Familiar Google Pixel 10a retains its sub-$1,000 status

It’s subtle, but the newly announced Google Pixel 10a marks an iterative change over last year’s phone, while keeping the price below $1,000.

At $849 in Australia, Google’s new lower-cost phone retains the same price as last year’s Pixel 9a model. From there, the next step up is the Pixel 10, which starts at $1,349.

Compared to last year’s phone, the Google Pixel 10a takes the incremental upgrade approach. Like its predecessor, it opts for a smooth back, rather than the protruding mega camera arrays of most other phones.

Except this time, Google says the Pixel 10a is completely flat on the back; the rear cameras don’t stick out at all. Even without a case, the phone should sit flush on a surface without wobbling at the hint of any contact.

Image: Google.

Not much else has changed, though. On the inside, the Pixel 10a uses the same Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM as the Pixel 9a. Similarly, the cameras retain the same 48MP main rear lens and 13MP ultra-wide lens as the 2025 phone.

One of the few main hardware changes comes from an 11 per cent brighter 6.3-inch screen, which is made from the tougher Corning Gorilla Glass 7i material. Plus, Google claims that the Pixel 10a’s battery charges faster than the 9a, reaching 50 per cent capacity in roughly 30 minutes when using a 45W charger.

Software is where Google hopes to make the biggest difference. When announcing the Pixel 10a, the company doubled down on its Gemini AI assistant and various AI-powered features. Some of Google’s AI tools have filtered down to the Pixel 10a, including the photography-assisting Camera Coach, which we tested on the Pixel 10 Pro last year.

Google Pixel 10a price and release date

Google confirmed that the Pixel 10a will launch on 5 March in Australia. Pre-orders are live now via major tech retailers and Google’s online store.

This year’s colours include Fog, Obsidian, Berry, and Lavender. Alongside the Pixel 10a announcement, Google also added Berry and Fog as additional Pixel Buds 2a colours.

Like all of Google’s recent phones, the Pixel 10a supports seven years of operating system and security updates, including future features added through Pixel Drops.

For those with friends and family who use iOS devices, the Pixel 10a can also share files via AirDrop. Google added the functionality late last year, bridging the gap between Android and iOS devices.

Between the Pixel 10a, Apple’s expected iPhone 17e announcement, and Samsung’s new Galaxy S phones, expect plenty of competition in the coming months.

The post Familiar Google Pixel 10a retains its sub-$1,000 status appeared first on GadgetGuy.

About admin

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.