Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: which budget phone could win?

A leak-based render of the Google Pixel 10a in a split image with a photo of the iPhone 16e

(Image credit: @Onleaks x @Androidheadline/ Tom’s Guide)

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Specs
Price and availability
Design and display
Cameras
Performance
Battery and charging
Software and AI
Outlook

This could be the year many of us decide a budget phone is a better pick for our new handset than the latest premium model, so a comparison of the upcoming Google Pixel 10a and the iPhone 16e is more pertinent than usual.

The Pixel 10a, expected to launch in just a few weeks' time, is the latest in a long line of budget Google phones, and one we expect to match up to previous models in terms of value for money. The iPhone 16e meanwhile was a brand new attempt at making a more affordable iPhone, and while it's got less impressive hardware and a higher price tag, it still excels in its class in a few places.

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Specs

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Row 0 - Cell 0	Google Pixel 10a (rumored)	iPhone 16e
Starting price	$499	$599
Display	6.28-inch AMOLED	6.1-inch OLED
Refresh rate	120Hz	60Hz
Rear cameras	48MP main, 13MP ultrawide	48MP main
Front cameras	13MP selfie	12MP selfie
Chipset	Google Tensor G5	Apple A18
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery	5,100 mAh	4,005 mAh
Charging	23W wired, 7.5W wireless	20W wired, 7.5W wireless
Operating system	Android 16	iOS 18 (upgradeable to iOS 26)
Water/dust resistance	IP68	IP68

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Price and availability

Preorders for the Pixel 10a will begin on February 18, a month earlier than when the Pixel 9a launched last year. That's not too long to wait, although the iPhone 16e has been on sale since February 2025.

The price gap between the Google Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e is expected to remain the same, as the Pixel 10a should cost the same as its predecessor (via Dealabs) - $500. The iPhone 16e starts at $599, a whole 100 bucks more. That would immediately put the iPhone on the back foot compared to the Pixel in terms of value, which is not ideal for what are meant to be the companies' most affordable models.

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Design and display

The Pixel 10a and the iPhone 16e are not phones you'd mistake for one another. From the front, the distinctive notch on the iPhone is easy to tell apart from the small punch-hole camera we assume to be in the Pixel 10a's display. And from the back, the Pixel's pill-shaped camera housing looks nothing like the single, protruding sensor on the iPhone's rear panel.

Pixel 10a CAD renders — (Image credit: Android Headlines & OnLeaks)

In your hand though, there's not much separating these two phones. The Pixel 10a should be 0.1 inches larger, and a few dozen grams heavier than the iPhone 16e, but that's likely not something you're going to feel day-to-day.

There's more of a difference with the displays, as Google uses a 120Hz panel on its cheaper Pixels, while Apple has stuck with 60Hz. It's easy to notice if you were to scroll around on both phones.

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Cameras

Google is expected to be more generous with its cameras once again compared to Apple. The Pixel 10a, just like the Pixel 9a, should feature 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide cameras on the back, and a 13MP selfie camera on the front. The iPhone 16e has 48MP main and 12MP selfie cameras, but no ultrawide.

iPhone 16e review. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Apple and Google both have sophisticated algorithms to tune up the images taken on its phones, meaning the iPhone 16e and Pixel 9a both still produce great photos. We expect the Pixel 10a to be no different, and that should mean for overall versatility, it'll be better than the iPhone.

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Performance

Google fans, look away now. The Pixel 10a has been tipped to use the Tensor G4, the same chip as the Pixel 9a. While the iPhone 16e is also using older silicon, its chip, the Apple A18, is still an incredibly powerful one. While we shouldn't make assumptions before testing, there's not really any chance that Google will be able to beat the iPhone on benchmarks, or in real-life uses like gaming.

Google Pixel 9a held in the hand. — Gaming on a Pixel 9a (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

In terms of storage, we expect Google to offer a 128GB default capacity for the Pixel 10a, while also offering a larger 256GB model. Apple has a wider choice available for the iPhone 16e, which starts with 128GB but can be specced with 256GB or 512GB if you want as much local storage space as possible.

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Battery and charging

With a tipped capacity of 5,100 mAh, the Pixel 10a's battery is significantly larger than the iPhone 16e's, which has a 4,005 mAh capacity. But Pixels are generally weaker on power efficiency than other devices, whereas iPhones tend to punch above their weight when it comes to battery life, so the results could be closer than expected.

Looking at the iPhone 16e's performance on the TG battery test (12 hours 41 minutes) against the current Pixel 9a (13 hours 8 minutes), we see that the Pixel wins, but only by 27 minutes. Whether the Pixel 10a will be able to keep that lead, or even improve it, remains to be seen.

Assuming the Pixel 10a keeps the older model's charging capabilities, it will have 23W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging. The iPhone 16e charges at a slightly slower 20W, but has the same 7.5W wireless capabilities. Sadly, there's no MagSafe support for the 16e, unlike any other new iPhone you can buy.

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Software and AI

We expect the Pixel 10a to launch with Android 16, the latest version of Google's OS. That should mean it can run all of the features offered by the other Pixel 10 series phones, excepting the folding-related ones of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. However, whether Google decides to hold some features back for its more premium phones remains to be seen. We could equally be lucky and see some new features appear on the Pixel 10a first before rolling out to other Pixels.

The iPhone 16e now ships with iOS 26. While the Liquid Glass design is controversial to say the least, it is still the latest version of iOS with all of its features available. The only small limitation compared to other new iPhones is that the iPhone 16e, since it lacks a Camera Control key, can only access Apple's Visual Intelligence tools by assigning it as an Action Button shortcut.

Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Outlook

As things stand, it appears that the Google Pixel 10a should still be the better deal compared to the iPhone 16e. But whether it's better to use in the real world beyond the specs sheet is a different question, as it has many of the same specs as the Pixel 9a.

The iPhone 16e will remain the cheapest new iPhone you can buy, which is likely enough to convince a number of users to spend their money. It will also most likely be the better performing phone too, which is perhaps good for gamers and other users of demanding apps, provided the 60Hz refresh rate isn't an issue for them.

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Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

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