The Pixel 10a is the phone nobody wants to admit is good
I spend much of my time reviewing flagship devices — powerful behemoths with price tags to match.
I’m just coming off using the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, so you can imagine switching directly to the Google Pixel 10a created a bit of whiplash. Still, both devices are enjoyable for different reasons.
Google’s received plenty of heat over the Pixel 10a and its relatively unchanged spec sheet from the Pixel 9a. I understand the frustration, but that doesn’t mean you dismiss it completely without even using it.
Despite not being a massive upgrade from last year’s model, the Pixel 10a has plenty going for it — and Google needed a viable option for $500.
The Pixel 10a won’t thrill people, but it wasn’t meant to. It’s a phone that quietly gets the job done, while being enjoyable to use.
It’s a solid all-around phone for the second straight year, and that’s more important than an online shouting match over specs.
The Pixel 10a design is a welcome contrast
A light, compact phone is an excellent change of pace
The Pixel 10a isn’t the thinnest phone in the world, but I love that it weighs roughly 184g.
Holding the Pixel 9a and 10a side by side, I could feel the slight reduction in weight. It’s not a reason you’d buy one over the other, but Google leans into the light, compact design with the Pixel 10a.
It’ll seem insignificant, but don’t downplay the importance of bright, vibrant colors on phones.
The new Berry hue on the Pixel 10a is fantastic. Google’s done a better job than most manufacturers in bringing a touch of fun back to designs.
I wish the company would give us all these wonderful options on its more expensive flagships, but I’ll take what I can get.
Don’t overlook the new Fog variant, either. In person, it appears to capture a cloud with slight bits of green and gray.
I was concerned last year when Google increased the display size to 6.3 inches. I hoped that the Pixel 9a didn’t lose its compact charm.
Thankfully, it hasn’t, and the Pixel 10a is a solid respite for those tired of lugging around a lead weight in their pocket.
The Pixel 10a’s display is also solid. Actua displays on the Pixel A series are a noticeable step-down from the Super Actua panels on the Pixel 10 Pro series, but I don’t have any complaints at $500.
It’s bright enough for easy outdoor viewing, and I love its saturated colors.
Google has reduced the bezels slightly for 2026, but they’re still thick and noticeable if that bothers you.
I didn’t think the camera visor (what little there was of one) was a problem on the Pixel 9a, but it is enjoyable to see a phone that’s completely flat on the back.
The camera sensors don’t require a large hump, and I wish other manufacturers would adopt that.
The Tensor G4 still gets the job done
There’s also a new modem
Most criticism of the Pixel 10a centers on Google’s use of the Tensor G4 chipset.
Typically, the A-series phones have received the latest flagship chipset from Google, which is the G5. Yes, it creates an awkward co-existence in the lineup with the outgoing Pixel 9a, but the G4 is the right choice for the Pixel 10a.
Google compromised, and I’m willing to live with it.
I firmly believe the Pixel 10a had to hit a $500 price point. I don’t care if the phone has a Tensor G5 in it if it comes in at over $600 as a result.
The Pixel 10a’s theme is to be a solid pound-for-pound phone without any glaring weaknesses or compromises to its midrange price point. And despite not exciting us, it does exactly that.
The camera system is exactly what I expected, for better or worse.
I’ve always gotten solid performance from the Tensor G4, and I continue to do so in the Pixel 10a.
Genshin Impact runs smoothly on medium and low graphics settings, and daily tasks are handled easily, without the overheating and unnecessary battery drain that plagued earlier generations.
One upgrade enthusiasts will be happy with is the Exynos 5400 modem.
Some users complained about issues with the older Exynos 5300 modem that accompanies the G4 chipset on the Pixel 9a, but Google has added the 5400 to the Pixel 10a.
It enables SOS satellite calling, so if you’re in an emergency, and you’ve lost signal, you can still contact help.
I never had issues with the older modem in my Pixel 8a or 9a, but if you’ve suffered from poor performance, the Pixel 10a should do better.
Material 3 Expressive is everything I expect
Still the best Android 16 version around
Much of what sells a Pixel A-series phone is the software. I’ve been loving Material 3 Expressive since its release, and the experience on the Pixel 10a is fantastic.
Combined with the price point, the Pixel 10a is an ideal device for someone switching from iOS. It’s fun, friendly, and intuitive — precisely what you want in your first Android.
Seven years of support feels like the standard in 2026, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable.
Google added Auto Best Take and Camera Coach to the Pixel 10a. Neither is a reason I’d buy the phone, but Auto Best Take might be helpful for shutterbugs.
The camera system is exactly what I expected, for better or worse. The Pixel 10a still captures the best low-light images of any midrange phone, but point-and-shoot photos lack saturation.
It’s a matter of preference, and you can always put vibrant colors back into the photos, but I’ve seen it on multiple Pixels over the years, and it’s especially obvious on the Pixel 10a.
It’s not always a social media-ready photo, and that’s what plenty of buyers are looking for.
Battery life has impressed me since the Pixel 8a
5,100mAh lasts me two days
Much like the last two Pixel A-series devices, I get two days of battery life on the Pixel 10a. Excellent battery life is one of the pillars I want to see on a phone under $500.
I’m also pleased there hasn’t been much standby battery drain. If you forget to plug in your Pixel 10a overnight, you won’t see 20% melt away by morning. Sure, Google increased charging speeds slightly, but that’s nothing to write home about.
I’m also a little disappointed not to see the Qi2 magnets for Pixelsnap compatibility. It’s one of those fan-favorite features I’ve grown to enjoy on my Pixel 10 Pro XL, which would fit the user-friendly theme of the Pixel 10a.
The Pixel 10a is a phone designed for the masses
Even though I enjoy the Pixel 10a, I’m perfectly aware that Pixel 9a (or even 8a) users shouldn’t upgrade — there’s no reason.
Depending on how you’re buying the phone, the Pixel 9a might be the better option for you if you can pick one up cheaply.
However, for people walking into their carrier stores and getting the Pixel 10a on a juicy monthly payment plan or discount, it’ll do the job again this year.
Google may not have completely transformed the phone, but it stays at $500, and that’s the most important spec for the Pixel 10a.
Google Pixel 10a
- SoC
- Google Tensor G4
- RAM
- 8GB
- Storage
- 128 or 256GB
- Dimensions
- 6.1 in (height) x 2.9 in (width) x 0.4 in (depth)
- Display type
- Actua display
- Weight
- 6.5 oz
The Google Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display refreshing at 120Hz. It includes a Tensor G4 chipset and 8GB of RAM, with 128GB of base storage. It ships with Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive and will receive seven years of software support. It has a 5,100mAh battery and two rear-facing cameras.