Google locks down the midrange phone game

Google’s A-series phones have offered some of the best value among mid-range handsets for years, and after testing the new Pixel 10a, I don’t see this trend stopping any time soon.

Let’s start with the specifications. Starting at just $499, you get a vibrant 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits of peak brightness, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of onboard storage. The phone also features a durable aluminum frame, a tougher Corning Gorilla Glass 7i front panel, and a composite plastic back with a nice matte finish. As a nod to sustainability, Google says the P10a’s chassis is made from 100% recycled materials, while the rear panel contains 81%. And just like its predecessor, you still get an IP68 dust and water resistance rating and the same battery capacity (5,100 mAh) – except now it charges even faster, both wired (30 watts, up from 23) and wireless (10 watts, up from 5).

The only place where the Pixel 10a might fall a bit short is that unlike its more expensive siblings, it features an older Tensor G4 processor instead of the Tensor G5 chip used on the main Pixel 10 lineup. Google says the decision to go with an older SoC is due to budget constraints. While it may not be the first choice for gamers or power users, I’ve never really had a problem with the day-to-day performance of the recent Google-developed silicon.

However, even with a year-old chip, Google has found a way to bring three flagship features to the Pixel A series for the first time. Camera Coach uses AI to help you compose and create more interesting shots. Meanwhile, Auto Best Take is designed to ensure that every person in a group photo gets their best expression. Finally, Satellite SOS allows you to call for help in an emergency, even when you don’t have suitable cell service.

As for its cameras, the P10a appears to use the same sensors as before, including a 48 MP main camera, a 13 MP ultra-wide, and a 13 MP selfie camera on the front. This might be disappointing for some, but given that the Pixel 9a offered by far the best picture quality of any phone in its price range, it doesn’t bother me at all. Besides, it’s quite likely that if Google had gone with new hardware, it could have pushed the phone above $500.

After seeing the positive response to the barely-visible camera bump on its predecessor, Google leaned in and made the Pixel 10a’s rear camera module completely flat, and that’s my favorite thing about the phone. There are no bumps or protrusions to speak of, and when combined with the rest of the phone’s design, it results in a truly sleek and minimalist look. Plus, after nearly a decade of big, bulky camera warts on the backs of phones, it’s just nice to see the Pixel 10a going in the opposite direction.

On the other hand, my biggest gripe with the P10a is that Google hasn’t included support for Pixelsnap (i.e. Qi2 magnetic compatibility). This is another feature that was removed due to cost and it’s really disappointing, because after introducing it on last year’s mainline Pixel 10 range, I was hoping it would become a standard inclusion on all Google phones in the future. Fortunately, when I asked about the lack of Pixelsnap support, Google representatives were able to confirm that there would be third-party accessory makers like Casefinite, Dbrand, and Spigen that would offer cases with built-in magnetic rings, so anyone who wants to attach magnetic devices will still have the option to do so.

Either way, for Android phone owners looking for a simple, convenient upgrade that covers all the bases without breaking the bank, the Pixel 10a looks like another top contender.

The Pixel 10a is available for pre-order today in Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian, with official sales scheduled for March 5.