In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Google’s newly launched Pixel 10a offers only three minor upgrade reasons, making it less compelling for existing users.
- Key improvements include 30W wired charging (up from 23W), 10W wireless charging (up from 7.5W), and 120-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver mode.
- The limited upgrades suggest current Pixel users may find little incentive to upgrade to this latest budget smartphone model.
As promised, the Pixel 10a is now official, so it’s time to wave goodbye to rumours and focus on the cold, hard facts.
We’re big fans of the Pixel phones, but after our usual delve through the spec sheet and details with a fine-tooth comb, there isn’t much to lure potential buyers to opt for the Pixel 10a this year.
In fact, there are really only three main reasons to upgrade – and no, I’m not counting fresh colours, even though that has become a big part of new-generation Pixel launches.
Faster charging
If you like charging your phone quickly, then there’s good news. The Pixel 10a has been upgraded to 30W wired charging.
Although 45W was rumoured, that’s not the case. Confusion arose because a 45W adapter was used in Google’s charging example, which provided up to 50% in 30 minutes.
Still, it’s faster than the Pixel 9a’s 23W speed and Qi wireless charging is also slightly faster at 10W, up from 7.5W.
As a small side note, the Pixel 10a offers longer battery life by 20 hours, but this only applies to Extreme Battery Saver, which Google now rates at up to 120 hours.
A marginally better screen
We’re only onto the second upgrade here and we’re already in the weeds.
The screen on the Pixel 10a is essentially the same as its predecessor, but with a couple of small tweaks.
It’s 11% brighter than before, according to Google, but this only applies to peak level, so it can now hit 3000 nits rather than 2700.
The bezel around the screen is also marginally smaller, but it’s barely noticeable.
More durable and eco-friendly
Google calls the 10a its “most durable A-series phone yet” and this is almost entirely down to stronger Gorilla Glass 7i protecting the screen.
The phone remains IP68 rated and Google notes in the small print that it’s “not drop/tumble proof”.
It also improves on the 9a for its green credentials with a 100% recycled aluminium frame, 81% recycled plastic back cover, and use of recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten for the first time.
Is it enough?
In a year that looks set to be a standout dud in the phone world, the big question is whether Google has done enough with the Pixel 10a.
Sure, if you’re coming from an older model like the Pixel 6a or 7a, you might be tempted by the latest features and flashy new colours, but even then, the Pixel 9a is now a better value option as there’s such a small gap between the two.
Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.