Google Pixel 10a: a refined, incremental step forward
The Pixel 10a is now official with display, design, charging, and AI upgrades. Pre-orders open now ahead of the March 5 release.
The Pixel 10a is now official, having been made available for pre-order as of Wednesday ahead of its March 5 retail launch.
Google is providing in its latest device, slight incremental tweaks, to bring consumers into the new year. This is not a device for the year-to-year upgrader. However, if you are coming from Pixel 8a or older, you may find some great benefits. In fact, Google notes that its trade in discount for the Pixel 8a is $215.
The Pixel 10a does bear a striking resemblance to its predecessor, in terms of specifications and design. The device features a 6.3-inch pOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a Google Tensor G4 processor, 8GB of memory and 128GB and 256GB internal storage options, in addition to a 5,100mAh battery. Its camera system includes a 48-megapixel main f/1.7, OIS lens and 13-megapixel ultrawide f/2.2 lens, and a 13-megapixel f/2.2 selfie camera.
However, Google brings subtle tweaks to the design of the Pixel 10a, getting rid of the camera bump on the newer model so that the back panel is flush. Color options include Lavender, Fog, Obsidian, and a much-appreciated new Berry scheme. Google also notes the sustainability profile of the device, with a 100% recycled aluminum frame. It is also the first device with a battery made of recycled cobalt.
The new smartphone has gotten a slight display refresh with the brightness increased to 3,000 nits, up from 2,700 on the Pixel 9a, and an upgrade from Gorilla Glass 3 to Gorilla Glass 7i. The device is also IP68 water and dust resistant for extra durability.
The Pixel 10a also gets some upgrades in the charging department, with a 30-watt USB-C 3.2 port, up from 23-watts on the Pixel 9a. Wireless charging also goes up from 7.5 -watts to 10-watts. In its extreme battery saving mode, the device can run over 120 hours. Notably, the PixelSnap Qi2 charging compatibility Google introduced on the Pixel 10 flagship has not transitioned to the budget model.
In addition to running Android 16, Google has added several AI features to the Pixel 10a. The Camera Coach feature uses AI to guide camera lighting and composition for taking photos. The Auto Best Take feature selects the best image of a burst shots or compiles the best facial expressions for group photos. The Satellite SOS feature allows the Pixel 10a to connect to emergency services without cellular or Wi-Fi. The Quick Share with AirDrop feature allows file sharing between Android and select iPhone models. While AI features might be controversial, this is where the Pixel 10a is most like the flagship Pixel 10 series. The device also updates to Bluetooth v6 in terms of connectivity.
The market price of the Pixel 10a is $499; however, Google is offering several discounts and perks with the new budget device, including the choice of $100 off or a Pixel Buds 2a when preordering. This offer is available until March 11. Those who are signed up for the brand’s email list should have received an exclusive discount code for the deal.