Google unveiled the Pixel 10a this week and, well, it’s quite an unusual release. Google is familiar with issuing minor annual smartphone updates, but the Pixel 10a elevates this to a new degree that we haven’t experienced before.
When you compare the Pixel 10a alongside last year’s Pixel 9a, it’s nearly impossible to notice any variations — not only in the design but in specifications as well. To be frank, the Pixel 10a is the most lackluster and tedious Pixel launch we’ve encountered.
That doesn’t inherently mean that the Pixel 10a is a poor device, but there are many other phones that offer better value for your money. If you’re contemplating acquiring the Pixel 10a, here are five other Android smartphones you might consider purchasing instead.
The most apparent alternative to the Pixel 10a is the device it closely resembles — the Pixel 9a. While the Pixel 10a is a year newer and should theoretically provide an improved smartphone experience, it is virtually undetectable when compared to the Pixel 9a.
As exaggerated as that may sound, I assure you it’s not. Both devices are equipped with the same Tensor G4 chipset. Both possess identical display specifications. The phones share the same camera sensors, RAM, storage, and battery capacity. Any specification from the Pixel 9a that you can think of, it’s likely identical on the Pixel 10a.
So, what exactly is new about the Pixel 10a? It includes a few software features that were introduced with the Pixel 10 series last year, and even though they’re not currently available on the Pixel 9a, there’s no reason they shouldn’t eventually reach that device in the months ahead. The Pixel 10a also features a sturdier variant of Corning Gorilla Glass, a more integrated camera bump, slightly quicker charging, and will receive an additional year of software updates in comparison to the 9a. However, that’s about it.
Google is offering multiple pre-order incentives for the Pixel 10a, including trade-in options and in-store credits, that help mitigate its $499 retail cost. That being said, the Pixel 9a is also frequently discounted down to $399. If you can spot the 9a on sale and prefer to avoid the complications of the 10a pre-order promotions, the Pixel 9a still represents a fantastic buy.
Alternatively, if you can extend your budget beyond the Pixel 10a’s $499 retail price, it’s definitely worthwhile to consider splurging on the base Pixel 10. Although the Pixel 10’s $799 retail price is significantly higher than the 10a’s, you can often find it for less. The Pixel 10 was discounted to just $549 in December, and as recently as this month, it was available for $649. If you can grab the Pixel 10 at such a price, it’s a straightforward recommendation over the Pixel 10a.
One of the key reasons for this recommendation is performance. In contrast to the Tensor G4 and 8GB of RAM in the Pixel 10a, the Pixel 10 comes equipped with the Tensor G5 and 12GB of RAM. This not only provides greater power for apps, gaming, and multitasking, but the Pixel 10 also enables several AI functionalities that the Pixel 10a is unable to support.
While the main and ultrawide cameras are identical on both models, only the Pixel 10 offers a 5x telephoto camera for superior zoom capabilities. The Pixel 10 also supports Pixelsnap and other Qi2 magnetic accessories (a feature absent in the Pixel 10a), an autofocus selfie camera, and significantly slimmer display bezels.
The Pixel 10 is an overall superior phone compared to the Pixel 10a, and if you can acquire it for an additional $150 (or less) than the 10a, you should definitely do so.
The Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 emerge as the top two alternatives for most users considering the Pixel 10a as their next Android smartphone. However, if you’re not set on purchasing a Pixel, there are more excellent choices available — one of which is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE.
In relation to the Pixel 10a, the S25 FE presents several notable advantages. If you prefer larger smartphones, the S25 FE’s 6.7-inch display is significantly more accommodating than the Pixel 10a’s 6.3-inch screen. The S25 FE also features a 3x telephoto camera, a more robust chipset, and a more customizable software experience with Samsung’s One UI interface.
Other features of the 10a and S25 FE are quite comparable. Both devices have batteries of similar sizes, comparable charging speeds, and durability. They also both offer the same seven-year software update policy.
The Galaxy S25 FE is