Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 10a, its newest entry in the A-series lineup. On the surface, it looks like another compelling budget-friendly Pixel: minimalist design, fresh colours, a large battery, and Google’s well-known AI features. But dig a little deeper, and the excitement quickly fades. For many buyers, the Pixel 10a may feel like a déjà vu moment – a phone that looks new but behaves very much like last year’s Pixel 9a. In fact, the similarities run so deep that a growing number of users and reviewers are asking the same question: Why upgrade at all?
Despite its refreshed exterior and a few modern touches, the Pixel 10a delivers nearly identical core specifications to its predecessor, and in some areas, actually feels like a step backward. For anyone shopping in the sub-$500 bracket, the Pixel 10a’s value proposition becomes questionable, especially when several alternatives – some from Google’s own lineup – offer far better hardware at equal or lower prices.
Below, we break down why the Pixel 10a underwhelms and explore five smartphones that might be smarter buys.
Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: A shockingly small upgrade
Put the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a side by side, and the differences almost vanish. The display size, refresh rate, RAM, storage, charging speeds, and primary camera setup remain functionally the same. The most controversial change? Google swapped out its flagship-level Tensor G5 expected for A-series phones, instead opting for the older Tensor G4. This marks the first time an A-series Pixel has launched without the newest processor. For a brand that built the A-series on value-driven flagship trickle-down, the decision is puzzling.
One of the most frustrating omissions is the complete lack of Pixel Snap support. Pixel Snap – Google’s magnetic accessory ecosystem – has become a standout feature on the Pixel 10 lineup. Yet the Pixel 10a gets no magnetic capabilities at all. Even Google’s official Pixel 10a cases lack magnets. As a result, buyers who want magnetic accessories must rely on third-party cases, relinquishing Google’s usual first-party ecosystem experience.
There are upgrades, but they’re small: slightly brighter display, faster wired charging, improved Bluetooth, updated Gorilla Glass 7i front protection, and one extra year of software support. While welcome, these refinements hardly justify the price jump when the Pixel 9a still exists – and continues to offer identical real-world performance.
Yes, we are slightly upset too. But don’t worry, we gotchu. Here are five smartphones you can buy instead of the Pixel 10a.
If You Want to Save Money: Buy the Pixel 9a
If your priority is value, the older Pixel 9a remains the smarter purchase. With the Pixel 10a now official, Pixel 9a pricing is expected to drop significantly – often $100 or more below the 10a. Since the two phones share the same core experience, opting for the 9a means saving money without sacrificing features.
The Pixel 9a’s only real shortcomings compared to the 10a include the older Gorilla Glass 3 display, slightly slower charging, and one fewer year of OS updates. None of these are dealbreakers for most users – especially those planning to upgrade again within three to four years.
Put simply, the Pixel 10a doesn’t justify its premium when last year’s model delivers nearly identical performance at a much lower cost.
If you’re willing to spend more: Buy the Pixel 10
The Pixel 10 lists at $799, but its real street price tells a different story. Six months after launch, the Pixel 10 can regularly be found for $649 new – and refurbished units frequently dip to the Pixel 10a’s $499 asking price. Trade-in bonuses and carrier deals drive the price even lower, making the Pixel 10 a substantially better value.
For the same or slightly higher cost as a Pixel 10a, you get Google’s superior Tensor G5 chip, a proper ultrawide + telephoto rear camera setup, 12GB RAM, tougher display glass, an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, and full Pixel Snap compatibility. In every meaningful way – performance, photography, ecosystem, feel, longevity – the Pixel 10 outclasses the Pixel 10a.
The trade-offs? A slightly smaller battery, a slightly heavier chassis, and a marginally weaker selfie camera. None outweigh the significant advantages. If you’re shopping around the Pixel 10a’s price bracket, the Pixel 10 is simply a better phone.
If the Google Pixel is not your jam, here are four other smartphones you can opt for instead.
Samsung Galaxy A55
The Samsung Galaxy A55 stands out as a far stronger mid-range option than the Pixel 10a, especially for US users on T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, or MetroPCS. Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1480 octa-core chipset, it delivers faster, more stable performance than the Pixel 10a’s downgraded Tensor G4. The phone features a vibrant 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz display, offering noticeably better brightness, colour accuracy, and smoothness.
Its camera system is more versatile too, with a 50MP OIS main camera, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and a 32MP front camera with 4K video, giving it an edge in flexibility and detail. Durability is another win, thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus+, an aluminum frame, and IP67 water and dust resistance – all superior to the Pixel 10a’s simpler build.
You also get microSD expansion, dual SIM, newer Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and a more premium overall experience. For most buyers, the A55 simply offers better long-term value than the Pixel 10a.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025)
Not every Pixel 10a alternative sits close in price. The Moto G Stylus starts at just $399, meaning you can save over $100 compared to Google’s new A-series device. It also comes with a built-in stylus, making it the only phone on this list with that capability. For note-takers, artists, or productivity-focused users, this may be a major selling point.
Despite its modest price, the Moto G Stylus impresses with 68W fast charging – the fastest among these alternatives – and expandable storage via microSD card. Those two features alone could sway many buyers.
Of course, its low price comes with sacrifices: outdated Gorilla Glass 3, slow UFS 2.2 storage, weak software support, and slower USB transfer speeds. This isn’t a phone for long-term users or performance-heavy workflows – but as a budget device, it offers tremendous value.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
For buyers who want something visually distinctive and feature-rich, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro stands out. Surprisingly, it retails for $40 less than the Pixel 10a while offering twice the storage at 256GB. Hardware-wise, it’s stacked: a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, strong 50MP selfie camera, 50W wired charging, and a stunning display with symmetrical bezels and peak brightness matching the flagship Pixel 10.
Its weaknesses include no wireless charging, less powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, and only an IP64 rating. Connectivity issues may arise for Verizon customers. Still, for the price, it’s an exceptional device – especially for buyers who value aesthetic flair and display quality.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE serves as another compelling alternative. While its list price is higher than the Pixel 10a’s, real-world pricing – especially during sales – often brings it within striking distance. For users who value performance, the S25 FE easily outpaces the Tensor G4 in nearly every benchmark. The Exynos 2400 delivers superior CPU and GPU performance, which translates to faster daily operation and noticeably better gaming.
Camera hardware is also stronger on Samsung’s FE model, especially thanks to the inclusion of a telephoto lens – a feature missing from the Pixel 10a. You also get faster 45W wired charging and tougher display protection. On the flip side, Google’s computational photography still produces more consistent results, and the Pixel 10a has a larger battery and faster OS updates.
Still, for users already in Samsung’s ecosystem – or anyone prioritizing power – the Galaxy S25 FE deserves serious consideration.
Should anyone buy the Pixel 10a?
The Pixel 10a is not a bad phone. In isolation, it offers reliable performance, a clean design, Google’s trademark AI features, and a long update commitment. But it suffers from one major problem: the Pixel 9a exists, the Pixel 10 is discounted, and the competition in the sub-$500 market is fiercer than ever.
If your heart is set on the Pixel 10a, go for it – Google’s hardware and software consistency still make it a great everyday phone. But if you want the best possible value for your money, it’s hard to justify choosing the 10a over its alternatives. Whether it’s Google’s own Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 or competitive offerings from Samsung, Motorola, and Nothing, several devices offer more for your dollar.
In 2026, the Pixel 10a isn’t the obvious choice – it’s simply one option in a crowded field. And for many buyers, the alternatives may be a far better fit.
