GoKawiilAffordable phones are bearing the brunt of supply chain constraints, which is reshaping what you can expect from a $500 phone. While midrange phones in 2026 don't provide the same value as they used to, the latest phones from Google and Samsung are still competing neck-and-neck. The new Pixel 10A and Galaxy A57 remain the most lucrative midrange phones in the market right now. While they aren't terribly different from their predecessors, each phone has its own distinct appeal.
The Google Pixel 10A didn't get a lot of upgrades this year, but it has kept the $499 price of the Pixel 9A and has already gotten the occasional discount. On the other hand, Samsung's Galaxy A57 is one of the lightest phones in this price range, even with a larger screen. I put them head-to-head, and both phones have their own highlights that could be better for different reasons.
Design and build
Samsung Galaxy A57 has a more immersive screen, thanks to its slim bezels. Prakhar Khanna/CNET
The two Google and Samsung phones are drastically different in terms of design. The Pixel 10A is a small phone with a comparatively compact 6.3-inch screen, whereas the Galaxy A57 is a big phone with a 6.7-inch display. Both are comfortable to hold and use in day-to-day life.
However, the Samsung phone is impressively lightweight this time around. You no longer need to settle for a bulky phone if you want a big screen. At 6.9mm in thickness and 179 grams in weight, the Galaxy A57 is thinner than the smaller Google Pixel 10A (9mm thick and 183 grams in weight).
I liked using the A57 more because of its slimmer bezels, which give it a more modern look. In comparison, Google's phone looks outdated with its thick borders around the screen. Samsung's slimmer, albeit asymmetrical, bezels also allow for a more immersive content consumption experience. Both of these displays are visible in direct sunlight, but they're smudge-prone and highly reflective panels. However, I didn't have any major issues when navigating on Google Maps outdoors.
Both the Pixel 10A and Galaxy A57 are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. This means they generally can survive most plunges into shallow water and days at the beach without letting sand inside of them. Google retained the plastic back on its Pixel phone along with an aluminum frame, whereas Samsung gave its device a glass back. The Galaxy A57 is theoretically more durable, thanks to the Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on both the front and back. To compare, the Pixel 10A has a less-scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 7i on the front.
The Google midranger has a unique design, where its dual-camera cover is recessed beneath the plastic back. On the other hand, the Galaxy A57 has three rear cameras, arranged vertically, like the Galaxy S26.
If you've ever wished for a phone with no camera bumps, the Pixel 10A is the device to get. However, if you want a more immersive screen in a handy and more premium-feeling design, the Galaxy A57 scores an easy win.
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