The Google Pixel 10a Is Barely Different From the Pixel 9a

The hardware stays mostly the same

Google announced the Pixel 10a today, a $499 midrange smartphone that keeps the same Tensor G4 processor found in last year’s model. The device breaks the company’s traditional cycle of including its latest flagship chipset in its more affordable A-series hardware. While the flagship Pixel 10 uses the newer Tensor G5, the Pixel 10a relies on the older silicon to maintain its price point.

The 6.3-inch pOLED display receives a modest brightness boost this year. It now reaches a peak of 3,000 nits, up from the 2,700 nits found on the Pixel 9a. Google also upgraded the protective glass to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, replacing the outdated Gorilla Glass 3 used on previous generations.

Visual changes to the chassis are minimal but functional. Google removed the plastic ring that previously surrounded the rear camera module, creating a back panel that sits almost entirely flush. The front of the device features slightly thinner, more uniform black bezels around the screen to provide a more modern appearance. It is a subtle refinement rather than a redesign.

The decision to reuse the Tensor G4 and 8GB of RAM likely stems from the rising cost of components. Industry-wide increases in memory prices have forced manufacturers to find savings elsewhere to avoid crossing the $500 threshold. Google representatives stated the company made specific trade-offs to keep the phone accessible, though they declined to name specific suppliers or cost drivers.

Battery and charging get minor bumps

The Pixel 10a retains the 5,100 mAh battery capacity of its predecessor but introduces faster wired charging. Users can now charge at 30 watts when using a compatible plug, an improvement over the slower speeds of the 9a. Wireless charging remains capped at 10 watts, and Google opted to exclude the magnetic Qi2 standard found on the flagship Pixel 10.

This omission puts Google at a potential disadvantage against upcoming competitors. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17e soon, and rumors suggest that device will include MagSafe and Qi2 support. While the iPhone 16e lacks these features, Apple’s midrange lineup remains the primary target for Google’s A-series marketing.

Google improved the internal repairability of the device by adding a pull jacket battery adhesive mechanism. This system allows technicians and DIY repairers to remove the battery more easily without using heavy solvents or excessive heat. The company first introduced this design with the flagship Pixel 10 series last fall.

The phone also includes a mandatory Battery Health Assistance tool. This software automatically limits the maximum voltage the battery can reach after it completes a specific number of charge cycles. Google implemented this system to extend the total lifespan of the cell and prevent the overheating issues that plagued earlier A-series models.

New safety features and recycled materials

The Pixel 10a introduces Satellite SOS to Google’s midrange line for the first time. A new modem allows the phone to connect with emergency services via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi signals are unavailable. This feature mirrors the safety capabilities found in the more expensive Pixel 10 and recent iPhone models.

Connectivity standards otherwise remain stagnant compared to the previous generation. The phone supports Wi-Fi 6E rather than the newer, faster Wi-Fi 7 standard found in the flagship models. Google is clearly drawing a hard line between its value tier and its premium offerings.

Google claims the Pixel 10a is its most sustainable A-series phone to date. The device incorporates recycled cobalt, copper, gold, and tungsten in its internal components for the first time. This brings Google closer to the material standards Apple has maintained for several years.

The physical build of the phone relies heavily on repurposed materials:

• The internal and external frame consists of 100 percent recycled aluminum.
• The back cover is made of 81 percent recycled plastic.
• The packaging is 100 percent plastic-free.
• The device supports seven years of OS and security updates.

Software exclusives for the latest model

Despite sharing identical internal hardware with the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a launches with several exclusive software features. Camera Coach provides real-time suggestions within the camera app to help users frame shots and adjust lighting. Auto Best Take uses AI to analyze group photos, merging multiple frames to ensure every subject is smiling and has their eyes open.

Google has not confirmed if these features will eventually trickle down to the Pixel 9a. The company frequently restricts new software to its latest hardware for several months before releasing them to older devices via Pixel Drops. For now, the 10a is the only midrange Pixel with access to these specific tools.

The device also integrates Quick Share, which now includes better compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop ecosystem. This allows users to send high-resolution photos and large files to iPhone users without relying on compressed messaging apps. The phone also ships with the full suite of Gemini AI tools, including conversational photo editing in Google Photos.

The Pixel 10a is available in four colors:

• Obsidian (Black)
• Fog (White/Grey)
• Lavender (Light Purple)
• Berry (Deep Red/Pink)

The Berry color matches new Nest products released in late 2025. Google also announced new Berry and Fog versions of the Pixel Buds 2a to match the new handset. Preorders for the phone are open now, and units will arrive in stores and at customers' homes on March 5.

Google will continue to sell the Pixel 9a alongside the new model. While the official Google Store price for the older phone remains unchanged for now, third-party retailers are expected to offer deep discounts. Given the near-identical specs between the two generations, the older 9a may become the better value for budget-conscious buyers in the coming months.