GoKawiilGoogle Pixel 10a The Google Pixel 10a is an outstanding Android phone. Its hardware is great, performance is smooth, the cameras are dependable, and Google's software experience remains unmatched. Is it basically the same phone as the Pixel 9a? Yes. But is it also the best $500 you can spend on a new phone right now? Absolutely.
The Google Pixel 10a is bound to be one of the most decisive and controversial Android phones of 2026.
From the moment specs began leaking up until (and well past) Google’s official announcement, there’s been no shortage of criticism about how little Google changed with the Pixel 10a compared to last year’s Pixel 9a. The battery, cameras, RAM, storage, and even the chipset are all identical between the two phones. If you’re a Pixel fan and/or tech enthusiast — which I am both — I understand that frustration.
However, after using the Pixel 10a for the last two weeks, I’ll be the first to tell you it’s the best $500 you can spend on a new Android phone right now.
The Pixel 10a is not an exciting smartphone. If you have a Pixel 9a, you absolutely shouldn’t upgrade. But if you need a new phone and don’t want to spend a lot of money, I can’t think of a better option.
What’s actually new with the Google Pixel 10a?
Joe Maring / Android Authority
Let’s start by talking about what is new with the Pixel 10a. Because, believe it or not, there are a few things to mention here.
Although the Pixel 10a’s design looks identical to the Pixel 9a’s, it has a handful of changes that — while minor on their own — come together really nicely. The first of those is the flush camera. The Pixel 10a is the first smartphone I’ve used in years with a completely flat back, and I had forgotten how good it is.
I mentioned this in my Pixel 10a early impressions, but there are so many instances in daily use where the flush design is appreciated. From sliding the phone in and out of pockets to having it rest completely flat on a table, it’s just more practical than a giant, honking camera bump like we have on virtually every other modern smartphone. I love it.
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