20 February 2026

Google Pixel 10A Impressions: (Never) Seen This Before

In the latest video from Marques Brownlee, he provides an in-depth look at the Google Pixel 10A, a smartphone that, at first glance, seems to be a rehash of its predecessor, the Pixel 9A. If you're curious about the new features and whether it's worth your time to watch the entire video, we've summarized the key points for you.

Overview of the Pixel 10A

Marques kicks off the video by comparing the Pixel 10A to the Pixel 9A, noting that the two devices are nearly identical in design and specifications. The dimensions, shape, and materials remain unchanged, with both phones featuring an aluminum frame and a plastic back. The Pixel 10A retains the same 6.3-inch display, dual cameras, and battery capacity of 5100 mAh, which is a significant plus in this price range.

Design and Display

The design of the Pixel 10A is described as "super safe" and "generic," with no noticeable differences from the Pixel 9A. The only visual changes are the new color options: fog, obsidian, berry, and lavender. The display is slightly brighter, boasting a peak brightness of up to 30,000 nits, and is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i instead of the previous version.

Performance and Specifications

Under the hood, the Pixel 10A is powered by the same Tensor G4 chip as its predecessor, along with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The price remains the same at $499, which raises questions about the necessity of releasing a new model when the hardware is virtually unchanged.

Key Differences

Marques highlights a few minor upgrades in the Pixel 10A:

• Brighter Display: The display is about 10% brighter than the Pixel 9A.
• Faster Charging: The charging rate has increased from 23 watts to 30 watts.
• Wireless Charging: The wireless charging capability has improved from 7.5 watts to 10 watts.
• Recycled Content: The new model contains more recycled materials.
• Satellite SOS Support: In some regions, the Pixel 10A now supports satellite SOS for emergency services.

Software Features

Despite the hardware similarities, the Pixel 10A comes equipped with Google's software features that make the Pixel line stand out. These include:

• Auto Best Take: Merges multiple frames to create the perfect group photo.
• Camera Coach: Provides tips for taking better photos.
• Call Screening and Hold for Me: Features that enhance the user experience.
• Quick Share: Allows seamless file sharing between Pixel and Apple devices.

Key Takeaways

1. Minimal Upgrades: The Pixel 10A is very similar to the Pixel 9A, with only minor improvements in brightness, charging speed, and materials.
2. Same Price Point: The price remains at $499, which may not justify the release of a new model.
3. Software Features: The phone retains all the software features that make the Pixel line appealing, including long-term software updates.
4. Questionable Necessity: The video raises the question of whether a new phone is needed when the hardware remains largely unchanged.

In conclusion, while the Google Pixel 10A offers some incremental improvements, it feels more like a refresh than a true upgrade. If you're considering an upgrade from the Pixel 9A, you might want to weigh the benefits of the new features against the similarities. For those who are new to the Pixel line, the 10A still presents a solid option in the smartphone market.