Google’s Pixel A-series phones aim to deliver the Pixel experience at a more accessible price point. Now the company has announced the latest Pixel 10a with advanced AI tools and the claim of a best-in-class camera.
Design
The Google Pixel 10a features a smooth design with rounded corners and a completely flat back. Its camera bar is flush with the back of the body so the phone will lie flat. There’s also no camera bump to snag going in and out of your pocket.
The Pixel 10a has a satin-finish 100% recycled aluminium frame and an 81% recycled plastic back cover. Google says that the Pixel 10a is made with the most recycled material of any A-series Pixel to date. For the first time, it even includes recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten. You can choose between four color options: Fog, Obsidian, Berry and Lavender as well.
48 MP main camera
Google claims that the Pixel10a has the best camera in a smartphone under $500. You get a 48-megapixel (MP) main camera and a 13 MP ultra-wide option as well. The Pixel 10a also brings some features to the A-series for the first time. These include Auto Best Take which automatically analyzes multiple frames to find the perfect shot. It means that everyone in a group photo looks their best with just a single shutter press. There’s also Camera Coach which uses Gemini AI models to give you step-by-step guidance on lighting and composition. In addition, you can capture details up close with Macro Focus and in low light with Night Sight.
Video
The Google Pixel10a offers 4k and 1080P HD video recording up to 60fps from the rear camera. Alternatively, you can shoot 4K video at 30fps with the front camera. You also get a range of options including Cinematic Pan video stabilization, Locked video stabilization and Active video stabilization to keep your images steady.
Plus, the Pixel 10a supports slow motion video up to 240fps and 4K timelapse with stabilization. Your video files are saved as HEVC (H.265) or AVC (H.264). Audio is well catered for as well, with speech enhancement and wind noise reduction.
AI features
The Pixel 10a is powered by Google’s custom-built Tensor G4 chip. This gives you access to Google’s Gemini AI so you can have natural conversations with Gemini Live. You can also use Nano Banana to reimagine your photos, blending images together or apply different creative styles. You can ask Google Photos to edit just by typing in the changes you want or saying them directly into your phone.
Additionally, with the AI-powered Circle to Search you can learn more about anything on your screen by simply circling, tapping or highlighting it. You can even use the dialler features like Call Screen and Hold For Me to save you time and help you avoid spammers.
Durability and battery life
The Pixel 10a is Google’s most durable A-series phone with IP68 water and dust protection. It also features an upgraded Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass on the display. This delivers better scratch and drop resistance. Despite this, the 6.3-inch Actua display is 11% brighter than Pixel 9a, so your screen looks vibrant even in direct sunlight. Also, the Pixel 10a has faster charging than the Pixel 9a. You get more than 30 hours of battery life as standard and up to an incredible 120 hours of runtime with Extreme Battery Saver turned on. Importantly, Google guarantees that you will get seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drops. There’s even Satellite SOS so you can connect with emergency services even when you’re without Wi-Fi or cellular service. That’s another first for an A-series phone.
What we think
The Google Pixel 10a is a feature packed smartphone at a great price. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a high-end phone, but it also costs less than $500. The camera features and AI options mean that you can be confident of getting great photos and video nearly all of the time. In addition, its simple yet robust form factor also makes the Pixel 10a a fun smartphone that’s easy to take with you everywhere. With a 30 hour battery life, you won’t be worrying about needing to find a power source when you are out and about either. If don’t need a flagship smartphone, or just don’t like the idea of walking around with a $1,000+ device in your pocket, the Google Pixel 10a is a great option to consider.
Pricing and availability
The Google Pixel 10a is available for preorder now. It will launch on March 5, 2026, priced at $499 for the 128 GB model or $599 if you want the 256 GB option.
