Google Pixel 10a review: Small changes, but still great value
Source: Engadget
Overview
Over the past few years, Google’s A‑series Pixel phones have consistently been some of the best mid‑range phones you can buy. With the AI boom causing memory shortages and the price of consumer electronics rising—including smartphones—affordable devices like the Pixel 10a are more important than ever. Thankfully, Google’s new phone still represents great value, even if it doesn’t come with many upgrades.
Design and display
As before, the Pixel 10a has a 6.3‑inch 120 Hz P‑OLED display.
[Image: Igor Bonifacic for Engadget]
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
The story of the Pixel 10a is one of small changes, so let’s start with the outside. The phone is available in four colors: lavender (pictured), berry, fog, and obsidian. Photos don’t do the lavender color justice; in person, the light refracts beautifully off the aluminum frame and composite back. The back also has a pleasing matte finish that makes the 10a feel secure in the hand.
Another nice touch is that Google shaved down the camera module further, so the 10a can now lie completely flat. As before, the entire phone is IP68‑certified against dust and water. For DIY enthusiasts, Google says it redesigned the 10a’s internals to make the device easier to repair—hooray for that.
Beyond those changes, the 10a has a brighter 120 Hz P‑OLED screen that offers up to 3,000 nits of brightness, up from 2,700 nits on the 9a. The display also offers better protection against scratches and drops thanks to Google’s switch to Gorilla Glass 7i for the screen coating. Despite the minimal changes, there’s not much to complain about here: the screen is fast, responsive, and vibrant.
The on‑screen fingerprint sensor sits in an easy‑to‑reach spot toward the middle of the phone. After reviewing several large phones in recent months, it was also nice to go back to a handset with a sensible 6.3‑inch footprint.
Performance and battery
The speakers on the Pixel 10a could be stronger and more defined.
[Image: Igor Bonifacic for Engadget]
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
I’ve been spoiled recently by phones like the OnePlus 15R, which offers a 7,400 mAh battery and 55 W charging out of the box. By that metric, the Pixel 10a’s 5,100 mAh battery leaves something to be desired. In Engadget’s video‑rundown test, the phone ran for 28 hours before the battery died—exactly where the Pixel 9a landed last year. That puts the 10a squarely in the middle of the pack for battery life, and the smaller capacity could become a concern as the phone ages (more frequent charging accelerates degradation).
Wired charging
Google has improved wired charging speeds: the 10a can charge at 30 W, up from 23 W on the 9a. You’ll need a compatible power adapter, as the phone does not include one in the box. With a 30 W charger, the battery goes from dead to about 50 % in under 45 minutes. A full charge takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes—not great, but serviceable.
Wireless charging
Another disappointment is that the Pixel 10a doesn’t support Google’s new PixelSnap standard. Wireless charging is faster on the new phone (now rated at 10 W, up from 5 W), but without a compatible third‑party case, a charging puck won’t magnetically align with the back. It’s not a deal‑breaker, but PixelSnap would have been a great addition.
Processor and RAM
The 10a uses the same chipset as the Pixel 9a: Tensor G4, paired with 8 GB of RAM. Other mid‑range phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offer faster chips, but they also cost more. I didn’t feel the 10a was hampered by the older silicon; the new 120 Hz display makes the phone feel snappy, and Google’s in‑house Android skin remains responsive.
Thermals
The 10a also does a commendable job of keeping heat in check. I played Diablo Immortal for an hour at high settings and 60 fps, and the phone stayed cool to the touch.
Cameras
The 10a’s camera module is flush with its body.
[Image: Igor Bonifacic for Engadget]
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
The 10a comes with the same camera package as its predecessor.
- Rear: 48‑MP main sensor (f/1.7) with optical image stabilization and phase‑detection autofocus, plus a 13‑MP ultrawide sensor (120° field of view).
- Front: 13‑MP selfie camera (f/2.2).
As always, Google’s software does most of the heavy lifting. Two new features debuted with the Pixel 10 series: Camera Coach and Auto Best Take.
Camera Coach
Camera Coach uses AI to analyze the scene you’re about to capture, offering tips on composition, lighting, and the best camera mode. The tool can be useful, but because it relies on a cloud model, it can feel slow. For example, when I tried to photograph my cat, the response lag meant the cat walked away before the suggestion arrived. In static scenes, it’s more helpful, but its utility is limited for fast‑moving subjects.
Auto Best Take
Auto Best Take solves a common problem: taking multiple group shots only to end up with none that look good. The feature automatically combines similar group photos so everyone looks their best. It works as advertised.
Overall image quality
Outside of those features, the 10a delivers the predictably great Pixel experience: sharp photos with natural colors.
End of cleaned markdown segment.
I did miss having a telephoto camera, as you can see from the photos I shot during a recent Cat Power concert in Toronto. Given the 10a only costs $500, it’s hard to fault Google for not including one.
Software
The Pixel 10a’s side button can both activate Gemini and the phone’s camera.
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
Out of the box, the 10a comes with Android 16. Like all of Google’s recent Pixel devices, the company has promised to support the 10a for an industry‑leading seven years with software updates and security patches. The pledge includes Pixel Drops, which often bring new software features.
One feature Google has brought over from the more expensive Pixel 10 line is Satellite SOS, which allows you to call for help during emergencies, even when your phone can’t connect to a cellular network. Outside of a demo designed to make users aware of the feature, I wasn’t able to test Satellite SOS (thankfully).
Notably, the 10a is still missing Google’s Screenshots app. That’s unfortunate since it’s one of the more useful Pixel exclusives, making it easier to organize all your online clippings. Other AI features such as Gemini Live and Circle to Search are accounted for, and are as useful as ever.
Wrap‑up
Overall, the Pixel 10a is a great phone, though I would have loved to see more year‑over‑year upgrades.
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
The Pixel 10a is a tricky phone to grade. On the one hand, part of me wants to dock points because Google has added so few updates. On the other, the 10a is still a great phone for $500, and at a time when consumer electronics are becoming more expensive by the day, the fact it hasn’t gone up in price is a small miracle.
Even if Google is partly responsible for the current memory crunch, the company’s hardware division has delivered an affordable device that’s still worth recommending. The Pixel 10a is still the phone to beat in the $500 range.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-10a-review-small-changes-but-still-great-value-173026779.html?src=rss