Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 17e: Which is better?

Each the Google Pixel 10a and the iPhone 17e have been introduced, setting the stage for a very low-key however intriguing mid-range smartphone face-off.

These might be two high-profile mid-priced smartphones to beat in 2026.

The Google Pixel 10a is barely distinguishable from the Google Pixel 9a earlier than it, whereas our preliminary response to the iPhone 17e was to say that it was “like a plate of warmed-up leftovers”.

Fairly perversely, nevertheless, the conservative method shared by Google and Apple guarantees to make for an interesting scrap.

Neither of those main smartphone titans is strictly knocking it out of the park with their respective mid-range choices this 12 months, however they’re nonetheless vying for pole place within the sub-£600/$600 class. So which is the higher purchase?

We’re not fairly prepared to present you a definitive reply primarily based on hands-on time with each telephones simply but, however we will give you a helpful comparability primarily based on uncooked specs to assist nudge you in the best route.

Are you seeking to spend the least amount of cash?

Let’s begin with a easy assertion within the Pixel 10a’s favour – Google’s newest mid-range telephone might be had for £100/$100 lower than the iPhone 17e.

Whereas Google Pixel 10a pricing begins from £499/$499, you’ll have to splash out £599/$599 for the iPhone 17e.

Chris Martin / Foundy

That’s to not say that Google’s telephone is cheaper, essentially. The iPhone 17e’s beginning worth will get you 256GB of storage – double that of the Google Pixel 10a.

Certainly, upgrading to the identical 256GB of storage in Google’s telephone ranges the pricing enjoying subject at £599/$599. Apple’s step-up mannequin, in the meantime, will get you 512GB of storage, albeit at a quite eye-watering worth of £799/$799.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Are you drawn to magnetic charging?

Maybe the most important omission from the Google Pixel 10a is Qi2 assist. Provided that this was the most important addition to the remainder of the Pixel 10 household (right here referred to as ‘Pixelsnap’) again in August, it looks like one thing of a U-turn on Google’s half.

That’s probably music to the ears of Apple. After the iPhone 16e upset with its personal lack of Qi2 assist (aka MagSafe, in Apple’s parlance), it has corrected issues with the iPhone 17e.

Apple

As such, there’s an entire ecosystem of magnetically attaching chargers, instances, stands and automotive mounts that may now work seamlessly with Apple’s newest mid-range telephone.

It’s a disgrace the identical can’t be mentioned for the Google Pixel 10a. We had grown fairly hooked up to our Pixel 10’s PixelSnap equipment. Pun supposed.

Winner: iPhone 17e

Is digicam versatility necessary to you?

If it’s baffling that Google would use such a feeble outdated processor with its newest telephone, then it’s equally mystifying that Apple would give us only a single digicam with the iPhone 17e.

Certain, it’s a reasonably first rate 48Mp f/1.6 digicam with OIS assist. Nevertheless it utterly robs you of the flexibility to mess around with focal lengths, past cropping in nearer on that primary sensor.

Chris Martin / Foundy

The Pixel 10a offers you an identical 48Mp f/1.7 primary sensor, but it surely additionally provides a 13Mp ultra-wide for these panned-out panorama photographs.

Neither of those telephones is a photographic star by any means, however the Pixel 10a is the one to go for if such issues are a precedence to you.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Would you like the quickest efficiency doable?

Whereas it wasn’t precisely a shock, what with web rumours being how they’re, we have been nonetheless quite stunned that Google selected to not match the Pixel 10a with the identical Tensor G5 processor as the remainder of the Google Pixel 10 collection.

As an alternative, it runs on precisely the identical Tensor G4 because the Pixel 9a earlier than it. This was hardly a star runner again in early 2025.

Apple

Within the reverse nook, Apple has geared up its iPhone 17e with the identical Apple A19 processor that powers the iPhone 17. It’s an especially speedy processor in our expertise, demolishing even the Tensor G5 of the Google Pixel 10.

Suffice to say, the comparability to the Pixel 10a’s older chip will not be a flattering one for Google’s telephone. That is way over a single-generational distinction we’re speaking about right here, so efficiency hounds will wish to take be aware.

Winner: iPhone 17e

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 17e: Conclusion

In a straight scrap to be essentially the most all-round proficient but technically uninspiring mid-range telephone in the marketplace, it’s trying like a useless warmth.

We’ll want to complete placing each of those telephones by means of their paces, however we will say with a good quantity of certainty that you’ll neither be thrilled nor let down by both the Google Pixel 10a or the iPhone 17e.

If you’d like the most affordable telephone with essentially the most digicam flexibility, go for the Google. If efficiency and Qi2 accessory-based luxuries are extra your factor, it’s Apple all the best way.

In fact, that is if the variations between Android and iOS (and any loyalty you might need) haven’t swung it already.

Pixel 10a: 3 issues I’ve realized