Google Pixel 10a review: Old silicon, new tricks

Google’s "Affordable" series is back, and while the spec sheet might give you a sense of déjà vu, our testing revealed a massive surprise under the hood. Is this the ultimate mid-ranger for 2026, or is the aging hardware a dealbreaker? ▶ Check price https://geni.us/U5Bis7i Note: This is an unbiased, non-sponsored review, but sales commissions may be earned if you make a purchase through the link above. ▶ Read our detailed text review https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_10a-review-2943.php ▶ Check out the full specs https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_10a_5g-14474.php ▶ Check out how the phone sounds https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_10a-review-2943p3.php#lt ▶ Our new Active use score for battery life is explained here: https://www.gsmarena.com/introducing_gsmarena_battery_test_v2-news-60397.php Check out our video review to learn ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about the phone's top features, build and screen quality, battery life, performance, and camera image quality. Google Pixel 10a Search Queries & Key Moments: 00:00 - Google Pixel 10a review 00:21 - Identical looks to the Pixel 9a 00:33 - New flush camera design and lighter weight 00:51 - Plastic back, aluminum frame, IP68 build 01:07 - 6.3-inch OLED with Gorilla Glass 7i 01:18 - Max screen brightness test 01:40 - New Adaptive tone feature 01:48 - High 120Hz refresh rate handling 01:56 - Stereo speakers loudness & quality 02:09 - Optical fingerprint sensor speed 02:15 - Storage options 02:19 - Android 16 & 7-year update policy 02:54 - Google Tensor G4 performance 03:08 - Geekbench 6, Antutu 11 & 3DMark scores 03:29 - 5100 mAh battery life endurance 03:43 - 30W wired charging speed test 03:59 - 10W wireless charging but no PixelSnap 04:06 - Camera specs: 48MP main & 13MP UW 04:20 - 48MP main camera: photo samples 04:46 - 13MP ultrawide camera: photo samples 04:55 - 13MP selfie camera 05:04 - 4K video samples 05:13 - Video stabilization test 05:30 - Verdict: Is Pixel 10a worth it? 05:53 - Two alternatives: iPhone 17e & Pixel 10