Google may not have changed much with the Pixel 10a (8/10, WIRED Recommends) over last year’s Pixel 9a—it has the same Tensor G4 processor, battery capacity, and dual-camera system—but it remains one of the best smartphones you can buy for the money, particularly in the US, where there are fewer midrange options.
Performance is great, the battery comfortably lasts a full day with average use (you may need to top up in the afternoon if you’re a heavy user), and the 120-Hz 6.3-inch screen is bright, sharp, and colorful. The dual-camera system—a main 48-MP sensor and a 13-MP ultrawide—delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions, and there’s a decent 13-MP selfie shooter. It also has the niceties you’d want, like an IP68 water-resistance rating and seven years of software updates.
So what’s different from its predecessor? The screen is brighter, making it even easier to read in sunny conditions. The display glass has been upgraded to Gorilla Glass 7i, so it should handle scratches and accidental drops better. Also new is Satellite SOS, so that you can reach emergency services even without a cell signal, and the Pixel 10a supports faster wired and wireless charging speeds. It also has a few useful software features like Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, plus the ability to send files and photos to iPhones through Google’s Quick Share to AirDrop feature. However, unlike the Pixel 11 series below, this phone does not use the Pixelsnap Qi2 magnetic charging system, which is a shame.
Oh, and there is no longer a plastic ring around the camera module, making the back even flatter—great for anyone who hates thick camera bumps. Supposedly, the battery is slightly easier to replace, which is good to know when it’s time to swap it a few years down the road.
Consider the Pixel 9a if you can find it for a good deal less, since it’s nearly identical. Otherwise, the Pixel 10a is a handsome handset—especially in berry—and is one of the most well-rounded smartphone packages on the market for under $500. This is what I think most people should buy, unless you have specific needs, like better performance for demanding mobile games, a big-screen experience, or a telephoto zoom.
| Specs |
|---|
| Display: 6.3-inch, 120-Hz, OLED |
| Processor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 8 GB RAM |
| Storage: 128 and 256 GB |
| Battery: 5,100 mAh |
| Cameras: 48-MP main camera, 13-MP ultrawide, 13-MP selfie camera |
| Updates (from date of manufacture): 7 years |
| Extras: Qi wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFC |
| Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks |
