The Google Pixel A-series is often considered a top recommendation for budget-friendly handsets annually. Individuals seeking a new Android phone may find the newly announced Pixel 10a of interest.
This new device is priced at $499, maintaining the cost of its predecessor, and offers incremental upgrades. It is set to be available from March 4, with pre-orders commencing today.
Upon initial inspection, the Pixel 10a bears a strong resemblance to last year’s Pixel 9a. The distinctive horizontal camera bar found on the main Pixel series is absent, replaced by a subtle camera array that is now entirely flush with the phone’s rear surface.
The previous model also removed the horizontal bar, but its camera still protruded slightly. With the Pixel 10a, the device can lie perfectly flat on a table without any wobbling, addressing a common issue seen in some recent Samsung phones.
Google Pixel 10a: Specifications
The Google Pixel 10a is available in four color options: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian. Its price remains $499, consistent with the Pixel 9a. Key specifications include:
- 6.3-inch display with 1080×2424 resolution and 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Google Tensor G4 processor
- 5,100mAh battery
- 8GB RAM
- 128/256GB storage
- Two rear camera lenses: 48MP and 13MP
- 13MP selfie camera
What’s New and What’s Not
A closer look at the specifications reveals several similarities between the Pixel 10a and the Pixel 9a. The battery capacity, RAM, storage configurations, and camera specifications remain unchanged from the previous year’s model.
However, the Pixel 10a introduces some notable improvements. Google highlights it as the most durable A-series phone to date, featuring IP68 water and dust resistance. Its 6.3-inch Actua display is also protected by new Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and offers an 11 percent increase in brightness compared to the 9a.
Expected Performance
Unusually for the Pixel A-series, the processor has not been updated. Typically, the budget Pixel variant utilizes the same processor as the previous flagship model. For instance, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a featured the Tensor G4 processor. However, the Pixel 10a retains the Tensor G4, even though the Pixel 10 is equipped with the newer Tensor G5.
The practical impact of this processor choice on performance is yet to be fully determined. Despite this, Google states that the Pixel 10a will offer AI feature parity with the Pixel 10, suggesting it can perform most of the same software functions.
Is the Pixel 10a a Worthwhile Purchase?
Despite the unexpected processor decision, the Pixel 10a appears to be another strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, a segment where Google has demonstrated considerable expertise in recent years.
A comprehensive review of the Pixel 10a will be conducted to assess its full capabilities and provide a more definitive recommendation.
