specifications and comparison with the Pixel 9a

The Pixel 10a is here

Google has presented the Pixel 10athe new member of its mid-range that comes, like every year, to dispute the ground with the greats of the sector. The proposal is well known: a smartphone with a pure Android experiencea photographic bet above its price and the promise of a long useful life thanks to seven years of guaranteed updates. On paper, it sounds good. The problem is that, to value it correctly, you have to understand what has changed compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 9a.

And this is where things get complicated. Because the Pixel 9a is still a very interesting option, its price has been adjusted in some stores and it is still possible to find it in stock. That raises a logical question. Is it worth paying for the 10a or does it make more sense to get the 9a before it disappears?

The objective of this guide is precisely that. I propose that you calmly analyze what has changed between one generation and another, separate the real news from the marketing and help you make an informed decision. Here’s a preview: the changes exist, but they are not as many as Google would have you believe.

Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a: full specifications

The (few) new features of the Google Pixel 10a

The Pixel 10a arrives with some adjustments compared to the 9a. They are not revolutionary changes, but there are concrete improvements that should be known before deciding. Below, we review the key differences between both models.

A brighter and much better protected screen

The Pixel 10a panel is, on paper, practically identical to that of the 9a: 6.3 inch pOLEDFullHD+ resolution and refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. However, there are two differences that are not minor. The first is the brightness: the 10a reaches a 3,000 nits peakcompared to 2,700 for the 9a, which translates into better visibility outdoors under direct light.

The second, and perhaps more important in the long term, is the protection of the glass. The Pixel 10a debuts Gorilla Glass 7ia significant improvement over the Gorilla Glass 3 of the previous model. In everyday life, this means greater resistance to scratches and drops, something that is especially appreciated in a phone that you want to last for years.

Slight improvements to the charging system

In the battery section, the capacity remains the same in both models: 5,100 mAh. But 10a adds two new features. The first is fast charging 45Wwhich, according to some sources (Google did not declare it as such), in the Pixel 9a was 23 W. The second is the inclusion of Qi wireless charging at 10Wa functionality that the 9a maintained at 7.5 W. It is not the fastest wireless charging on the market, but it is one of the changes that we must point out.

Bluetooth 6: next-generation connectivity

The Pixel 10a incorporates Bluetooth 6compared to the Bluetooth 5.3 of the 9a. In daily practice, both versions offer a similar experience with common headphones and devices. However, Bluetooth 6 introduces improvements in energy efficiency and positioning accuracy, something that will become more relevant as compatible accessories become more widespread. It is not a reason to buy on its own, but it adds up to the whole.

An almost identical design, just a little lighter and with new colors

If you were expecting a redesign, this is not your year. The Pixel 10a measures 153.9 x 73 x 9mm and weighs 183 gramscompared to 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm and 185.9 grams of the 9a. The differences are so small that in hand you probably wouldn’t notice them without looking at the numbers. Google has chosen to maintain the same design language, which is not necessarily bad, but it also does not offer any visual argument to justify the change of mobile.

What you will have now are three new shades to choose from. As with weight, the changes are minor. That is, although the Pixel 10a does not have exactly the same colors as the Pixel 9a (Obsidian or black does match), they are all variations of what we already knew. Above I leave you the images so you can see what changes.

Is the new Google Pixel 10a worth it or is it better to buy a Pixel 9a?

The short answer is that depends on your situation. If you already have a Pixel 9a, there is absolutely no reason to upgrade. But if you are considering which one to buy right now, here are the arguments that continue to make the 9a a very reasonable option.

In fact, everything that appears in this list are specifications that have not changed in this new generation.

• Price. Both models start at 549 euros, but the 9a can already be found with discounts in some stores. At the same price, the 10th wins. By far, the 9a is a bargain.
• Screen. Both have a 6.3-inch pOLED panel with 422 ppi and 120 Hz refresh rate. The everyday visual experience is practically the same.
• Processor. Here we have to be direct: both mount the same Tensor G4. There is no performance improvement between generations. None.
• RAM and storage. Identical: 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB options. No changes here.
• Cameras. The photographic system is the same in both models: 48 MP main sensor with f/1.7 aperture and 13 MP wide angle. The difference, if there is any, will be in the image processing via software, not in the hardware.
• Battery. Both have 5,100 mAh. The starting autonomy is equivalent.
• Software and updates. Both will receive 7 years of updates and they will run Android in its most recent version. Nobody is left behind.
• Basic connectivity. WiFi 6E, 5G, NFC, GPS and dual SIM are present in both.
• Endurance. Certification is IP68 in both cases.

That said, we must speak clearly about what is happening in the smartphone market. The sector has become tremendously boring. Each generation contributes less, the leaps are smaller and the promise of annual renewal makes less and less sense for the average user. A phone bought today, well chosen, can be considered perfectly current for five, six or even more years. And the Pixel 9a is a perfect example of that.

What is not so justified is Google’s attitude with the Pixel 10a. Keep Tensor G4 without any processor upgrade It is a decision that is difficult to understand, especially when the competition does not stop. And continue offering 128 GB as base option in 2026 It is beginning to be a counterargument that is difficult to ignore. To put in context: the iPhone 17eone of its direct rivals in the high-end access range, will likely arrive with a more modern processor and a base of 256GB storage without moving the price significantly. Google can do more. And it should.