Google's latest addition to the Pixel series, the Pixel 10a, offers a more affordable option compared to the flagship Pixel 10. While the Pixel 10a promises Google's most helpful features at a lower price, it's important to consider the trade-offs. In this comparison, we delve into the key differences between the two devices, examining their specifications, features, and performance to help you decide which one is the better choice for your needs.
Price and Availability:
The Pixel 10a is currently available for pre-order and will be on sale from March 5th, with a starting price of £499/$499. On the other hand, the Pixel 10, the entry-level flagship, is priced at £799/$799, but it can be found with significant discounts. For instance, at the time of writing, the Pixel 10 starts at just £549 on Google's official store.
Performance and Chipset:
One of the main differences lies in their chips. The Pixel 10 runs on the Tensor G5, Google's current flagship chip, while the Pixel 10a surprisingly uses the Tensor G4, which was seen across the entire Pixel 9 series. This marks the first time Google hasn't used the same chip for an entire series, which has been a notable feature of their previous models. However, it's important to note that neither the Tensor G5 nor G4 are particularly renowned for their power, especially when compared to other high-end chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Apple's A19. Google's chips are designed to ensure smooth and speedy performance for its AI tools, including Gemini, and everyday tasks will still be swift.
Camera and Zoom:
The Pixel 10 includes a telephoto lens, a feature typically reserved for Pro iterations. This lens, along with 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide sensors, offers 5x optical zoom, allowing users to capture distant objects with reasonable clarity. However, images may appear slightly over-processed at 5x and more so at its maximum 20x zoom. The Pixel 10a, on the other hand, sports the same main and ultrawide lenses as the Pixel 10, delivering accurate and detailed photos, similar to the Pixel 9a. It misses out on the telephoto lens, which is a notable feature of the Pixel 10.
Battery Life and Charging:
Battery life has never been a strong suit of Google's Pixel phones. While the Pixel 10 is a solid all-day phone, the Pixel 10a promises an impressive 120-hours of battery life with its Extreme Battery Saver feature, which is a significant improvement over the Pixel 10's 100-hours. However, it's worth noting that enabling Extreme Battery Saver will limit app usage and slow down processing, making the phone less usable.
Display and Durability:
Both devices feature Gorilla Glass on their displays, but the Pixel 10a uses the newer Gorilla Glass 7i, which is found on many mid-range phones. This newer glass promises better drop resistance and scratch resistance compared to the older Gorilla Glass Victus 2 used in the Pixel 10. Both handsets are equipped with an IP68 rating, ensuring they are dust-tight and can withstand water immersion.
Design and Camera Bar:
The Pixel 10 series introduces a sleek, pill-shaped camera bar, a departure from the previous rectangular design. The Pixel 10a, however, follows the Pixel 9a's design and forgoes the camera bar, allowing it to lay flat. While the Pixel 10a may not have the iconic Pixel look, it still maintains a modern and appealing design.
Conclusion:
As we haven't reviewed the Pixel 10a yet, a definitive verdict is premature. However, on paper, the Pixel 10a appears to be a decent alternative for those seeking an affordable smartphone without compromising on essential features. The Pixel 10, with its additional features and slightly higher price, might be a more appealing choice for those who prioritize power and the iconic Pixel design. We'll provide a more detailed comparison once we've reviewed the Pixel 10a.
