Home / Technology / Pixel 10a: Still the $500 Smartphone King?
Pixel 10a: Still the $500 Smartphone King?
4 Mar
Summary
- Pixel 10a offers a brighter 120Hz P-OLED screen with Gorilla Glass 7i.
- The phone features a 5,100mAh battery with 30-watt wired charging.
- It comes with Android 16 and a seven-year software update promise.
Google's Pixel 10a remains a strong contender in the midrange smartphone market, maintaining its $500 price point despite industry-wide cost increases.
The device sports a refreshed exterior with a matte finish and a sleeker camera module, available in four colors. Its IP68 rating for dust and water resistance continues, alongside internal redesigns for easier repairs.
The 10a features an upgraded 6.3-inch display, now a 120Hz P-OLED with 3,000 nits peak brightness and protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. The screen is vibrant and responsive, complemented by a well-placed on-screen fingerprint sensor.
Battery life is rated at 28 hours in video rundown tests, matching the previous model, with a 5,100mAh capacity. Wired charging sees an improvement to 30 watts, achieving 50% charge in under 45 minutes, though a charger is not included.
Performance is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset and 8GB of RAM, offering a snappy experience aided by the 120Hz display. The phone manages heat effectively, even during intensive gaming sessions.
Camera hardware remains consistent with a 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide lens, enhanced by AI features like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take. Photos are sharp with natural colors, though a telephoto lens is absent.
Shipping with Android 16, the Pixel 10a receives an industry-leading seven-year commitment to software updates and security patches, including Pixel Drops and Satellite SOS for emergencies. Missing features include the Screenshots app, but Gemini Live and Circle to Search are present.