The Pixel 10a goes on sale tomorrow and, though I’m not fairly able to carry you a full evaluation, I’ve discovered just a few key issues about Google’s new mid-range cellphone up to now.
Earlier than even getting the cellphone in my arms, I knew that it was going to be extraordinarily much like the Pixel 9a. That is arguably Google’s most iterative replace to a Pixel cellphone ever.
Nonetheless, there’s a market on the market for anybody with an older A-series, or maybe somebody who’s searching for their first Pixel (regardless that I’d in all probability steer them within the path of the 9a).
I just like the design modifications
Although the modifications are largely delicate and arduous to seek out, there’s an array of design components on the Pixel 10a that make it attention-grabbing.
The obvious, in fact, is the brand new set of colourways. Google is among the boldest cellphone makers for recent splashes of color, by no means merely repeating the identical hues 12 months after 12 months – except for Obsidian and Porcelain.
Actually, Porcelain is gone from the Pixel 10a vary and the all-new choices are Lavender, Berry and Fog. I’ve obtained Fog and, as an almost 40-year-old with a 100-year outdated home, it fits me nicely, however there’s one thing for everybody.
The digicam bump, though small on the 9a, is now fully gone and I adore it. Telephones wobbling on flat surfaces is a pet peeve of mine, however that’s not a difficulty for the Pixel 10a. Positive, most circumstances cease any wobble however I like to make use of telephones ‘bare’ if attainable, and sitting it fully flat feels actually refreshing.
Chris Martin / Foundy
A much less apparent improve is Gorilla Glass 7i, which protects the display. It’s a giant soar from the Gorilla Glass 3 in its predecessor and may show extra sturdy long-term. Fortunately, I haven’t dropped my 10a but, however after I inevitably do, I received’t wince fairly a lot.
Battery life is stunning
I wasn’t anticipating this in any respect, however battery life on the Pixel 10a is spectacular. That is curious as a result of it has the very same 5100mAh battery as earlier than, in addition to the identical Tensor G4 processor.
Nevertheless, within the PCMark for Android app we use for our battery take a look at, the Pixel 10a returned a rating of 20 hours and 24 minutes. That’s massively up from the 14 hours and 11 minutes of its predecessor.
Chris Martin / Foundy
After all, that cellphone was examined on Android 15, however that’s not going to make a distinction right here.
Actual-world utilization additionally helps the spectacular benchmark consequence, with the Pixel 10a proving to be an actual workhorse. With the display set to full brightness and streaming a YouTube video for an hour, I solely noticed it drop round 5% in battery life.
For a lot of customers, this can be a two- and even three-day cellphone.
Sooner charging is welcome
It’s one other delicate change, however Google has improved the charging speeds on the Pixel 10a – each wired and wi-fi.
The latter has jumped from 7.5- to 10W, which is an affordable 33%, regardless that it received’t have a big impact in day-to-day life.
Wired has gone from 23- to 30W, nevertheless, which really means the Pixel 10a beats flagship telephones such because the Samsung Galaxy S24 (25W).
Chris Martin / Foundy
After all, you want a quick sufficient PD (energy supply) charger, however when you have one, you will get near 30% cost from lifeless in quarter-hour and over 50% in half-hour. That might make all of the distinction, particularly paired with its spectacular battery life.
A full cost of the cellphone will take round an hour and a half.
Early verdict: Context is all the pieces
As is usually the issue with tech, the Pixel 10a appears to be like like a measly improve in comparison with its predecessor. The modifications aren’t almost sufficient for 9a homeowners to improve and different customers, Pixel or in any other case, can decide up the earlier mannequin for much less cash now.
Google would have doubtlessly been higher off taking the 9a off the market right here, however that’s not how issues work. If we ignore Pixel 9a, the 10a appears to be like like a strong mid-range cellphone possibility in 2026.
However that’s a giant, and considerably futile, if.