Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy A37 vs Galaxy A57: Expected differences

Three phones, and none of them could afford to be bold.

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By , with contribution from
Orhan Chakarov
Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy A37 comparison image showing front and back design of both phones side by side.

We’re slowly heading into 2026, and the next wave of smartphones is just around the corner. According to the latest rumors, Google’s budget Pixel 10a could launch as early as February, while Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 are expected to follow around the same time, likely in February or March.

All three phones will most likely target the same potential buyers—those who don’t want to pay flagship prices but still expect a smooth, enjoyable day-to-day experience.

Pricing is less predictable this year, though. Market conditions could push both Google and Samsung toward slight increases. Even so, the Pixel 10a and Galaxy A57 are expected to land at similar prices, with the Galaxy A37 likely coming in about $100 cheaper.

Below, we break down their expected similarities and differences, discuss the potential strengths and weaknesses of each model, and help you decide which one is worth your money.


Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy A57/37 expected differences:

*rumored/expected

Table of Contents:

Design and Size

Familiar mid-range designs with different priorities

All three phones are expected to follow their brands’ established mid-range design language from previous years.

*rumored/expected

The Pixel 10a is expected to be identical to the Pixel 9a, so the flat front and back that many users like will be making a comeback. That also means that the rear panel will still be plastic, while the frame will stay aluminum. Judging by the predecessors, the 10a should also be the lightest, albeit the thickest.

The Galaxy A57 should feel the most premium out of this bunch, with leaks pointing to the same Samsung aluminum-and-glass combination. It will likely be thinner too, but longer and wider than the Pixel 10a. The Galaxy A37 should be almost the same as the A57 in terms of dimensions.

One major advantage of Samsung’s mid-range phones is the use of Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on both the front and back. That’s a rare feature at this price and gives these devices a clear advantage when it comes to durability.

Victus Plus offers far better drop protection and improved scratch resistance. It’s designed to handle impacts on hard surfaces and everyday wear more effectively, unlike Gorilla Glass 3, which focused mainly on reducing visible scratches.

Display Differences


Samsung is well-known for its impressive displays, even at this price range. The A57 and A37 both are expected to feature large 6.7" OLED displays, with smooth animations thanks to their 120 Hz refresh rate. They should also be comfortably visible under direct sunlight.

Google, however, has started using even better displays on its mid-range phones throughout the last years. Not only are they extremely color-accurate, but they also have flagship-level brightness, reaching around 2,561 nits in our tests.

*rumored/expected

The only notable change expected this year is thinner bezels on the Galaxy A57. That would be the result of Samsung sourcing OLED panels from CSOT instead of relying solely on Samsung Display.

This switch would also help Samsung keep production costs under control, reducing the need to raise the Galaxy A57’s price despite increasing component costs.

Performance and Software

Three very different chips

When it comes to performance, there will likely be a major difference between all three models.

The Pixel 10a will almost certainly use a Tensor chip, though it’s still unclear whether Google will go with a boosted Tensor G4 or the newer G5 from the flagship Pixel 10 series.

Historically, Tensor chips outperform Samsung’s mid-range Exynos silicon in CPU benchmarks, but they tend to fall behind when it comes to GPU performance, meaning the A57 might be better for gaming and image editing apps. Tensor chips are specialized in other things, such as AI features and image processing.

The Galaxy A57 is expected to run the Exynos 1680, Samsung’s next-generation mid-range chip. Early information suggests it will come with better GPU performance and higher energy efficiency than its predecessor.

The Galaxy A37 will likely use the Exynos 1480, the same chip found in the Galaxy A55 back in 2024. Compared to newer options, it sits well behind in both CPU and GPU performance. It should still handle everyday tasks without major issues, but UI navigation may feel less smooth. Also, heavier apps and multitasking could introduce more lag or longer load times.

*rumored/expected

The Pixel 10a is expected to ship with Android 1, alongside Google’s long software support promise. Users should receive seven years of Android updates, security patches, and Pixel Feature Drops.

Those Feature Drops are a key advantage when it comes to Pixel phones. They regularly add new features, including an increasing arsenal of AI tools, as well as refinements outside of the standard Android updates. This helps keep older Pixels feeling fresh longer than competing midrange phones.

The Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 should also launch with Android 16, paired with Samsung’s One UI 8.5. Samsung has stepped up its update commitments, and both phones are expected to receive up to six years of Android updates and security patches.

One UI updates are usually more aimed at customization options and improving Samsung's ecosystem features, while Google's approach with Pixel software is more focused on Google services and AI-driven tools.

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Camera

The Pixel 10a will likely live up to its name

While Samsung continues to include a largely gimmicky macro camera alongside the main and ultrawide, Google sticks to a simpler dual-camera setup on the Pixel “a” series. Specs-wise, Samsung often uses slightly better sensors, especially on the A5x models.

Despite that, Pixel “a” phones consistently deliver better photo and video quality in our tests. Images are clearer, low-light performance is stronger, and video stabilization is smoother thanks to OIS, whereas Galaxy mid-rangers still rely on EIS only.

*rumored/expected

One area where the Galaxy A57 might excell is the selfie camera, which is rumored to be upgraded with a 50 MP sensor compared to the 12 MP of its predecessor. That might translate to more detailed selfies vs the Pixel 10a and the A37.

Battery Life and Charging

Longer battery life vs faster charging

The Pixel 10a is expected to keep the large 5,100 mAh battery from its predecessor. If its battery life matches that of the Pixel 9a, it should outlast the Galaxy A57 and A37 by one to two hours.

Charging, however, will likely remain slower on the Pixel 10a, which is expected to top out at around 23 W, compared to the 45 W on both Galaxy mid-rangers.

Unlike the A57 and A37, the Pixel 10a should support wireless charging, likely at up to 7.5 W. There’s also hope that Google will add PixelSnap support, enabling compatibility with magnetic accessories.

*rumored/expected

Specs Comparison


Google Pixel 10a Samsung Galaxy A57 5G Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
Design
Display
Size
6.3-inch 6.7-inch 6.7-inch
Type
P-OLED, 120Hz Super AMOLED, 120Hz Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Hardware
System chip
Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
Memory
8GB (LPDDR5X)/128GB (UFS 3.1)
8GB/256GB
8GB (LPDDR4)/128GB (UFS 3.1)
8GB/256GB
12GB/256GB
128GB (UFS 2.2)
8GB/128GB
8GB/256GB
12GB/256GB
Battery
Type
5100 mAh 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
Charge speed
Wired: 23.0W
Wireless: 7.5W
Wired: 45.0W Wired: 45.0W
Camera
Main camera
48 MP (OIS, PDAF)
Aperture size: F1.7
Focal length: 25 mm
Sensor size: 1/2"
Pixel size: 0.8 μm
50 MP (OIS, PDAF)
Aperture size: F1.8
Sensor size: 1/1.56"
Pixel size: 1.0 μm
50 MP (OIS, PDAF)
Aperture size: F1.8
Sensor size: 1/1.96"
Second camera
13 MP (Ultra-wide)
Aperture size: F2.2
Sensor size: 1/3.1"
Pixel size: 1.12 μm
12 MP (Ultra-wide)
Aperture size: F2.2
Sensor size: 1/3.06"
Pixel size: 1.12 μm
8 MP (Ultra-wide)
Aperture size: F2.2
Sensor size: 1/4"
Pixel size: 1.12 μm
Third camera
5 MP (Macro)
Aperture size: F2.4
5 MP (Macro)
Aperture size: F2.4
Front
13 MP 12 MP 12 MP

Summary


Neither Google nor Samsung appears to be planning major changes for their mid-range phones this year. So far, the Pixel 10a has no rumored upgrades beyond new color options, while Samsung’s Galaxy A57 and A37 are mainly expected to introduce new chipsets.

If the changes really are this minor, it’s reasonable to expect a similar dynamic to last year. The Pixel 10a should stand out with stronger camera performance, a focus on AI features, and excellent battery life.

The Galaxy A57 is likely to differentiate itself with more premium materials, faster charging, and a larger display. The Galaxy A37, meanwhile, should be a scaled-down version of the A57, with weaker performance, slightly lower battery life, and similar camera and display quality.

In short, the Pixel 10a should be the best choice if camera quality is your top priority at around $500. The Galaxy A57 makes more sense if you want a more premium feel, while the Galaxy A37 is the option to pick if you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing a decent overall experience.
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