Smartphones don't change dramatically year after year, and that's never been truer than with the Pixel 10a.
Breaking tradition with its prior A-series phones, Google's new midrange handset is nearly identical to last year's Pixel 9a, even sharing the same Tensor G4 chipset in the older phone instead of using the Tensor G5 that debuted in last fall's Pixel 10.
The bezel around the 10a’s screen is slightly thinner than on last year’s design. Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
What gives? Google's official answer is that it had to “make trade-offs to maintain the $499 price,” without providing specifics. The lack of the newer chipset and notable upgrades may be due to the skyrocketing cost of memory (RAM), which has been driving up prices for consumer tech across the industry. However, Google declined to cite a specific source.
Still, the Pixel 10a is likely to remain one of the best smartphones under $500, especially in the US, where there aren't many options. The Pixel 10a is available for preorder now, and sales officially kick off on March 5. Alongside the phone, Google also announced new “Berry” and “Fog” colors for its Pixel Buds 2a wireless earbuds. Here's what you need to know.
Old Is New
Spot the differences. That's the game you'll be playing when comparing the Pixel 9a with the Pixel 10a. There are two minor visual changes. Gone is the little plastic ring that surrounded the rear camera module on the Pixel 9a, meaning this year's model is even more flush. Google says the lack of a noticeable camera bump proved popular with the Pixel 9a, so it's doubling down here. On the front, the black bezel surrounding the 6.3-inch display is slightly thinner and more uniform, for a more cohesive look.