| Image: Google |
Google has announced the Pixel 10a, the latest entry in the tech giant’s smartphone lineup. The last iteration of the entry-level phone marked a move away from the Pixel’s iconic camera bar, and now Google is taking things a step further with a camera array that’s completely flush with the rest of the phone’s back. Aside from the redesign, the 10a will be very familiar, as it shares most specs and features with the previous generation.
The smoothed-out design will be a big benefit to those who don’t like using a case. The phone will now sit flat on surfaces; gone are the days of rocking when you set it down. And it won’t get caught when you take it in or out of your pockets.
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| Image: Google |
While Google flattened the camera array, the phone’s body didn’t get any thicker than the 9a. There also hasn’t been a camera downgrade. Like the previous model, the 10a features a 48MP main camera with a Type 1/2 (6.4 x 4.8 mm) sensor and a 13MP ultra wide camera with a Type 1/3.1 (5.0 x 3.7mm) sensor. When asked how they achieved this, Google simply said that the team has the best engineers and wouldn’t provide any additional details.
The other changes in the latest budget offering are rather small. It gains some features found on the 10-series of phones, especially AI-related ones. That includes Auto Best Take, which uses Google AI to automatically merge group photos to get the best take for everyone, and Camera Coach, which uses Gemini models to help users with composition and framing. The 10a also now offers Satellite SOS, which aims to connect the phone to emergency services even if you’re out of Wi-Fi or mobile network range.
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| The color options are similar to last year’s 9a, though with slightly more vibrance in the blue (called Lavender) and red (Berry) models. Image: Google |
The 10a promises a slight durability boost with a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass, and Google says the Actua display is 11% brighter than the 9a. Battery life in Extreme Battery Saver mode gets a bump from 100 to 120 hours, while normal mode remains at a promised 30 hours. Like the 9a, the Pixel 10a uses the Tensor G4 chipset, which Google says was kept to keep the phone’s price down. It retains the IP68 rating as well.
The Pixel 10a is available starting March 5 for $500, the same price as the previous generation. It comes in Obsidian (black) and Fog (white), along with Lavender (blue) and Berry (red), which are slightly more vibrant variations of the 9a’s colors.