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Not like final yr, Google’s new reasonably priced Pixel 10a is nearer to its predecessor than the bottom flagship mannequin, the Pixel 10. Final yr, the Pixel 9a bridged the hole between A-series and flagship Pixel telephones. Sadly, the identical cannot be mentioned for Google’s lineup in 2026.
The Pixel 10a would not compete with the Pixel 10 in addition to the 9a did with the 9. And it is not simply due to its minimal upgrades.
In 2025, Google upgraded its base mannequin with a bunch of latest options (a devoted telephoto digicam and PixelSnap, amongst others), which had low probabilities of trickling all the way down to the A collection within the first place. However with the newest launch, it pulled the Pixel 10a from getting nearer to the Pixel 10 collection by not giving it a processor, digicam, or battery improve.
Regardless of its modest enhancements, the Pixel 10a stays a strong possibility beneath $500 and even beats the Pixel 10 in some areas. Here is how the 2 Google telephones examine, and which one you can purchase.
Purchase the Google Pixel 10a if…
1. You need higher battery life
The newest Google cellphone packs a 5,100mAh battery, which is rated to last as long as 30 hours on a single cost. Going by the identical official metrics, the Pixel 10 is alleged to offer you 24 hours of battery life with its 4,970mAh cell.
I’ve used the Pixel 10 and final yr’s 9a, and located the latter to last more, so Google’s metrics are dependable. Neither of the 2 telephones will final you a complete day for those who push them to the boundaries, however the Pixel 10a fares higher in day-to-day use.
2. You shoot numerous selfies
The Google Pixel 10a has the next decision 13MP entrance digicam with a wider field-of-view (FoV) at 96.1 levels. As compared, the higher-end Pixel 10 has a ten.5MP selfie shooter with a 95-degree FoV. It has autofocus, too.
Nevertheless, autofocus would not matter if the standard of the photograph is not excellent. for those who snap numerous selfies for socials or are the go-to selfie shooter to your group, the $499 Pixel 10a will serve you higher.
3. You want a light-weight cellphone with out a digicam protrusion
The brand new Pixel 10a is 21 grams lighter than the marginally smaller and slimmer Pixel 10. At 183g, it is not the lightest cellphone however Google’s base flagship mannequin is among the few small telephones that cross the 200g mark and it might get hefty in day-to-day use.
Google additionally flushed the digicam bump on the Pixel 10a. It sits flat on a desk. This alteration fixes the awkward cellphone wobble in your desk and different flat surfaces. I do not discover it bothersome, however I’ve seen individuals complaining about rear-camera housings protruding extra yearly. For those who’re a kind of individuals, there’s lastly a cellphone for you. In contrast, the Pixel 10 has the signature Google cellphone look with its visor module.
Purchase the Google Pixel 10 if…
1. You need the perfect of Google AI options
The Google Pixel 10 is powered by the Tensor G5 chipset and paired with 12GB of RAM, as in comparison with 10a’s Tensor G4 processor and 8GB of RAM. This provides it the sting in efficiency and AI options.
You get issues like Pixel Screenshots, Magic Cue and Auto Unblur, amongst others. These options won’t seem like a significant differentiator on the spec sheet however might come in useful in day by day life.
2. You want a extra versatile digicam setup
The Pixel 10 is the primary base Google flagship cellphone to get a devoted telephoto digicam. It is not the perfect sensor, however it provides you extra flexibility. You get a ten.8MP Twin PD telephoto digicam able to 5x optical zoom and as much as 20x digital zoom.
I like having three lenses at my disposal and would advocate the Pixel 10 over 10a for that reason. Aside from this, each telephones have the identical main and ultrawide-angle lens. There is a 48MP principal sensor with f/1.7 aperture and a 13MP ultrawide-angle lens with a 120-degree discipline of view on the again.
3. You utilize magnetic equipment
I like Apple’s MagSafe and Google’s Pixelsnap know-how. Many assume they’re simply made for wi-fi charging alignment however I discover them extra helpful for on-the-go accent help.
On my iPhone, I’ve hooked up tripods, grips, wallets and extra magnetically with out pondering twice. Carry a suitable accent near your cellphone and bam! It attaches magnetically, without having you to fiddle with handles or any form of circumstances. Since Pixelsnap is predicated on the Qi2 wi-fi charging customary, any of the MagSafe equipment beforehand marketed for iPhones additionally work with the Pixel 10.
If battery life and price range are your priorities, the Google Pixel 10a is for you. It has the identical principal digicam and ultrawide lens, larger cell and a flush digicam module packed in a lighter design. Nevertheless, if you would like a extra highly effective cellphone with the newest and best Google options, the Pixel 10 needs to be your subsequent cellphone.
