Google’s Pixel 10a Revealed: Familiar Design Highlights
Google has unveiled the new Pixel 10a, featuring several subtle but significant enhancements over its predecessor, the Pixel 9a. This mid-range smartphone maintains a familiar design but introduces improvements in display technology, charging capabilities, and sustainable materials.
Display Enhancements
The Pixel 10a is equipped with a pOLED display that achieves a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, a noticeable increase from the 2,700 nits of the previous model. Additionally, the device utilizes Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i, offering improved scratch resistance over the older Gorilla Glass 3.
Battery and Charging Features
- Battery capacity: 5,100 mAh
- Wired charging speed: 30 watts
- Wireless charging speed: 10 watts
- New “pull jacket” mechanism for easier battery adhesive removal
Battery Health Assistance is a notable feature that limits the maximum voltage after several charge cycles, extending the battery life. This system was implemented following overheating issues in earlier Pixel A-series models.
Connectivity and Emergency Features
While the Pixel 10a continues to support Wi-Fi 6E like its predecessor, it introduces a new modem that facilitates Satellite SOS. This feature enables the phone to connect with emergency services even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.
Sustainable Design
In an effort toward environmental responsibility, Google has constructed the Pixel 10a using the most recycled materials of any A-series Pixel to date. The components include recycled cobalt, copper, gold, and tungsten, with the aluminum frame made from 100% recycled materials and the back housing from 81% recycled plastic. This marks Google’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, though Apple has already utilized similar materials in its products.
Color Variations
The Pixel 10a will be available in several vibrant colors: Obsidian, Fog, Lavender, and Berry. The Berry color is particularly noteworthy, reflecting hues used in Google’s Nest product line introduced in late 2025.
Software Features
Despite the hardware upgrades being minimal, Google aims to enhance user experience by incorporating features from the Pixel 10 software, such as Camera Coach and Auto Best Take. However, these features are not expected to be available on the Pixel 9a, despite both devices sharing the same Tensor G4 chip and 8 GB of RAM.
Google typically retains certain software features exclusively for newer devices for a period before releasing them to earlier models, but the company has not confirmed if this will apply to the Pixel 9a.
With the Pixel 10a, Google emphasizes minor refinements in design and functionality, aiming to meet evolving user expectations in the competitive smartphone market.
