Pixel 10a vs Pixel 7a: Here’s why I wouldn’t upgrade

Source: Android Authority

The annual smartphone upgrade is fast becoming a thing of the past. With RAM and storage prices spiking, smartphones are getting pricier without delivering the tangible gains in performance and endurance we’ve seen in years past. In short, it’s simply not worth jumping to newer devices if your current phone is still functional.

Would you upgrade to the Pixel 10a from the Pixel 7a?

That’s a problem many Google fans are facing with the Pixel 10a. Although it keeps the Pixel 9a’s $499 list price, consumers aren’t getting any major upgrades. Google’s latest mid‑range model packs bright colors, a flat rear sans camera bump, and much of the same specs and treats Pixel 9a owners have been privy to for a year.

With that in mind, it’s easy to argue that it’s not worth jumping to the Pixel 10a if you already have the 2025 model, but what if you own an older Pixel A device, like a Pixel 7a?

Pixel 7a: Google’s best phone of 2023?

When we reviewed the Pixel 7a back in 2023, it was certainly one of our favorite devices of that year. The 6.1‑inch display size is sorely missed on phones in 2026, while Google also did a great job stacking up the software perks that buffed the camera experience far beyond any other mid‑range offering at the time. The addition of Night Sight, Real Tone, and Magic Eraser made it easy to snap darkly lit images, shots with truer skin tones, and remove obstructions and unwanted elements from scenes. All in all, it was not bad for a mid‑range camera phone.

The Pixel 7a still looks the part, too. There’s something alluring about the controversial‑at‑the‑time camera bar that spans the back of the phone from flank to flank. It had an identity, something that far too few modern phones possess.

Granted, the Pixel 7a appears pretty long in the tooth if you look at its specs sheet alone. The Tensor G2, which already faced plenty of pressure at launch, is slower and less efficient than modern Tensor chips. This resulted in poor battery life from the 4,385 mAh cell and noticeably higher heat. There’s also a question of limited software support compared to newer Pixel A models. The 7a was slated to receive three major OS versions and five years of updates, meaning it likely won’t see Android 17 when it launches next year, but will receive updates through 2028.

I’d upgrade to the Pixel 9a rather than the Pixel 10a

On paper, the Pixel 10a is clearly more impressive than its dated predecessor. It crams a 6.3‑inch 120 Hz 1080p screen into a lighter, smaller body, a Tensor G4 chipset with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for the base model, a dual‑camera setup (48 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide), and a 5,100 mAh battery with 10 W wireless charging.

There’s one big problem: almost every one of these items is covered by the Pixel 9a, too. The only major changes are 30 W wired charging (using Google’s 45 W charger) and Android 16 out of the box. Paired with seven years of software support, the Pixel 10a will receive updates through 2033—just one year more than the Pixel 9a.

The Pixel 10a’s biggest problem is the existence of the Pixel 9a.

While the Pixel 10a is Google’s latest mid‑range smartphone, I don’t see the value of leaping to it from the Pixel 7a, at least not immediately after launch. Yes, the charging speed bump, more efficient chipset, and larger battery will likely mean the 2026 mid‑ranger will outpace and outlast the Pixel 7a, but at $499 for the 8 GB/128 GB model, I would hold onto the older device if it continues to function adequately. This is especially true given Google’s tendency to put its latest Pixel A device on sale later in the year.

Then there’s the Pixel 9a itself. Launched in 2025, the last‑generation Pixel A is essentially a carbon copy of the Pixel 10a, minus the faster charging, an extra year of software support, and new colorways. You can get a Pixel 9a for $399 at the time of writing, making it a much better upgrade than the Pixel 10a, especially if you need a new phone today.

Do you think the Pixel 10a is a good upgrade path from the Pixel 7a? If not, which device would you choose instead?