pixel 9a is becoming increasingly difficult to find, and when available, costs around £400. However, it does mean Google is delivering a relatively minor refresh with very few substantial improvements, making it difficult to distinguish from its predecessor.
This practice is somewhat unsettling, but the Pixel a-series has consistently been one of the most anticipated annual releases due to Google’s ability to balance features and price. This time, however, calling it a “10a” feels almost misleading. This isn’t to say the phone is poor – quite the contrary – but it suggests that we, as reviewers, should expect more, given Google’s recent advancements in hardware.
The Pixel 10a remains a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable and capable smartphone. The software experience is smooth and intuitive, the camera performs admirably, and the battery life is impressive. However, the lack of significant upgrades raises questions about Google’s commitment to innovation in the mid-range market. It’s a good phone, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that it could have been so much more.