Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 10a, its latest entry in the A series. On the surface, it looks like another compelling budget Pixel: minimalist design, fresh colors, a big battery, and Google’s familiar AI features. But if you look a little closer, the excitement quickly fades. For many buyers, the Pixel 10a might feel like déjà vu – a phone that looks new but behaves very similarly to last year’s Pixel 9a. In fact, the similarities are so great that more and more users and reviewers are asking the same question: Why upgrade at all?
Despite its refreshed exterior and some modern touches, the Pixel 10a offers nearly identical core specs to its predecessor and actually feels like a step backwards in some areas. For anyone buying in the sub-$500 price range, the Pixel 10a’s value proposition becomes questionable, especially when several alternatives – some from Google’s own lineup – offer far better hardware at the same or lower prices.
Below, we explain why the Pixel 10a is underwhelming and highlight five smartphones that might be a smarter purchase.
Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a: A shockingly small upgrade
If you place the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a next to each other, the differences almost disappear. The display size, refresh rate, RAM, storage, loading speeds and primary camera setup remain functionally the same. The most controversial change? Google swapped out its expected flagship Tensor G5 model for A-series phones, opting for the older Tensor G4 instead. This is the first time an A-series Pixel has been released without the latest processor. For a brand that built the A-Series on value-driven flagship trickle-down models, 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 of the Pixel 10 series. However, the Pixel 10a has no magnetic capabilities at all. Even Google’s official Pixel 10a cases lack magnets. Therefore, buyers who want magnetic accessories will have to resort to third-party cases and forego 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 an additional year of software support. While these improvements are welcome, they hardly justify the price jump if the Pixel 9a is still around – and continues to offer identical real-world performance.
Yes, we are slightly annoyed too. But don’t worry, we got it. Here are five smartphones you can buy instead of the Pixel 10a.
If you want to save money: buy the Pixel 9a
If value is a priority for you, the older Pixel 9a remains the smarter purchase. With the Pixel 10a now official, prices for the Pixel 9a are expected to drop significantly – often $100 or more below the price of the 10a. Since the two phones offer the same core experience, choosing 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 a year fewer OS updates. For most users, this won’t be a problem – especially those who plan to upgrade again within three to four years.
To put it simply, the Pixel 10a doesn’t justify its premium when last year’s model offers almost identical performance at a significantly lower cost.
If you’re willing to spend more: Buy the Pixel 10
The Pixel 10 costs $799, but the actual street price tells a different story. Six months after launch, the Pixel 10 can regularly be found new for $649 – and refurbished devices often drop to the Pixel 10a’s asking price of $499. Trade-in bonuses and offers from carriers bring the price down even further, making the Pixel 10 a much better value.
For the same or slightly higher cost than a Pixel 10a, you get Google’s superior Tensor G5 chip, a proper ultra-wide and telephoto rear camera, 12GB of RAM, harder display glass, an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, and full Pixel Snap compatibility. In every way – performance, photography, ecosystem, feel, durability – the Pixel 10 outperforms the Pixel 10a.
The compromises? A slightly smaller battery, a slightly heavier case and a slightly weaker selfie camera. None outweigh the significant benefits. If you’re shopping in the Pixel 10a’s price range, the Pixel 10 is simply the better phone.
If Google Pixel isn’t your thing, here are four other smartphones you can opt for instead.
Samsung Galaxy A55
The Samsung Galaxy A55 is a far stronger mid-range option than the Pixel 10a, especially for US users of T-Mobile, Mint Mobile or MetroPCS. Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1480 octa-core chipset, it delivers faster and more stable performance than the Pixel 10a’s downgraded Tensor G4. The phone features a vibrant 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz display that offers significantly better brightness, color accuracy and smoothness.
The camera system is also more versatile: with a 50 MP OIS main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 5 MP macro camera and a 32 MP front camera with 4K video, it offers a lead in terms of flexibility and detail. Durability is another plus thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus+, an aluminum frame and IP67 water and dust resistance – all superior to the Pixel 10a’s simpler construction.
You also get microSD expansion, dual SIM, newer Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and an overall higher quality experience. For most buyers, the A55 simply offers better value in the long run than the Pixel 10a.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025)
Not every Pixel 10a alternative is priced close to each other. The Moto G Stylus starts at just $399, meaning you can save over $100 compared to Google’s new A-series device. It also has a built-in stylus, making it the only phone on this list to have this feature. For note-takers, artists, or productivity-oriented users, this can be a major selling point.
Despite its modest price, the Moto G Stylus impresses with 68W fast charging – the fastest of these alternatives – and expandable storage via microSD card. These two features alone could convince many buyers.
Of course, the low price comes with tradeoffs: 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-intensive workflows – but as a budget device, it offers tremendous value for money.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
For buyers who want something visually special and feature-rich, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro stands out. Surprisingly, it costs $40 less than the Pixel 10a and offers twice as much storage at 256GB. Hardware-wise, it’s a real stunner: a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, a powerful 50MP selfie camera, 50W wired charging, and an impressive display with symmetrical edges and a peak brightness that matches the flagship Pixel 10.
Its weaknesses include the lack of wireless charging, the less powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip and only IP64 protection. Verizon customers may experience connection issues. Still, it’s an exceptional device for the price – especially for buyers who value aesthetics and display quality.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE serves as another convincing alternative. Although the list price is higher than the Pixel 10a, real-world pricing – especially during sales – often puts it within reach. For users who value performance: The S25 FE significantly outperforms the Tensor G4 in almost every benchmark. The Exynos 2400 delivers superior CPU and GPU performance, which translates into faster daily operations and noticeably better gaming.
The camera hardware is also stronger on Samsung’s FE model, particularly thanks to the inclusion of a telephoto lens – a feature missing from the Pixel 10a. You also get faster 45W wired charging and a more robust screen protector. On the other hand, 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 the Samsung ecosystem – or anyone who values ​​performance – the Galaxy S25 FE deserves serious consideration.
Should anyone buy the Pixel 10a?
The Pixel 10a isn’t a bad phone. On its own, it offers reliable performance, a clean design, Google’s signature AI features, and a long update commitment. There’s one big problem, though: The Pixel 9a exists, the Pixel 10 is discounted, and competition in the sub-$500 market is fiercer than ever.
If the Pixel 10a is your thing, go for it – Google’s hardware and software consistency still makes it a great everyday phone. However, if you want the best possible value for money, choosing the 10a over its alternatives is hard to justify. Whether it’s Google’s own Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 or competing offerings from Samsung, Motorola and Nothing – many devices offer more for your money.
In 2026, the Pixel 10a isn’t the obvious choice – it’s simply an option in a crowded field. And for many buyers, the alternatives could be far more suitable.
