Pixel 10a: a familiar upgrade or a missed opportunity?

The pixel 10a arrives, but feels familiar

Google’s latest mid-range offering, the Pixel 10a, has finally landed. However, its arrival feels somewhat subdued, sandwiched between Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the impending iPhone 17. While a new family member joins the Pixel 10 lineup, the initial impression is one of déjà vu. It’s a nice phone, but does it offer enough to justify its existence, especially when the Pixel 9a remains a compelling alternative?

Similarities to the pixel 9a: a design echo

Let's be frank, the Pixel 10a doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It shares the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pixel 9a, boasting a nearly identical design (albeit marginally thicker and lighter), a 6.3-inch display (slightly brighter), the same battery capacity, and the same camera setup. The price tag remains a consistent $499, which is a welcome familiarity in an inflationary market. It begs the question: why upgrade?

The pixel 9a remains a strong contender

The reality is that the Pixel 9a is a formidable competitor. With the Pixel 10a now official, we can anticipate a price drop for the Pixel 9a, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Given the shared chipset, the core experience is remarkably similar, making the Pixel 9a a safer bet for those seeking value.

Minor improvements: display and durability

The Pixel 10a does introduce a few incremental improvements. The display boasts a peak brightness of 3,000 nits (compared to 2,700 nits on the Pixel 9a), though this is only achieved for brief periods. It also features Gorilla Glass 7i for enhanced durability – a worthwhile upgrade, especially for a mid-range device.

Satellite sos and faster charging: welcome additions

Two standout features distinguish the Pixel 10a: Satellite SOS capabilities, which are absent on the Pixel 9a, and a significant boost in charging speed. It now supports 45W wired charging, a notable improvement over the Pixel 9a's 23W. This cuts charging time from around 90 minutes to just over an hour – a substantial difference.

A missed opportunity: the telephoto lens

However, the biggest disappointment lies in the lack of innovation. I, and many others, wished Google had opted for a dual-camera setup incorporating a telephoto lens instead of an ultra-wide. The current focus on ultra-wide lenses feels increasingly outdated, as many brands now prioritize telephoto capabilities in both flagship and mid-range devices. This could have truly set the Pixel 10a apart.

Final verdict: a solid, but not revolutionary, upgrade

The Pixel 10a is a perfectly serviceable smartphone, offering a familiar Pixel experience with a few worthwhile enhancements. The faster charging and Satellite SOS capabilities are definite pluses. However, the overall lack of significant upgrades, particularly the absence of a telephoto lens, makes it a less compelling upgrade for Pixel 9a owners. It's a nice phone, but it doesn't quite reach its full potential.