Google just dropped the banger, its long-awaited Pixel 10a phone, amid a frenzy surrounding the Galaxy S26’s launch on February 25, boosting the popularity of its acclaimed Pixel 10 series.
The Pixel 10a comes as a fresh Pixel 10 variant for those looking for a mid-range smartphone. The hype around the Pixel 10a has been high since its design leaked last October, especially considering that the Pixel-a series has always been a budget-friendly choice.
The Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a specs draw a trivial comparison between the two pocket-friendly Pixel options, as the new model clearly and closely shares the Pixel 9a specs. This similarity in specs raises questions about whether enthusiasts should upgrade.
While the smartphone space will become increasingly expensive in 2026, Google has priced the Pixel 10a at a surprisingly low bar.
Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Similar specs
Starting with the chip. Both the Pixel 9a and 10a are powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor and include a Titan M2 security coprocessor, 8GB of RAM, and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. This is a whole lot of evidence against upgrading.
Furthermore, the camera capabilities are also very identical, with both phones featuring 48MP wide-angle and 13MP ultra-wide lenses on the back, along with a 13MP front-facing camera.
The Pixel 10a boasts an 11% brighter screen and achieves a maximum brightness of 3000 nits compared to the 9a’s 2700 nits. Both models promise 30 hours of battery life.
Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Price and upgrade considerations
The Pixel 10a is available for pre-order at a price of $499 with enticing offers such as $100 in Google Store credit or the new Pixel Buds 2a for early buyers.
On the other hand, the Pixel 9a can often be purchased for around $400.
The 10a launches with Android 16 and ensures seven years of updates, while the Pixel 9a remains a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers in particular.
If you have a Pixel 9a, it might be wise not to jump on the Pixel 10a, say the specs, as the incremental improvements in the 10a don’t really justify a new purchase.
