Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Main differences to expect
New year, new Pixel device!
However, this is where we'd have to tamper down on that enthusiasm, as the most recent leaks and rumors claim the Pixel 10a that's coming in mid-February will essentially be a Pixel 9a in new color options only.
Yep, no specs improvements, no price changes (that we know of), no new features, just the most minor of intergenerational updates we've seen in ages.
Let's see what bleak picture the rumor mill paints about the Pixel 10a.
Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a expected differences:
| Pixel 10a | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
| Obsidian, Berry, Fog, and Lavender colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony colors |
| Same flat design language | Flat and modern design language |
| Same 6.3-inch 120Hz display, likely with the same brightness | 6.3-inch 120Hz display with 2,700 nits peak brightness |
| Same Tensor G4 chipset | Tensor G4 (4nm) chip on deck |
| 8 GB of RAM, 128/256 GB versions | Also comes with 8 GB of memory and 128/256 GB versions |
| 48 MP main, 13 MP ultrawide camera, 13 MP front camera | 48 MP main, 13 MP ultrawide, 13 MP front camera |
| 5,100 mAh battery with 23 W wired charging | 5,100 mAh with 23 W wired charging |
Table of Contents:
Design and Size
A new coat of paint is all you get
The Pixel 10a will seemingly be identical to the Pixel 9a in pretty much all ways. From the general design language, which follows the flat style that is now universal on all Pixel phones, down to the exact dimensions, these two Pixels will be identical.
So, largely expect the Pixel 10a to measure 154.7 x 73.2 x 8.9 mm (like the Pixel 9a) and weigh 186 gr. The build materials will remain the same as well: aluminum for the frame and plastic in the back.
Durability-wise, the Pixel 10a will employ the same IP68 water- and dust-resistance as the Pixel 9a.
| Pixel 10a | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
| Thickness 8.9 mm | Thickness 8.9 mm |
| Dimensions 154.7 x 73.2 mm | Dimensions 154.7 x 73.25 |
| Weight 186 gr | Weight 186 gr |
It seems that the only new feature and reason for the existence of the Pixel 10a will be the new colorways that Google is offering. The device will arrive in Obsidian, Berry, Fog, and Lavender colors, whereas the Pixel 9a was offered in Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony.
Display Differences
As mentioned, no changes in the display department. This means the same 6.3-inch OLED screen with up to 120 Hz of refresh rate, with Gorilla Glass 3 covering the front panel. The same unsightly bezels are sadly making a comeback.
Not a bad display in any case, and actually pretty decent in today's landscape.
| Pixel 10a | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
| Size 6.3" | Size 6.3" |
| Brightness 2,700 nits (peak) | Brightness 2,700 nits (peak) |
Biometrics-wise, both the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a will share the same optical fingerprint sensor, but will also come with face unlock that's a tad more secure than the standard picture-based one and is actually safe enough to be used for proper biometric authentication. This means you can use it for banking apps and payments, à la Face ID.
Performance and Software
Tensor G4 is a decent mid-range chip
Both the Pixel 10a and the Pixel 9a come with the same 4nm Tensor G4 chip, which isn't a performance monster like most other chips but aims to deliver an experience tailored towards on-device AI.
However, while Tensor definitely lacks in terms of raw performance, it's pretty capable in everyday usage, as devices powered by the Tensor G4 feel snappy and okay in real-life performance.
| Pixel 10a | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
| Chip Google Tensor G4 | Chip Google Tensor G4 |
| Process 4nm | Process 4nm |
| RAM, Storage 8/128 GB 8/256 GB | RAM, Storage 8/128 GB 8/256 GB |
Memory-wise, both phones come with 8 GB of RAM, which is okay for a mid-range device, and given the RAM shortage caused by those pesky AI image generators, 8 GB could soon become
Camera
Dual camera
The Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a will share the same dual-camera setup, with a 48 MP main camera and a 13 MP ultrawide, while at the front we'd have a 13 MP front camera.
Not a terribly versatile setup, but okay-ish for the price segment that Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a occupy. Lately, we've been seeing even pricier devices with dual-camera setups, indicating a move away from the triple-camera standard.
| Pixel 10a | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
| Main 48 MP, f/1.7 | Main 48 MP, f/1.7 |
| Ultrawide 13 MP, f/2.2 | Ultrawide 13 MP, f/2.2 |
Battery Life and Charging
A decent battery
The Google Pixel 10a is coming with the same 5,100 mAh battery as the Pixel 9a. Given that the two devices will share the same display and processor, it's pretty logical to expect the same battery life out of both.
| Pixel 10a | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
| Battery size 5,100 mAh | Battery size 5,100 mAh |
Charging speeds 23 W wired 7.5 W wireless charging | Charging speeds 23 W wired 7.5 W wireless charging |
Charging will be the same: 23 W wired and 7.5 W wireless on both the Pixel 10a and the Pixel 9a.
Specs Comparison
|
|
| Google Pixel 10a | Google Pixel 9a |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| 154.7 x 73.2 x 8.9mm (~9.4 mm with camera bump) | |
| Weight | |
| 186.0 g | |
| Size | |
|---|---|
| 6.3-inch | 6.3-inch |
| Type | |
| P-OLED, 120Hz | P-OLED, 120Hz |
| System chip | |
|---|---|
| Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) |
| Memory | |
| 8GB (LPDDR5X)/128GB (UFS 3.1) 8GB/256GB | 8GB (LPDDR5X)/128GB (UFS 3.1) 8GB/256GB |
| Type | |
|---|---|
| 5100 mAh | 5100 mAh |
| Charge speed | |
| Wired: 23.0W Wireless: 7.5W | Wired: 23.0W Wireless: 7.5W |
| Main camera | |
|---|---|
| 48 MP (OIS, PDAF) Aperture size: F1.7 Focal length: 25 mm Sensor size: 1/2" Pixel size: 0.8 μm | 48 MP (OIS, PDAF) Aperture size: F1.7 Focal length: 25 mm Sensor size: 1/2" Pixel size: 0.8 μm |
| Second camera | |
| 13 MP (Ultra-wide) Aperture size: F2.2 Sensor size: 1/3.1" Pixel size: 1.12 μm | 13 MP (Ultra-wide) Aperture size: F2.2 Sensor size: 1/3.1" Pixel size: 1.12 μm |
| Front | |
| 13 MP | 13 MP |
See the full
Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a specs comparison
or compare them to other phones using our
Phone Comparison tool
Summary
What is Google thinking? Re-releasing the Pixel 9a but in new colors? Surely, just shadow-dropping more Pixel 9a color options would have been sufficient rather than announcing a new Pixel 10a.
Of course, there's a chance the rumors are wrong and Google actually has a killer Pixel 10a prepared for us. However, knowing how well the rumor mill usually nails Google's device launches to the T, it's unlikely we are being misled here.
Overall, the Pixel 10a might be one of the worst intergenerational releases by Google so far.
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