The Google Pixel 10a is here with a new look and features — here’s what you need to know

Google Pixel 10a hands-on. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Google has finally unveiled the long-awaited Google Pixel 10a, the latest in Google’s affordable line of smartphones with a host of Gemini-backed features and more.

The Google Pixel 9a remains one of the best cheap phones that you can currently buy for under $500, so the follow-up has some big shoes to fill. Google's last phone offered a bright display, a wealth of AI features and versatile cameras, so the hope is that the new phone builds upon this bedrock.

Improved smooth design

Google has refined the overall design of the a-series with this latest release, improving both the durability and the feel of the phone in your hand. Firstly, the Pixel 10a features a completely flat back, with the camera bar now lying flush alongside the backglass, making it much easier to hold and to slip into your pocket.

Google’s new affordable phone isn’t just smoother, it’s also durable, thanks to the IP68 rating and the improved Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass on the display. This new cover is rated to better protect against scratches and cracks, meaning your phone can take a lot more punishment before you need to take it in for repair.

Google has also improved the amount of recycled material used in the phone’s construction, including recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten for the first time. The phone also features a 100% recycled Aluminium frame and an 81% recycled plastic back cover.

Battery and cameras to die for

Google hasn’t just worked to offer a better look at the Pixel 10a; Google also claims that the phone has the best camera available for phones under $500. Coming with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide, which looks to continue the trend of offering what could be the best camera experience for the piece for another generation of affordable phones. Not only that, but users also have access to Macro Focus and Night Sight to capture crisp images in close-up and low light.

The cameras would be impressive on their own, but the Google Pixel 10a is also the first in the series to offer some of Google’s best photo features. These features include Auto Best Take, making sure everyone in a group photo has their best face on. The Pixel 10a also comes with Camera Coach, which uses Google Gemini to help you take the best images possible with advice for lighting and composition.

One of the other strengths of the Pixel a-series is the battery, and the Pixel 10a doesn’t look like it will disappoint in 2026. Google claims that the phone offers 30 hours of battery life, and up to 120 hours when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on. Of course, a long battery life doesn’t mean much if the charging speeds mean you spend hours waiting for the phone to reach 100%. The Google Pixel 10a offers 30W wired charging when using a Google 45W USB-C charger.

Google Gemini taken to the max

One of the biggest strengths of the Google Pixel series is how they make use of Google Gemini, and with the Pixel 10a, it isn’t only the cameras that are seeing a benefit.

The Google Pixel 10a comes with full support for Gemini Live, allowing for natural, back-and-forth conversations. On top of Gemini Live, you also have access to other Gemini features like Circle to Search and Magic Compose. Google has also added Nano Banana to help you reimagine your photos, blend images together, or even apply different creative styles. All of this is powered by the AI-focused Tensor G4 chip, offering the best experience for the price.

Users also have access to features like Call Screen and Hold For Me, helping you to save time and avoid scammers. Outside of AI, the Google Pixel 10a is also the first model in the series to offer Satellite SOS. This means you can connect to emergency services wherever you are, even if you don’t have access to WiFi or networks.

The Pixel 10a will be available for $499 stating from March 5 at the Google Store and other major carriers. If you want to know more about what the phone is like, then make sure you check out our hands-on for the full breakdown of all the changes Google has added to the device and what it’s like to use.

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Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer.

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