Just a bit smaller, then it’ll be perfect: Pixel 10a review
11.3.2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Google has made almost no changes from the previous model for its new budget smartphone, the Pixel 10a. Not that it’d be necessary, the device is already solid overall. Nevertheless, there are more sensible alternatives.
The Pixel 10a is succeeding the Pixel 9a. In my review, I already described it as boringly good. An all-round solid smartphone that doesn’t cost a fortune. I completely understand why Google’s hardly changing anything with the Pixel 10a.
I might as well finish this review now. Thanks for reading.
However, it’ll be interesting to compare the Pixel 10a to the flagship Pixel 10 and find out which smartphone is best suited to you. Time to provide some answers.
Designed without camera bumps
Why can’t things always be this simple and pretty? Google has banned camera bumps from the Pixel 10a. Plain, simple and pleasant. Just how I like it.
Otherwise, Google remains true to the design language of the Pixel 9a. Apart from the flat back and a new Berry colour, nothing new awaits you visually. I like the pink red, but Google offers a brighter pink for the Pixel 9a, which I prefer.
At 6.3 inches and 15.4 × 7.3 × 0.9 centimetres, the Pixel 10a is almost the same size as the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 10. A pity. I’d hoped Google would call back to the compact Pixel 8a with a 6.1-inch display. Devices that small have become a rarity.
The smartphone feels comfortable to hold despite its plastic back. In contrast to the back of the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a is resistant to fingerprints. Its metal frame also enhances the overall appearance. In the end, however, I still put a cover on the device. Google offers a matching version for the new colour:
Hardware offers little novelty
When it comes to the Pixel 10a’s hardware, Google uses the same chip and almost the same features as its predecessor, namely the Tensor G4. The only innovations: a slightly brighter display with 2,000 nits (the 9a had 1,800 nits) and a battery that handles more watts when charging: 30 instead of 23.
Same chip, same benchmarks? Not quite – the Pixel 10a performs a bit better than the 9a. This is probably thanks to the slightly better processed chip. Still, any improvements aren’t relevant in practice.
A comparison with the Pixel 10 and its newer chip, the Tensor G5, is far more intriguing. That chip performs better in a CPU benchmark, ensuring smoother multitasking. However, it lags far behind in the GPU benchmark. According to several reports, this is due to an outdated driver throttling the GPU. Google hasn’t replaced the driver yet – at least on my Pixel 10.
All of my test devices perform poorly when gaming: the Pixel 9a, Pixel 10a and Pixel 10 only run smoothly and without overheating at medium graphics in my benchmark game Genshin Impact. So whichever Google phone you get, it won’t work for hardcore gamers – at least not with graphically demanding titles.
Managing two full days on one charge
At 5,100 mAh, the battery of the Pixel 10a has remained the same. However, the runtime is different: in my PCMark software test, the Pixel 9a had a runtime of just under 17 hours. With the new Pixel 10a, I achieve an impressive 22 hours of battery life. The Pixel 10 is in between with 19 hours.
Overall, the battery life of all three smartphones is within a good range, and they last during long days too. According to Google, the Pixel 10a even manages up to 120 hours of continuous operation in extreme energy-saving mode.
I can charge the Pixel 10a with up to 45 watts or 10 watts wirelessly – the fast Qi2 standard for charging is still missing. Only the Pixel 10 offers it. However, the predecessor was even slower with 7.5 watts of wireless charging. I’m also missing a built-in magnet to attach accessories.
Photos require intimate close-ups
Nothing has changed with the cameras. The Pixel 10a has the same lenses as the 9a and, unlike the Pixel 10, still has no telephoto lens. So if I want to get close to a subject without losing quality through the digital zoom, I have to physically move closer.
Here are the camera specifications:
Pixel 10a
- Main camera: 48 MP
- Ultra-wide-angle: 13 MP
- Front: 13 MP
Pixel 10
- Main camera: 48 MP
- Ultra-wide-angle: 13 MP
- Telephoto: 10.8 MP, 5× optical zoom
- Front: 10.5 MP
I’m satisfied with the results of my Pixel 10a’s main camera. The colours are natural, the details beautifully clear – but not over-sharpened. I see little difference to the Pixel 10. However, the colour reproduction on the regular Pixel 10 is brighter, which I don’t like as much.
The Pixel 10 is clearly ahead in terms of zoom. The 5x optical zoom is worth it if you want to get close to subjects without losing quality.
The wide-angle camera produces the same quality and colour results on both models. Here’s an example image from the Pixel 10a. The subject’s slightly distorted at the edges and the photo should be brighter. Otherwise there’s nothing to complain about in this picture.
There’s no autofocus for selfies and video calls, but the Pixel 10a’s front camera has a few more MP than the Pixel 10: 13 instead of 10.5. This way, photos can be enlarged more easily without losing quality. However, I only notice this on my computer, there’s no difference on my smartphone.
At night and in low light, I don’t recommend either camera. Many details are lost and images are very blurry. At least the Pixel 10 is a little more recognisable.
Clean software and sophisticated AI features
Google delivers the Pixel 10a with Android 16 and its own user interface. I’m struck by how tidy the system feels. While other manufacturers often cram their devices with loads of third-party software (bloatware), Google limits itself to the essentials. All important Google apps are on board, the rest remains pleasantly clean.
The Gemini AI is particularly present on the home screen. I use it in everyday life to quickly answer questions, either by text or voice command. Google doesn’t reinvent the wheel every day, sticking to gradually improving existing functions and integrating them into the system.
For example, there’s my favourite feature, Now Playing. It automatically recognises which song’s currently playing in your surroundings. Google has upgraded the function with the first software update for the Pixel 10a: I can now listen to identified songs directly in my favourite music app.
In a direct comparison to the standard Pixel 10, I have to do without a few extras on the 10a. For example, the Pixel Screenshots feature, which can be used to organise screenshots and make them searchable, is missing. This feature is reserved for the flagship Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series for the time being. Apart from that, however, I haven’t noticed any significant gaps in the range of functions.
In terms of AI and RAM, there’s a big gulf between the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10a: the Pixel 10a only has 8 GB of RAM, while the Pixel 10 has 12 GB.
Since working memory is, in simple terms, the phone’s short-term memory, large language models remain permanently on in the background on the Pixel 10. Functions such as live translation, the Magic Editor or text summaries respond noticeably more smoothly as a result. The Pro model also scores points for multitasking: I can switch back and forth between games, Instagram and browser tabs without having to reload apps.
In turn, the Pixel 10a’s smaller RAM means that the system closes background apps sooner. If I return to the browser after ten minutes, pages often have to be reloaded. AI models also have to be shovelled into the memory first when launched, so the phone has to think for a few seconds first.
In a nutshell
Does what it should
Google has been promising a whopping seven years of software updates for mid-range models such as the Pixel 10a for some time now. In these cases, memory plays an important role for future-proofing. The Pixel 10a could reach its hardware limits more quickly with future Android versions due to sporting only 8 GB of RAM. In contrast, the Pixel 10 has a comfortable cushion with 12 GB of RAM.
If you primarily use your smartphone for WhatsApp, emails and normal browsing, you’ll hardly notice the difference and the Pixel 10a could be a good fit. But if you want to save money, I recommend the previous Pixel 9a. You can currently get it from us for around 320 francs. It’s almost as good and will be supplied with updates by Google for another 6 years.
If you work a lot with AI, play graphics-intensive games or want to keep the device as long as possible, the extra RAM of the Pixel 10 is true protection for your investment. A cheaper alternative to this is the Pixel 9, also with 12 GB of RAM and 6 years of updates.
Pro
- Battery lasts ages
- 7 years of software updates
- Solid overall package
Contra
- No optical zoom
- Potential memory struggles in the future
Header image: Michelle Brändle
Ever since I learned how to hold a pen, I've been doodling away in bright colours. Thanks to my iPad, digital art has also become part of my life. That's why I love testing tablets – from the graphic design range to the regular kind. When I feel the urge to express my creativity without lugging lots of equipment, I go for the latest smartphones and start snapping away.
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