If there’s one thing Google Pixel phones excel at, it’s taking pictures. The 10a is another successful effort from Google in this respect.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
The hardware didn’t change. The 10a uses the same 48MP main camera as the 9a, with an f/1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization. This camera takes 12MP photos by default. You also get a 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera on the rear, which is joined by a 13MP f/2.2 selfie camera on the front.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Though the components are the same as last year’s, the software isn’t. In addition to under-the-hood tweaks in Android 16, Google added Camera Couch (an AI-guided tutorial) and Automatic Best Take (which blends faces for better group photos). These were limited to the main Pixel 9 series last year and are available across the Pixel 10 series as well.
Main camera, 2x (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The camera app’s UI provides easy access to photo, video, portrait, add-me, night sight, panorama, and long exposure modes. You can also quickly access controls for the timer, aspect ratio, shadows, exposure, and white balance. A quick double-press of the power key opens the camera app, and away you go.
Main camera, 1x (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Ultrawide camera, 0.5x (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Your point-and-shoot snaps will turn out great, for the most part. Using the 10a’s camera is effortless and rewarding. Google’s software is doing a lot to help. It’s adept at balancing exposure, sharpening details, and ensuring proper color and white balance. As it always has, the Pixel takes photos that look the most natural among Google’s top competitors (Apple, Samsung, et al.) You have an optical photo range of 0.5x to 2x, with digital zoom up to 8x, and the results look better than they should. Selfies also look excellent. The camera does a lot to assist with skin tone and clarity. It’s simply a great camera on a phone.
Main camera, 1x (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Main camera, 8x (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Video capture tops out at 4K60 for the rear camera and 4K30 for the front camera, the same as the 9a. You have the same focal range and can easily toggle the panorama, slow-motion, and time-lapse features. Controls are basic, with just resolution, white balance, and exposure available from the menu.
Front camera, selfie (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Front camera, portrait (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The footage looks sharp for the price point. Serious creators may want to consider the Pixel 10 Pro ($999), which offers superior video tools, or the Galaxy S26 series (starting at $899.99) for the same reason.
