I don’t know how it came to be, but it does feel like the Pixel A series is the more anticipated device than its regular Pixel of any series. So yes, Google has unveiled the Pixel 10a, the newest addition to its affordable A-series smartphone lineup. But the excitement about the A series might just end with this. More on that in a bit.
Designed to deliver flagship-level features at a more accessible price, the Pixel 10a introduces upgraded performance, enhanced AI-powered photography tools, and improved battery life. Those are what pitching now—or distracting, depending on how you look at it.
The device features a refreshed Pixel design—if ever so subtly—with updated color options and Google’s signature camera bar. At a glance, it looked exactly like the Pixel 9a. The device now rocks a composite matte back with a satin aluminum frame. The back is slightly higher than the frame, where its predecessor was flush with the frame.
Where the 9a has a teeny weeny camera module protrusion, the new A has none. It is completely flat. And while 10.16 mm is far from slim, it is consistent, though.
It shares the exact same display as the Pixel 9a, which is a kind of lazy move. Well, at least it is a tad brighter at 2,000 nits (HDR) and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, has a higher contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, and has a tougher cover glass, a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.
As expected from a Pixel phone, photography remains a major highlight. The Pixel 10a leverages Google’s computational photography and AI tools to improve low-light shots, portrait mode, and video quality.
Under the hood, the Pixel 10a benefits from performance improvements—thanks to the Google Tensor G4 chip—and optimized battery efficiency, offering all-day usage. We are talking about more than 30 hours of battery life and up to 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.
While we are at the battery department, you ought to know that it has the same 5,100 mAh battery. Though this time, Google has more details on the Fast Charging, which is up to 50% in about 30 minutes, using a 45W USB-C PPS charger or higher. Needless to say, the charger is sold separately. Wireless charging is still present.
It runs the latest version of Android with Google’s smart software features, including AI enhancements that streamline everyday tasks.
Unfortunately, the 10a marks the first time Google’s A‑series did not move to the same-generation flagship chip. Where the 9a shares the 9’s flagship chip. The 10a sticks with the last-gen chip. This sounds like a shortchange to me because both the last-gen A series and the new-gen A series cost the same.
Speaking of the price, the Google Pixel 10a Android Phone is available for pre-order now, starting at US$499. To be honest, I don’t see anyone wanting to jump on it. If I am allowed to be brutal about it, I’d say Pixel wins only by software and the existence of loyalists; without those, it has no chance in this cutthroat smartphone industry.
And now, by cutting back the chip for the 10a, it has completely removed its winning stroke. Perhaps Google realized it would never win and decided to exert more control over AOSP. So, no, the A-series is no longer enticing.
Images: Google.
