This remains at the same level as last year’s model, which has become a rarity given the sharp rise in component prices. The performance of the Tensor G4 is also completely sufficient for a mid-range smartphone.
Chris Martin / Foundry
You can navigate smoothly through the interface and open apps without lag. Demanding games no longer run on this smartphone, but that wasn’t possible on the previous models either. However, the Pixel 10a can easily be used for casual games.
As a small consolation prize, Google has improved the WLAN connection to Bluetooth 6.0. There is also support for Satellite SOS. This feature allows you to notify emergency services even without cell service.
Cameras
- Camera equipment like the 9a
- New software features
- Still one of the best mid-range smartphones for snapshots
The cameras are the same as the 9a. With the new model you also get a 48-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel selfie camera on the front.
That doesn’t sound particularly exciting for a mid-range device. Nevertheless, the camera equipment is impressive. However, this is mainly due to the Google software.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The camera app is arguably the most user-friendly on the market. Beginners just need to aim and trigger to get good results. For advanced photography enthusiasts, there are many modes and settings to explore.
The main camera usually delivers sharp, well-exposed and detailed images with natural colors. Low-light performance isn’t class-leading, but it’s solid thanks to Google’s image processing.
As usual, the ultra-wide-angle camera means a loss of quality, but it is a practical feature. A telephoto lens would be better, but it is not standard in the middle class.
The selfie camera on the front delivers attractive shots with 1x and 1.4x zoom. Portrait mode works well in most cases. However, the exemption function occasionally makes mistakes.
Video quality is good as long as you stick to the main camera. The optical image stabilizer ensures smooth recordings at up to 4K at 60 frames per second. Slow motion with up to 240 frames per second is possible in 1,080p.
With “Camera Coach” and “Auto Best Take” you get two new software functions on the Pixel 10a. The former helps you get the best shot by giving you step-by-step instructions on framing and settings. “Auto Best Take” uses clever AI tricks to help you take group photos where everyone is smiling and looking into the camera.
Battery life & charging
- 5,100 mAh battery like the Pixel 9a
- Faster wired charging
- Wireless charging
The Pixel 10a has the same 5,100 mAh battery as its predecessor. Given the competition, this is no longer unusual. However, the running time is still good. In my tests, one charge easily lasted through a day of typical use, and sometimes even into the start of the second day.
Chris Martin / Foundry
However, wired charging has received an update. The speed has been increased from 23 to 30 watts. Compared to Chinese brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus, this is not a unique selling point for the Pixel 10a.
Wireless charging has been increased slightly to 10 watts. That’s not particularly fast. But it’s commendable that Google integrated this feature at all. Many mid-range competitors do not offer wireless charging functionality.
While the entire Pixel 10 series was equipped with a magnetic Qi2 charging system in the style of Apple’s MagSafe, the Pixel 10a unfortunately comes up empty. This is a shame because the smartphone is not compatible with Google’s Pixelsnap accessories. This would have made the Pixel 10a a more significant upgrade while also setting it apart from Android competitors like the Galaxy A57.
User Interface & Apps
- Android 16 with user-friendly default interface
- Numerous useful Google apps and functions
- Long-term software support
With the Pixel 10a you get Android 16 with the so-called standard interface. On top of that, there is an impressive seven years of software support.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The software experience on Pixel smartphones is hands down my favorite right now. It’s clean and attractive, contains no bloatware or annoying ads, and you get some of the best features long before other brands. There are also exclusive Pixel features that you won’t find on other smartphone manufacturers.
In addition to the new camera software functions “Camera Coach” and “Auto Best Take”, you will now also find support for “Satellite SOS” and numerous AI features on the Pixel 10a.
To start Gemini, you can press and hold the power button, use your voice, or use the default widget on the home screen.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Although “Pixel Screenshots” and “Magic Cue” are still reserved for flagship models, you will still find many practical features on the Pixel 10a such as an advanced call assistant, car accident detection, cough and snore detection, Gemini Live and Circle to Search. As far as I know, the Pixel 10a is also the only mid-range smartphone with AirDrop support via Quick Share.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Price & Availability
Compared to many other smartphone manufacturers, the launch price has remained the same compared to last year’s model. The Pixel 10a with 128 gigabytes of storage is currently available from online retailer Amazon starting at 489 euros. The version with 256 gigabytes of storage costs 599 euros.
In this price range, the Samsung Galaxy A57 and the Nothing Phone (4a) and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro are Google’s closest competitors. You can find more alternatives in our test of the best mid-range smartphones.
Conclusion
At first glance, the Pixel 10a is a good mid-range smartphone. However, if you look closer, it’s not a good deal.
There are certainly reasons to choose competing models from Samsung, Nothing, Apple or Xiaomi, and also reasons to prefer the 10a. However, if you’re looking for a Pixel, you might as well go for the 9a. If you can find a good deal on the predecessor, you’ll get better value for money than the current generation. In our opinion, the incremental improvements in the Pixel 10a are simply not enough to make it a buy recommendation.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Technical data
- Android 16 with seven years of updates
- 6.3-inch FHD pOLED at 120Hz
- Optical fingerprint sensor in the display
- Face unlock
- Google Tensor G4-Chipsatz
- 8GB RAM
- 128/256GB non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage
- 5.100-mAh-Battery
- 30W wired charging
- 10W wireless charging
- 48MP f/1.7 main camera
- 13 MP f/2,2 Ultraweitwinkelkamera
- 13 MP front camera (f/2.2)
- Stereolautsprecher
- USB-C 3.2
- 5G
- Nano SIM eSIM
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 6
- IP68
- Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
- 153,9 x 73 x 9 mm
- 183 g
(PC-Welt)
