The Google Pixel 10 Professional introduced a number of significant upgrades over the earlier technology. The addition of Qi2 wi-fi charging, a TSMC-manufactured Tensor G5 chipset, and new AI options made the lineup really feel genuinely thrilling.
The Pixel 10 Professional continues to be the telephone I preserve coming again to amongst all of the flagships I exploit, and that continues to be true even in 2026.
Lower to the Pixel 10a, which launched a bit sooner than anticipated this 12 months, and that pleasure rapidly fades. There is no such thing as a Qi2 wi-fi charging help, no improve to the chipset, and never even a design refresh, because it appears nearly equivalent to final 12 months’s mannequin.
Nevertheless, after utilizing it for 2 weeks, there may be one factor the Pixel 10a does that no different Android smartphone at present will get fairly proper, and that’s precisely why I prefer it a lot.
I used the Pixel 10a and Pixel 8a, and the reply is not what I anticipated
The Pixel 8a is price holding onto one other 12 months
The Pixel 10a flush digital camera design makes extra distinction than anticipated
It sits completely flat on surfaces and would not wobble
The Pixel 10a appears similar to the Pixel 9a. Google has stored the identical total design, with a flat again, rounded corners, flat edges, and a dual-camera setup housed in a pill-shaped module within the upper-left nook.
Even within the picture above, it is tough to inform the 2 aside until you intently take a look at the digital camera module. That small distinction, nevertheless, has made a noticeable affect within the two weeks I’ve spent utilizing the Pixel 10a.
The Pixel 10a is about 0.1 mm thicker than the Pixel 9a, and whereas Google has not elevated the battery capability, it has aligned the again panel completely with the digital camera module.
The result’s a very flush design. The telephone sits flat on a desk, and whenever you faucet it to examine notifications or the time, it doesn’t wobble in any respect. That is one thing most Android telephones nonetheless wrestle with.
Even the Pixel 9a had a slight wobble. Uncovered digital camera modules are one of many causes I normally desire utilizing a case with any Android smartphone. With the Pixel 10a, I haven’t got that concern in regards to the digital camera when it is resting on a flat floor.
It might not seem that a lot of an improve during the last technology, however in actual life, whenever you use the telephone, it makes a distinction.
The Pixel 10a might really feel acquainted, however it’s nonetheless a stable selection
It would not stand out a lot, however will get all of the fundamentals proper
Other than the marginally refined design, the Pixel 10a continues to be a dependable Android mid-range telephone. Google might not have made main adjustments to the general design or inner {hardware}, however the Pixel 10a nonetheless appears like a stable selection for what it gives.
You get entry to Google’s inventory Android expertise together with years of software program updates. There are additionally a number of vital under-the-hood enhancements, equivalent to sooner 30W charging, which helps scale back charging instances, and help for emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, permitting you to remain related even when you’re exterior the cell community or Wi-Fi protection.
Positive, there are many Android telephones that supply higher specs or extra options for the value, however for a mean person, this appears like a simple Android telephone that may simply work effectively for the long run.
I am nonetheless a bit dissatisfied that Google didn’t improve the chipset to Tensor G5, one thing it has finished constantly with earlier Pixel A sequence gadgets. That stated, I have not observed any main lag or slowdowns on my Pixel 10a, not less than nothing out of the bizarre.
A much bigger design overhaul may need helped the Pixel 10a seize extra consideration, however I am positive after it begins promoting at decrease costs in the course of the sale season later this 12 months, it might turn into a way more enticing choice.
The Pixel 10a is the telephone no person needs to confess is sweet
The Pixel 10a would not disappoint hands-on
I want extra Android telephones used this flush digital camera method
Most manufacturers intention for higher cameras by retaining the telephone slim and permitting the digital camera module to protrude. This lets them match extra superior {hardware} with out making the telephone thicker.
That’s one thing Samsung follows with its Galaxy gadgets as effectively. Nevertheless, the Pixel 10a has made me understand {that a} totally flush digital camera design will not be a nasty concept in any respect.
That stated, there are nonetheless loads of Pixel 10a alternate options in the marketplace if you’re searching for one thing that may swimsuit you higher.
- SoC
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Google Tensor G4
- RAM
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8GB
- Storage
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128 or 256GB
- Battery
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5,100mAh
- Working System
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Android 16
The Pixel 10a sticks to a well-known formulation, however with a cleaner design. It makes use of the Tensor G4 chip and encompasses a 6.3-inch OLED show with as much as a 120Hz refresh fee. The rear digital camera module now sits flush with the again, avoiding the same old bump, and the telephone nonetheless packs a dual-camera system and a big 5,100 mAh battery.