Google recently released its latest entry-level smartphone, the Pixel 10a. The updates are modest overall, with the most visible change being a redesigned camera array that now sits flush with the back of the phone. We took the 10a on a recent trip to Japan for CP+ to see how its cameras handled a variety of situations.

Despite the slimmer design, the camera hardware is unchanged from the Pixel 9a. Like the previous model, it features a 48MP main camera with a Type 1/2 (~31mm²) sensor and a 13MP ultra wide camera with a Type 1/3.1 (~19mm²) sensor. Google has carried over some of the AI-focused photography features from the 10‑series phones, such as Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, which aim to help users capture stronger images with less effort. Otherwise, the Pixel 10a feels very familiar if you have used the 9a.

“The Pixel 10a feels very familiar if you have used the 9a.”

That similarity extends to image quality. You would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between photos from the 9a and 10a. In good light, the phone’s two cameras perform well enough. When the light gets dim, though, along comes the noise. That’s especially evident in the night photos with vast expanses of open sky or other dark areas, which you can see in the gallery below. Night Mode does seem to help with some of that noise, and also adds some lightness at times. But it’s important to note that, unlike other phones, the Pixel 10a does not automatically switch between camera modes. If you want to use Night Mode, you’ll need to manually select that in dark conditions.

The Pixel 10a is not aimed at photographers who want to use their phone as a somewhat serious camera; that role remains reserved for the higher-end 10‑series models, especially the Pro versions. But for people who want a compact, relatively affordable phone that can reliably capture everyday memories, the Pixel 10a’s cameras can get the job done.

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