Google Pixel 10a Review: Fine-tuned with new AI features

Google earlier this month rolled out the Pixel 10a series in India. Though, it comes with modest upgrade over the predecessor, it promises better user experience. Does it deliver? let's check it out.

Design, build quality and display

The new Pixel A model retains the predecessor's design elements, but it is more refined.

Only if you look up closer, you'll notice a flat back panel, where the camera module sits flush without any protrusion. This is a well-thought-out design change, which ensures the device sits firmly on the table and won't wobble on a smooth surface.

Google Pixel 10a.

The textured matte back and a smooth satin metal frame allow the fingers to hold the device firmly, and there is less chance of dropping it. And also, it does a fine job with repelling sweaty smudges on the back, at least on this particular model-- obsidian.

The company offers the device in three options-- berry, fog, and lavender, which, by the way, are visually pleasing to the eyes.

As far as durability is concerned, it boasts of an improved Corning Gorilla Glass 7i shield on the display, and the device comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand water pressure up to 1.5 metres (around five feet) for close to 30 minutes.

Google Pixel 10a.

The device comes with a Type-C port between stereo speakers at the base, dual SIM (one physical nano SIM + eSIM) on the left side, a lone microphone on the top and an optical fingerprint sensor. The latter, by the way, is very quick in identifying the finger impressions and unlocking the home screen in a jiffy.

Google Pixel 10a.

On the front, it sports a gorgeous 6.3-inch full HD (2424 x 1080p) POLED Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate and supports 3,000 nits peak brightness, the highest for a Pixel A series phone.

The compact Pixel 10a is surprisingly good to consume multimedia content indoors and watch short videos on Instagram and Shorts on YouTube. Also, the texts on screen look legible and readable even from waist height outdoors.

Eco-friendly Pixel 10a

Google says the new Pixel 10a is the most eco-friendly Pixel A series to date.

Google Pixel 10a.

For the first time, it comes with recycled cobalt (in battery), copper, gold and tungsten in the motherboard. It has 100 per cent recycled aluminium, and the packaging is 100 per cent plastic-free.

Performance

Inside, the device comes with 8GB RAM, 256GB (UFS 3.1) storage, and is powered by a 4nm class Tensor G4, the same as the predecessor.

That said, it performs smoothly in terms of regular day-to-day tasks. Also, it is fully optimised to run some of the most advanced generative Artificial Intelligence apps, such as Gemini AI, Gemini Live, Notebook LLM and also play with Google's advanced photography tools.

Though Pixel 10a supports most of the popular gaming titles available on the Google Play Store, it is not made for extreme gaming.

Google Pixel 10a.

The best thing about the Pixel 10a is the pure Android experience. It features the Material 3 Expressive user interface and comes packed with all-new wallpaper effects, refined application UI, a modernised notification shade and more.

Also, it is guaranteed to get seven years of Android OS and security updates up to 2032.

It comes with a 5,100 mAh battery. It promises to deliver over 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. In practical terms, it does deliver a full day of battery life with mixed use of Wi-Fi at home and 5G cellular-based internet connectivity outdoors.

If you are reliant on cellular internet all day, you may need a power bank around late evening.

It supports 30W wired charging and 10W wireless charging.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Photography

It boasts of a dual-camera module-- a main 48 MP camera and a 13 MP ultra-wide camera with LED flash on the back.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Though the device features the same hardware as the predecessor, for the first time, it supports advanced photography tools -Add Me, Camera Coach, which were exclusive only to top-tier Pixel phones costing around Rs 80,000.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Additionally, with the Gemini AI app, users can do photo editing. Add things or remove objects with ease. Even with the native Google Photos app, they can play around with AI features to turn any sombre-looking images into fun art-like photos to have engaging conversations with friends and family on social media platforms and messenger apps.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

With the Pixel 10a, you are assured of sharp, detailed photos in almost all light conditions.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

At night, it takes brilliant photos with less noise.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Also, it can take ultra-wide photos with nice, clear details.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Even in close-up range, Pixel 10a again excels in capturing minute details very neatly.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Portrait mode, it does a fantastic job with sharp focus on the subject and deliver artistic bokeh effect in the background.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

It takes decent quality videos in 4K and full HD 1080p. They are stable even with shaky hands.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

On the front, it houses a 13MP camera for selfies and video calling. It takes amazing selfies in almost any lighting conditions.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

Final thoughts

Though it retains most of the predecessor's features, such as design language and processor, the Pixel 10a is a good option to enter Google's pure Android ecosystem and experience the magical gen AI camera features, for much less than premium Pixel 10 models.

However, like all the Pixel phones, it is not made for extreme gaming. That said, you will enjoy the Pixel 10a best with the clean Android UI and advanced photography tools such as Add Me, which was exclusive only to premium models until now.

Google Pixel 10a's camera sample.

And, the Google Pixel Upgrade Program is a very compelling reason to get the Pixel 10a, for those who have been having a split mind on when to make the jump to the Pixel ecosystem.

This programme facilitates Google Pixel phone ownership via a zero down payment and zero interest, and a low monthly instalment plan starting at Rs 2,083 per month.

And, the icing on the cake is the option to upgrade to the newest Pixel phone after just nine EMI payments, regardless of the old phone's condition.

Pixel 10a is available in one configuration-- 8GB RAM + 256GB -- for Rs 49,999, on Flipkart, Google Store and also in leading retail outlets including Croma across India.

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