All posts tagged: 10a

The Pixel 10a doesn’t have a camera bump, and it’s great

The Pixel 10a doesn’t have a camera bump, and it’s great

Published by skeptic

For years now, smartphone makers have made the camera bump on devices bigger in order to chase camera improvements. Even if that kind of design makes cameras better, at times it creates usability issues. With the Pixel 10a, Google took a new approach of entirely removing the camera bump and making a flat phone that lies completely on surfaces. While this is a delightful change in the world of big camera bumps, Google hasn’t otherwise made major design changes with its newest budget smartphone. The Pixel 9a looked mostly the same, with a very small camera bump. I have the plain old black unit, but Google offers the phone in Lavender (a mix of bright blue and purple), Berry (coral), and Fog (a gray-green tone) colors. Look! No camera bump Image Credits: Ivan Mehta The screen size of 6.3 inches is the same as last year’s device, but the display is now brighter at 3,000 nits. Google is using the Actua display series of screens that it used with the other Pixel 10 devices to …

iPhone 17e vs. Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy A56: This budget phone wins it for me

iPhone 17e vs. Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy A56: This budget phone wins it for me

Published by skeptic

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Apple, Google, and Samsung are once again butting heads in the midrange phone market, with the former two having recently released new models. Samsung beat the others to the punch when it launched the Galaxy A56 back on July 18, 2025.  Eight months later, on March 5, 2026, Google released the Pixel 10a, its latest budget handset designed to deliver the core Pixel 10 experience at a lower price. Not long after that, on March 11, Apple introduced the iPhone 17e, a more affordable alternative to the rest of the iPhone 17 series. Also: iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: I compared both models to uncover the $200 difference These three phones target the same buyer: people who want a dependable mobile device without flagship prices. They focus on practicality and strong everyday performance rather than flashy features.  However, there are distinct differences between them. The best phone for you depends on your needs as a user. Below, I break down where the iPhone 17e, Pixel …

The Google Pixel 10a is basically last year’s phone — but it’s still worth the money

The Google Pixel 10a is basically last year’s phone — but it’s still worth the money

Published by skeptic

The Google Pixel 10a is a really interesting device. Interesting in that it doesn’t quite do anything that the previous version didn’t do, and yet it still commands a $500 price tag. Yet for the issues that this creates, I still really quite like the Pixel 10a, because if we’re all being honest, the Pixel 9a was a great phone that was truly fitting of Google’s a branding. It’s a Google hat-tip acknowledging that it needs to release this device because that’s what it always does, knowing full well that it’s a stepping stone device, the not-quite-an-update that’s enough for another year. Yet with all that said, the Pixel 10a is a really nice device. I’d hesitate to call it budget-focused, because 500 bucks is still a decent whack. But for a lower-mid range device, it’s a great option. 7/10 SoC Google Tensor G4 Display 6.3-inch Actua pOLED display, 1080 x 2424 resolution, 60-120Hz, 3000 nits peak brightness RAM 8GB Storage 128GB, 256GB The Google Pixel 10a is a budget-oriented smartphone with a flat back …

I used the Pixel 10a and 9a side-by-side and the camera bar isn’t the only change

I used the Pixel 10a and 9a side-by-side and the camera bar isn’t the only change

Published by skeptic

The Pixel 10a is objectively Google’s smallest hardware upgrade ever. The list of components and features carried over from the Pixel 9a is longer than the number of new additions. That said, the Pixel 10 is also Google’s most polished midranger ever, and it keeps its $500 price point at a time when price hikes are becoming the norm. I’ve been using the Pixel 10a in Iris (purple) and the Pixel 9a in Porcelain (white) for a few weeks, and truthfully, there are more upgrades than you probably noticed. A lot of prospective buyers will look at the identical chipset, memory, and battery life of the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a, automatically opting for the last-generation model at a lower price. I’m not sure if that’s the wisest option, and software is the primary reason why. Although the hardware is similar, the newer Pixel 10a launches with Android 16 and has its full seven years of software support remaining. It also has exclusive Pixel 10 series software features like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take. …

Buy the new Google Pixel 10a and get a free 0 Amazon gift card (or Pixel Buds 2a)

Buy the new Google Pixel 10a and get a free $100 Amazon gift card (or Pixel Buds 2a)

Published by skeptic

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. If you’ve been thinking of upgrading or switching to the new Google Pixel 10a, now is a great time to do so with this Amazon deal. Right now, when you order either the 128GB or 256GB model, you can choose a $100 Amazon gift card or a pair of Pixel Buds 2a for free. Also: Google Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a  The Pixel 10a offers a host of refreshes and premium-grade features for an entry-level price. The battery gives you over 30 hours of use on a full charge; with Extreme Battery Saver mode, you can push that to 120 hours for camping trips or emergencies.  Speaking of emergencies, the Pixel 10a supports satellite connectivity for calling when a 5G or Wi-Fi network isn’t available, as well as crash detection and automatic emergency location and contact services to keep you in touch no matter where you are. With the Titan M2 security chip and an integrated VPN, you can keep your personal data and online …

Google Pixel 10a Review: Sensible Value

Google Pixel 10a Review: Sensible Value

Published by skeptic

The screen is brighter now, reaching a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, and I haven’t had any trouble reading it in sunny conditions (though it hasn’t been as sunny as I’d like it to be these past few weeks). I appreciate the glass upgrade from Gorilla Glass 3 to Gorilla Glass 7i. It should be more protective, and anecdotally, I don’t see a single scratch on the Pixel 10a’s screen after two weeks of use. (I’d still snag a screen protector to be safe.) Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Another notable upgrade is in charging speeds—30-watt wired charging and 10-watt wireless charging. I’ll admit I haven’t noticed the benefits of this yet, since I’m often recharging the phone overnight. You can get up to 50 percent in 30 minutes of charging with a compatible adapter, and that has lined up with my testing. My biggest gripe? Google should have taken this opportunity to add its Pixelsnap wireless charging magnets to the back of this phone. That would help align the Pixel 10a even more with the Pixel …

Google Pixel 10a: A perfectly fine phone with one neat trick

Google Pixel 10a: A perfectly fine phone with one neat trick

Published by skeptic

Google’s new Pixel 10a lacks novelty, but for a budget phone, that’s not such a bad thing. The Android maker’s $500 handset walks the same road that its predecessors have for several years now: It’s a slightly downgraded version of last year’s Pixel 10. So, what’s new this time around? Besides the lower price and slightly downgraded specs, the camera array is now completely flush with the rest of the phone, eliminating the camera bump entirely (take notes, Samsung and Apple). The end result is a phone that’s a lot like the more expensive Pixel 10 and still $100 less than the new budget iPhone 17e Apple just announced. The Pixel 10a may not be a conversation starter, but not every phone needs to be one, and it’s a good smartphone nonetheless. At launch, you can buy the Google Pixel 10a at Amazon and choose from either a free $100 gift card or a free pair of the Pixel Buds 2a. $499 at Amazon $599 Save $100 Get $100 Amazon Gift Card with Purchase SEE …

Google Pixel 10a review: Should Android users consider anything else at this price?

Google Pixel 10a review: Should Android users consider anything else at this price?

Published by skeptic

pros and cons Pros Faster charging and a flush camera bump are appreciated. Durable material choices and long software update support. One of the remaining ‘small’ phones with a good camera and battery life. Cons No PixelSnap to compete with iPhone 17e. 8GB RAM and Tensor G4 are showing their age. more buying choices Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. As I made my way through the halls of MWC Barcelona this week, the Google Pixel 10a was sitting comfortably in my jeans. The $499 handset is not as powerful, capable, or expensive as the other phones on the show floor, but it’s one of the few options that I can confidently recommend — and one of the even fewer that can fit into my denim pockets without making me feel self-conscious. Also: Best of MWC 2026: We found the biggest news from Lenovo, Xiaomi, Honor, and more Like last year’s Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a is Google’s safest (and best) bet at appeasing midrange market customers. The Pixel 10a is, …

Google Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 10: Which of Google’s latest phones is best for you?

Google Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 10: Which of Google’s latest phones is best for you?

Published by skeptic

ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Unlike last year, Google’s new affordable Pixel 10a is closer to its predecessor than the base flagship model, the Pixel 10. Last year, the Pixel 9a bridged the gap between A-series and flagship Pixel phones. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Google’s lineup in 2026.  The Pixel 10a doesn’t compete with the Pixel 10 as well as the 9a did with the 9. And it isn’t just because of its minimal upgrades. Also: I went hands-on with every Google Pixel 10 model – and was surprised by the one I loved most In 2025, Google upgraded its base model with a bunch of new features (a dedicated telephoto camera and PixelSnap, among others), which had low chances of trickling down to the A series in the first place. But with the latest launch, it pulled the Pixel 10a from getting closer to the Pixel 10 series by not giving it a processor, camera, or battery upgrade. Despite its modest improvements, the Pixel 10a remains a solid option under …

Google debuts 9 Pixel 10a

Google debuts $499 Pixel 10a

Published by skeptic

Google on Wednesday introduced its latest entry-level Pixel smartphone. The $499 Pixel 10a launches with new AI software capabilities and minor hardware updates. The smartphone is available for preorder now with shipments starting March 5.  It comes in Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian. The Pixel 10a features a completely flat back, which means the camera bar blends with the back of the phone and lies flat when you place it down on a surface. Google notes that the smartphone’s 6.3-inch Actua display is 11% brighter than the Pixel 9a. It also has faster charging than its predecessor, with more than 30 hours of battery life and up to 120 hours with the “Extreme Battery Saver” setting turned on. The Pixel 10a comes with the same Tensor G4 chip that powered last year’s Pixel 9a. It features a 48MP main camera, which Google says is the best camera on a phone under $500, along with a 13MP ultrawide camera. Image Credits:Google After first debuting on the Pixel 10 series last summer, Google is bringing a set …