The Google Pixel 10a gives Apple’s ‘budget’ iPhone a run for its money,
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From basic ‘dumbphones’ to futuristic folding devices, knowing where to start when it comes to buying a new phone can be daunting.
However, if you want an all singing, all dancing device but don’t want to splash the cash, Google’s latest offering could be the perfect option for you.
The tech giant has unveiled a new budget smartphone called the Google Pixel 10a, that’s a fraction of the cost of Google’s more high–end handsets.
Priced at just £499, the Pixel 10a is £300 cheaper than the Pixel 10, but has many of the same features.
I tried the Google Pixel 10a and was pleasantly surprised at the array of high–tech features packed into such a well–priced smartphone.
Our verdict
The Google Pixel 10a is an excellent smartphone for people who don’t want to splash the cash.
At £499, it’s £100 cheaper than Apple’s new iPhone 17e, and £300 cheaper than Google’s more premium offering, the Pixel 10.
With a dual camera system and several AI photo tools, the phone is perfect for everyday use – although it lacks some of the editing tools seen in more expensive options.
The huge 5100 mAh battery offers more than 30 hours of battery life, which is perfect if, like me, you hate having to lug a charger around with you.
With a range of stunning colour options, this could be the perfect phone for youngsters who want a new device, without a huge bill to go with it.
How we test
We test all smartphones in the same way, putting them through a series of tests designed to assess their performance, ease of use, design and value for money.
All of the products we review get the same treatment, so you’re able to make an informed purchase on your next big purchase.
Google Pixel 10a review
Performance
The Pixel 10a has an impressive range of features, given it’s a ‘budget’ smartphone.
Of course, one of the key things most people will be interested in is the camera.
Budding photographers will be pleased to learn that the Pixel 10a’s snapper is more than enough to fulfil your Instagram needs.
The phone has a dual camera system, made up of a 48MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide lens.
For close up photos, you can zoom in 8x while maintaining impressive clarity, while the ultrawide lens lets you fit everyone into group pictures.
Admittedly, this is less impressive than the Pixel 10, which offers 20x zoom, although 8x zoom should be sufficient for most everyday photographers.
As well as a decent camera, the phone also has several of Google’s famous photo–editing tools.
The ‘Add Me’ tool – first introduced in the Pixel 9 series – lets you add yourself to photos using AI, while ‘Auto Best Take’ lets you blend similar photos into one image where everyone looks their best.
However, other tools seen in the Pixel 10 are missing – including Auto Unblur, Cinematic Blur, and Zoom Enhance.
So, for everyday use, the Pixel 10a’s camera is brilliant, but if you’re planning to do advanced editing, you might prefer a more premium model.
Beyond the camera, arguably the next most important feature is the battery.
The Pixel 10a has an impressive 5,100 mAh battery, which is actually even bigger than the Pixel 10, which has a 4,970 mAh battery.
While the amount of life this will give you depends on your usage, Google claims you can expect 30+ hours.
I fully charged the Pixel 10a before testing the device over several days and didn’t need to charge it once! Ideal if, like me, you hate having to keep a charger with you at all times.
In terms of storage, you can choose between two options – 128GB or 256GB.
As I said about the camera, this is more than enough for most people’s photos and videos, although if you’re someone who likes to store large files locally, you might want to splash out on a higher storage alternative.
Design
The Google Pixel 10a is one of the best–looking budget smartphones I’ve seen.
I opted for the Lavender option, which is the perfect shade of Instagram–worthy purple.
However, if that isn’t for you, the other three options – Berry, Fog, and Obsidian – are equally eye–catching.
The phone also feels lovely in your hand, thanks to the satin–finish aluminium frame and recycled plastic back cover.
Measuring 6.1 in x 2.9 in x 0.4 in and weighing just 183g, it’s a great size – small enough to be operated with one hand and slipped into a pocket.
Another design feature that really stands out (or importantly, doesn’t!) is the entirely flat back.
The camera bar on most modern smartphones pops out, causing the phone to wobble when you place it down on a surface.
In contrast, the Pixel 10a features a completely flat back, with the camera bar blending seamlessly with the back of the phone.
While this might sound minor, it’s a lovely touch that I haven’t seen on more premium rivals.
Value for money
The Pixel 10a is arguably the best value for money smartphone on the market at the moment.
At £499, it’s £100 cheaper that Apple’s new iPhone 17e, and £300 cheaper than Google’s more premium offering, the Pixel 10.
Why trust us
Shivali Best is the Science & Technology Editor at the Daily Mail and has been testing products and writing reviews for nine years.
She completed a Master’s degree in Science Journalism at City University London in 2014 and previously worked at The Mirror as Deputy Science & Technology Editor.
FAQs
What are the storage options?
The Pixel 10a comes in two storage options – 128GB and 256GB.
Does it come with a charger?
The Pixel 10a comes with a charing cable, although Google’s 45W USB–C power adaptor is sold separately.
How long does it take to charge?
Fast charging offers up to 50 per cent in about 30 minutes.
Does it have AI?
The Pixel 10a uses Google’s AI bot, Gemini.
This handy assistant can do everything from connecting to Google Maps to find restaurants nearby to summarising your emails for you.
