It might be sooner than anticipated, however the Google Pixel 10a is already official and up for pre-order. The Pixel 10a appears strikingly just like final 12 months’s Pixel 9a, and for some individuals, it could not even really feel like a lot of an improve (together with me).
As I discussed just lately, the Pixel 10a could possibly be the smallest improve a Pixel A-series telephone has seen in years.
Google Pixel 9a
Imagine it or not, the very best telephone you should purchase as a substitute of the Google Pixel 10a is definitely Google’s personal Pixel 9a from final 12 months. Shifting from the Pixel 9a to the Pixel 10a ought to have introduced some noticeable upgrades, or at the very least significant modifications. However the Pixel 10a is just about the identical smartphone because the Pixel 9a.
There are just a few small variations, just like the Pixel 10a being 1mm thicker, which makes the digital camera sit much more flush with the rear body. It additionally will get upgraded Gorilla Glass 7i safety on the entrance, a barely brighter show, and marginally quicker wired charging. Aside from these tweaks and the brand new shade choices, the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a are nearly equivalent.
The Pixel 9a options the identical Tensor G4 chip, the identical 5100mAh battery, and the identical dual-camera setup on the again. It runs the identical Android model, Android 16, because the Pixel 10a. Sure, the Pixel 10a will seemingly obtain one extra 12 months of software program updates, however that distinction is not going to matter a lot within the quick time period.
Google could also be providing a number of promotions on the Pixel 10a proper now, however you’ll be able to choose up the Pixel 9a for as little as $399 within the US. At that value, it’s arguably the higher deal in comparison with the Pixel 10a.
OnePlus 15R
In terms of value-for-money smartphones, OnePlus can’t be ignored. Whereas the corporate’s R-series telephones used to supply even stronger worth in earlier years, costs have progressively elevated, nearly close to to its flagship lineup. That mentioned, they’re nonetheless strong mid-range units and supply glorious worth for cash, particularly when in comparison with the Pixel 10a.
The OnePlus 15R is the corporate’s newest premium mid-range telephone. Regardless that it begins at $699, which is $100 greater than the 256GB variant of the Pixel 10a, it gives a lot stronger {hardware} and a greater total worth bundle.
The OnePlus 15R is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. It isn’t absolutely the flagship processor, but it surely delivers near-flagship efficiency. The telephone comes with 12GB of RAM and both 256GB or 512GB of storage.
On the entrance, you get a big 6.83-inch AMOLED show with as much as a 165Hz refresh fee, backed by an enormous 7,400mAh battery with 80W charging help. Positive, it doesn’t embody all of the AI-focused options of the Pixel 10a. There is no such thing as a Pixel Screenshots app, no digital camera teaching options, and no comparable AI-powered instruments.
However in case you worth sturdy {hardware} and a clear software program expertise over AI extras, the OnePlus 15R is arguably the higher deal.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Whereas the highlight proper now’s on Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 sequence, the Galaxy S25 FE stays a wonderful mid-range choice. It initially launched at $650, which is larger than the Pixel 10a’s retail value, however now you can discover it for near $450, making it a really compelling various.
On the entrance, you get a bigger 6.7-inch AMOLED show with a 120Hz refresh fee and stronger safety due to Gorilla Glass Victus+. It runs Android 16 out of the field and can seemingly obtain One UI 8.5 quickly, bringing a number of new Galaxy AI options.
On the again, you get a further 3x telephoto lens, which makes zoom pictures a lot simpler. The Pixel 10a doesn’t supply a telephoto lens in any respect.
Whereas the battery is barely smaller at 4,900mAh in comparison with the Pixel 10a, you do get quicker 45W charging, whereas the Pixel 10a helps 30W. General, each telephones are pretty comparable, however in case you worth a devoted telephoto digital camera, favor One UI, and need a greater show, the Galaxy S25 FE is a superb choice.
Moto Razr+ (2024)
Spending lower than flagship cash doesn’t suggest you can not strive a brand new type issue, and that’s precisely what the Moto Razr+ (2024) gives. The Pixel 10a is a conventional slab smartphone, however the Razr+ 2024 is available in a flip-style foldable design that you simply normally see on higher-end units.
Positive, it’s a barely older smartphone, but it surely nonetheless gives loads of standout options together with a enjoyable type issue to experiment with. The Razr+ 2024 contains a 4-inch edge-to-edge cowl show protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. When unfolded, it reveals a big 6.9-inch AMOLED interior show with a 165Hz refresh fee and Dolby Imaginative and prescient help.
It comes with a twin 50MP digital camera setup, together with a 50MP major sensor with f/1.7 aperture and OIS, together with a 50MP telephoto lens providing 2x zoom. Like most clamshell foldables, you should use the first digital camera for selfies, which delivers a lot better outcomes than what you get on most mid-range telephones, together with the Pixel 10a.
Below the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. It might not be the newest processor, however contemplating you are paying mid-range costs for a clamshell foldable, efficiency will maintain up simply nice.
The one draw back is software program longevity. The Razr+ 2024 launched with Android 14 and is promised three main OS updates. Meaning after Android 16, solely Android 17 stays.
In case you prioritize long-term software program help and AI options over the foldable expertise, the Pixel 10a could be the safer selection. However if you wish to strive a brand new type issue with out paying flagship costs, the Razr+ 2024 stays one of the attention-grabbing choices accessible.
Nothing Telephone 3a Professional
In case you discover the Pixel 10a a bit bland, a robust various to contemplate is the Nothing Telephone 3a Professional. The Nothing Telephone 3a Professional carries the model’s signature industrial design language together with Glyph LEDs on the again and a singular digital camera module that appears nothing just like the Pixel 10a.
In case you’re drawn to the Pixel for its clear software program expertise, Nothing OS gives one thing comparable. It’s near inventory Android and feels light-weight and clean. Nevertheless, the telephone launched with Android 15 and has already been up to date to Android 16. Nothing is promising three main Android updates in complete, which implies solely two extra updates stay.
On the entrance, you get a big 6.77-inch AMOLED show with a 120Hz refresh fee. In comparison with the Pixel 10a, it additionally features a 50MP 3x telephoto lens and helps quicker 50W wired charging. The primary downside, nevertheless, is U.S. service compatibility. The telephone formally works with T-Cell and AT&T, however some customers have reported points on Verizon networks.
Moreover, it’s possible you’ll need to wait every week earlier than making a call, because the Nothing Telephone 4a Professional can be anticipated to launch quickly.
