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ZDNET's key takeaways
- The new Pixel 10a successfully packs premium features into a midrange price.
- A flatter design, brighter screen, and tougher build stand out this year.
- Long-term updates and Satellite SOS make it a solid value pick.
It's no surprise by now that the midrange smartphone category is nearly as potent as what was once considered the premium category. The Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel phones now offer compelling features that resemble what you might have found only in the top tier, even a few years ago.
The cameras are good, the batteries last more than a full day, and the software gets many years of updates.
Also: Google unveils the Pixel 10a early - here are 5 things it must nail for me to upgrade
The Pixel 10a takes the flatter design approach from last year's Pixel 9a even further while pulling down camera and AI tools that were previously limited to the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro. It keeps the same $499 starting price, and will be available starting March 5. Let's take a look at some of the new phone's highlights.
Flattened rear camera
The most immediately obvious change this year is the design, as Google has completely flattened the rear camera bar so that it blends into the back panel -- eliminating any protrusion. ZDNET Editor in Chief Kerry Wan attended a hands-on preview, and confirmed the camera bump protrudes even less than the 9a, which was already mostly flush.
It is a subtle shift that looks even more deliberate and allows the phone to sit flush on flat surfaces. Google says it put significant effort into getting the housing this flush, but I'll be curious to know if that shallow seating impacts the quality of the cameras inside.
Also: How I freed up 10GB of storage space on my Pixel by disabling this one optional app
On paper, the camera hardware mirrors the Pixel 9a with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide on the back, but the software picks up some notable additions from the top tier for the first time. The Auto Best Take feature arrives on the A-series, pulling from multiple frames in a single shutter press to find the best expressions for a group shot. Camera Coach uses Gemini models to guide you on framing and composition in real time while you shoot.
Color options include Lavender, Fog, Obsidian, and a new Berry finish that brings an eye-catching reddish hue to the A-series. Wan described Berry as "charmingly bold" in person compared to previous Pixel colors, noting that it could have easily been called Tomato instead.
Notable upgrades
The Pixel 10a runs on the same Tensor G4 chip found in the Pixel 10, along with 8GB of RAM. That gives the phone access to many of the same Gemini-powered AI features that headline the more expensive models. Storage comes in 128GB and 256GB configurations, same as the 9a.
Also: Own a Google Pixel? 8 settings I changed to prolong the battery life by hours
Google is shipping the phone with Android 16, including the Material 3 Expressive design language that refreshes the look of wallpapers, in-app elements, and the notification system.
The 6.3-inch Actua display is 11% brighter than the Pixel 9a, which should make outdoor readability slightly better. Google also says the Pixel 10a is its most durable A-series phone yet, with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front display and an IP68 rating for overall water and dust resistance.
The battery and charging upgrades are notable compared to last year's model, with support for faster wired charging up to thirty watts and wireless charging up to ten watts. Google has also built in automatic battery health assistance, though the company confirmed the feature cannot be turned off. Given that Google again promises seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates, the company is clearly integrating changes to ensure the hardware can last that long as well.
Also: I changed 9 settings on my Pixel phone to dramatically improve the camera quality
One of the more notable additions is Satellite SOS, a safety feature that arrives on the A-series for the first time, letting users connect with emergency services when there's no cellular or Wi-Fi signal. It's common to find that functionality in premium devices, but its inclusion at the price point is rare. To sweeten the pot, Google is including a two-year trial of the service with device activation in the US.
The Pixel 10a also picks up the latest Quick Share update, which lets users transfer files between Android and compatible iPhones using AirDrop. As someone who regularly moves files across both platforms, it is nice to see that support reach even more Android devices.
One thing the Pixel 10a does not get this time around is Pixelsnap, Google's Qi2 magnetic system for wireless charging and snap-on accessories. That will remain exclusive to the Pixel 10 and its Pro models for now.
Matching cases
Google will also sell matching Pixel 10a cases in all four colors, as well as two new Pixel Buds 2a colors, Berry and Fog, to complement the phone.
The Pixel 10a continues to undercut Apple's current iPhone 16e while adding compelling software and hardware features. With Apple set to unveil the iPhone 17e at its now-official March 4 event, the timing puts Google's midrange offering squarely in the conversation before one of its biggest rivals refreshes its own lineup. Pre-orders open today at the Google Store and major carriers.
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