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Google just launched its new budget Pixel phone, and it’s left a lot of people confused. On the surface, the Pixel 10a looks very similar to its predecessor. The new device has the same screen size, battery capacity, and cameras — Google didn’t even give it a processor upgrade this year. So, what’s different? Is it the same phone as before? Well, yes and no.
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There are a few quality-of-life upgrades to the Google Pixel 10a that make it a strong contender for someone spending $500 or less on a phone. Here’s what’s new compared to the last-gen Pixel 9a. I’ll also let you know if there’s a compelling reason to upgrade.
You should buy the Google Pixel 10a if…
1. You want a bright screen and faster charging
Both Google Pixel 10a and 9a have the same display size. You get a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a 60-120Hz refresh rate. They might look similar, but the new Pixel 10a has a brighter, stronger screen. It is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i (instead of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the 9a), which should offer better scratch and drop resistance.
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Last year, the Pixel 9a’s display supported 1,800 nits of high brightness and 2,700 nits peak brightness for supported HDR content. The new-gen 10a pushes these numbers to 2,000 nits and 3,000 nits, respectively. This upgrade should make it easier to view the screen in harsh lighting conditions. Plus, the Pixel 10a’s panel is rated at a contrast ratio of more than 2,000,000:1 (double that of the 9a) for deeper blacks in darker scenes.
Both of these A-series Pixel phones pack the same 5,100mAh battery, but they charge at different rates. The new Pixel 10a can fast charge at 30W (up from 23W) and wirelessly charges at up to 10W (up from 7.5W). However, neither phone features PixelSnap magnets for better wireless charging alignment and support for magnetic accessories — this is relegated to the flagship model.
2. You hate having your phone wobble on your desk
The Google Pixel 10a is one of the rare phones in 2026 without a camera bump. Google retained its pill-shaped camera housing from the 9a and improved it. ZDNET’s Editor in Chief Kerry Wan attended a hands-on preview and confirmed the camera bump protrudes even less than in the 9a, which was already mostly flush.
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This change fixes the awkward phone wobble on your desk and other flat surfaces. I’ve never been bothered by this issue, but I’ve seen people complaining about rear-camera housings protruding more every year. If you’re one of those people, there’s finally a phone for you.
The 10a also comes in fun colors, including a new Berry finish, which Wan described as “charmingly bold” compared to previous Pixel colors, noting that it could have easily been called Tomato instead.
3. You need Satellite SOS connectivity for peace of mind
Perhaps one of the most underrated upgrades on a budget phone, the Pixel 10a brings Satellite SOS connectivity. This feature makes it the lowest-cost Google phone to have satellite connectivity for emergency communication. The Pixel 10a is one of the most affordable phones to have this feature, alongside its immediate rival, the Apple iPhone 16e.
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For reference, SOS connectivity is a safety feature that helps you connect with emergency services when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi signal. When triggered, your Pixel 10a connects to satellites in fixed positions above the earth and reaches the emergency service provider. This feature could be extremely helpful in tough outdoor situations.
You should keep your Pixel 9a because…
The bottom line: if you have the Pixel 9a, the new 10a isn’t significant enough of an upgrade to warrant buying the new phone. If you’re looking for performance, battery, or camera upgrades on the 10a, the Pixel 10a has the same Tensor G4 processor as last year’s Pixel 9 series. You also get 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the base variant.
The same goes for optics. Google didn’t upgrade the cameras on its new Pixel 10a. You get the same 48MP main sensor with f/1.7 aperture and 13MP ultrawide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view on the back, and a 13MP camera on the front. However, the device borrows some AI smarts from the more expensive Pixel 10 series. Google has added support for features like Camera Coach, Auto Best Take, and Macro Focus, but they aren’t tempting enough to warrant an upgrade.
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Lastly, Google Pixel 9a has the same battery capacity as the new Pixel 10a. As mentioned earlier, you get a 5,100mAh cell, and given that the Pixel 10a also has the Tensor G4 chipset, I don’t expect any efficiency gains. The new-gen phone charges slightly faster, but this is also a modest upgrade.
Processing power, cameras, and battery capacity are the most prominent year-on-year upgrades we see in new phones. If your Pixel 9a is working absolutely fine in these three areas, there’s no reason to upgrade. In fact, if you can find a Pixel 9a for under $400 now, I’d recommend buying it over the new Google Pixel 10a.