Google Pixel 10a Review: The "A" Stands for "Almost the Same"
Google just dropped the Pixel 10a, and if you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu, it’s not just you. While the tech giant is pitching this as a "refined" and "durable" evolution of the A-series, a quick look under the hood reveals that Google might be getting a little too comfortable in its mid-range throne.
Here is the breakdown of why the Pixel 10a is essentially a Pixel 9a in a slightly shinier (and flatter) coat of paint.
The "Upgrades" (If You Can Call Them That)
To be fair, Google didn't literally change nothing. They just changed the things you’ll probably stop noticing after three days:
The Flush Design: The iconic camera "bar" is officially dead. The Pixel 10a features a completely flat back. It’s sleek, sure, and it won't rock on a table, but it also makes the phone look a bit more... generic.
Brighter Display: The 6.3-inch Actua display now hits 3,000 nits of peak brightness (up from 2,700). It’s mathematically 11% brighter, which is great for the three days a year you're standing in direct desert sunlight.
Gorilla Glass 7i: Moving up from the ancient Gorilla Glass 3 is a genuine win for durability.
Faster Charging: Wired charging has jumped to 45W (from 23W), which is arguably the only "real" hardware upgrade here.
The "Laziness" (The Part You Actually Care About)
If you were expecting the Pixel 10a to inherit the fancy new Tensor G5 chip found in the flagship Pixel 10, I have bad news.
Feature | Pixel 9a | Pixel 10a |
Processor | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 (Yes, really) |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
Main Camera | 48MP | 48MP |
Battery | 5,100 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
Yes, you read that right. The Pixel 10a is using the same Tensor G4 chip as the phone it’s replacing. In the tech world, releasing a "new" generation with the previous year's silicon is the ultimate "we're taking a nap" move. While the flagship Pixel 10 moved to the G5, the 10a is left behind in 2025.
The Verdict: Boringly Genius or Just Boring?
Google is betting that most buyers aren't spec-nerds. They're banking on the $499 price point, the seven years of updates, and new AI tricks like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take to carry the load.
But let’s call it what it is: the Pixel 10a is a software update disguised as a new phone. It’s a fantastic device if you’re coming from a Pixel 6a or 7a, but if you have a 9a, upgrading to this would be like buying the same car because it comes in a new shade of "Lavender."
