Google Pixel 10 is now back to an all-time low of $549 — so don't even bother with the newer Pixel 10a

The Google Pixel 10a may have been one of the laziest upgrades Google has ever produced, but it's still an incredibly good value phone when you remember the $499 price tag. But seeing the Google Pixel 10 drop back to its lowest ever price is enough to make you forget about your cheap phone.

The Google Pixel 10 is now just $549 over at Amazon, which gets you the entry-level model with 128GB of RAM. While not quite as cheap as the Pixel 10a, that extra $50 goes a very long way — and nets you some impressive hardware in the process. At this price point, that easily makes it the better deal for prospective Pixel buyers.

Google Pixel 10: was $799 now $549 at Amazon

The Pixel 10a may be one of the best cheap phones around, but even it can't compare with what flagship phones have to offer. Normally, the Pixel 10 would be too expensive to really consider a value phone, but with prices dropping to $549 it's definitely the better choice.

Price check: $549 @ Best Buy | $629 @ Walmart

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So what exactly does the Pixel 10 have that the Pixel 10a doesn't? The extra camera lens is an obvious upgrade, since Google added a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 10 also offers a brighter display, with our testing recording a peak brightness of 2,333 nits compared to the Pixel 10a's 1,896.

This means better screen performance in a variety of lighting conditions, especially when it's particularly bright. The Pixel 10's Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display should also offer better protection against scratches and other damage.

There's also the Tensor G5 chipset, which is significantly more advanced than the G4 powering the Pixel 10a. This means better performance, and some extra AI features that the 10a is too weak to handle. The addition of Magic Cue, which offers contextual information and suggestions during regular phone use, is one of the biggest things missing from the 10a.

Battery life isn't as good, with the Pixel 10a offering 15 hours and 16 minutes in our testing, compared to the Pixel 10's 13 hours and 13 minutes. But you do get the added benefits of Qi2 wireless charging, and support for magnetic Pixelsnap and MagSafe accessories.

Plus, you get all the benefits of owning a Pixel phone, including first access to Android updates, exclusive features via Google's Pixel Drops, and seven years of software support — which is among the best you can get on any phone.

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