Google’s latest budget model, the Pixel 10a, has been launched, but it might not represent the improvement many anticipated. While it does bring some enhancements compared to its forerunner, the Pixel 9a, including quicker charging capabilities—30W wired and 10W wireless—when paired with Google’s 45W USB-C wall charger, it falls short of major new features. In particular, the Pixel 10a does not support Qi2 magnetic charging due to the lack of built-in magnets, and utilizing a magnetic case is not feasible either.
The Pixel 10a maintains the identical 5,100 mAh battery as the Pixel 9a, providing comparable battery life. Nevertheless, the phone’s design is mostly unchanged, featuring only a slightly brighter display that is now shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. The dual-lens camera setup of the Pixel 10a aligns seamlessly with the rear panel, made possible by a slight increase in thickness. It operates on Android 16 and guarantees seven years of OS and security updates, encompassing Pixel-specific features and AI utilities.
Despite these advancements, the Pixel 10a is perceived as a limited upgrade, and unless it is offered at an attractive price point, it may not justify an upgrade from the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 10a is available for £499 at several retailers, including Mobiles.co.uk and Carphone Warehouse. While it may be considered one of the top affordable Android smartphones, its modest improvements render it a less appealing choice for those in search of substantial progress.