The Google Pixel 10a will only make sense when it | Tech News

Google has launched a cheaper mid-range A-series Pixel smartphone yearly since 2019’s Pixel 3a, however the new Pixel 10a is tough to wholeheartedly advocate, although it’s a excellent cellphone. That’s not usually the case.

Since 2022’s Pixel 6a, the ‘A’ Pixel has come roughly six months after the flagship Pixels it shares its quantity with and has run the identical processor as these telephones. It has meant you may save a whole bunch and nonetheless get great Android efficiency, simply in a much less premium feeling handset.

Unfortunately, the Pixel 10a doesn’t run the Tensor G5 discovered within the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro telephones. Instead it sticks with the Tensor G4 that’s within the Pixel 9 collection and – crucially – 2025’s Pixel 9a, too. Add to that the actual fact Google didn’t change the design from the 9a to the 10a, and what we’re left with is a new cellphone that’s onerous to advocate.

That’s as a result of with virtually the identical design and specs, the Pixel 9a on sale (as it normally is) is a more smart buy than the new 10a at £499.

The only upgrades the Pixel 10a will get is Gorilla Glass 7i (from Gorilla Glass 3), 3,000 nits peak screen brightness (from 2,700), 30W wired charging (from 27W), 10W wi-fi charging (from 7,5W) and Bluetooth 6 (from 5.3).

The Tensor G4 processor, 8GB RAM 128GB base storage, twin 48MP and 13MP cameras, 6.3-inch screen dimension – all the identical as final yr. Even the new colors are virtually the identical, only barely completely different shades.

I’ve been utilizing the Pixel 10a for a couple of weeks to see how it fares. It’s true that it is an wonderful cellphone – after all, I named the Pixel 9a as my favorite cellphone of 2025. And it’s additionally true that generally cellphone reviewers like me can’t see that a new gadget is great just because we’ve used the earlier yr’s. Hardly anybody as of late buys a cellphone yearly, so I admire the Pixel 10a goes to be a lot better than your inexpensive cellphone was when you bought it 4 years in the past.

But on this case, if you’re seeking to spend much less than £500 on an Android cellphone that will final you the following 4 years, I can’t advocate the Pixel 10a over the Pixel 9a. At the time of writing, the 9a is out there for £399, and I’ve seen it earlier than for £349. That makes the £499 Pixel 10a dangerous worth.

None of that is to say the Pixel 10a is a dangerous cellphone, removed from it. In truth, it is an wonderful cellphone. I’ve been testing the Fog color model, which is white with the tiniest trace of inexperienced and have been having fun with its comparatively mild (183g) and compact dimension in comparison with the Pixel 10 XL or most different giant telephones on the market.

Most spectacular is the truth that that is the primary cellphone in years to have a fully flush back glass, together with the cameras. No digital camera bump! The Pixel 9a had a tiny lip to guard them, now they’re recessed within the glass. It’s great.

The cameras are additionally great. The 48MP most important sensor paired with Google’s high distinction picture processing means that is a high point-and-shoot digital camera, with outcomes usually higher than on telephones twice the price. I most well-liked most of the photographs I took with the £499 Pixel 10 in contrast with the £879 Samsung Galaxy S26 I’m additionally testing in the meanwhile.

You can click on these hyperlinks to view some of my Pixel 10a picture samples in full decision.

Photos have good, sharp focus and color, although you only get an ultra-wide for back up, with no telephoto lens right here. Zoom is OK up to 2x or so, however even with Google’s software program smarts, I wouldn’t wish to depend on zoom past that.

Much of what makes this cellphone great to make use of is the software program. Google’s model of Android 16 is fast and effectively designed, with good ranges of color customisation. If something, I favor the A-series Pixels as a result of they don’t shove as a lot AI and Google Gemini nonsense in your face. That’s partly as a result of they’re much less highly effective than the pricier Pixels so don’t have all of the options. So, in order for you the assured seven years of software program updates that Pixels offer and aren’t fussed about AI, the Pixel 10a could possibly be the way in which to go.

If only the Pixel 9a didn’t nonetheless exist. If you’re studying this in March 2026, it must be simple to search out a 9a from a UK retailer for below £400. You’ll get software program updates till 2032 and principally the identical expertise because the pricier 10a.

If you’re studying this later in 2026, the Pixel 10a might effectively be on sale, by which case go for it. It’s simply odd that Google selected to not improve its best worth Pixel with the newest processor, routinely hobbling it at launch when its own older product is true there for a cheaper price.