Google just announced its new mid-range handset, the Pixel 10a. That phone is actually quite similar to the Pixel 9a, many would say too similar. Quite a few of you will also be wondering whether to get it if you have the Pixel 9a, or instead. Well, that’s why we’re doing a Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a comparison today. These two devices not only look extremely similar, but they also have similar internals.
As per usual, we’ll first compare their specifications, and then move to compare them across various other sections. We’ll be comparing their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio. There is plenty to talk about despite the similarities, so… let’s get to it, shall we?
Specs
Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 9a
| Google Pixel 10a | Google Pixel 9a | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 153.9 x 73 x 9mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 183 grams | 185.9 grams |
| Display | 6.3-inch pOLED | 6.3-inch pOLED |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Resolution | 2424 x 1080 | 2424 x 1080 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB/256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Main camera | 48MP (wide, f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0-inch sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS) | 48MP (wide, f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0-inch sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS) |
| Ultra-wide camera | 13MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FoV, 1/3.1-inch sensor size) | 13MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FoV, 1/3.1-inch sensor size) |
| Telephoto camera | N/A | N/A |
| Periscope telephoto camera | N/A | N/A |
| Selfie camera | 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 96.1-inch sensor size) | 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 96.1-inch sensor size) |
| Battery size | 5,100mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired, 10W wireless (charger not included) | 23W wired, 7.5W wireless (charger not included) |
| Colors | Obsidian, Fog, Lavender, Berry | Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris and Peony |
Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a: Design
If you check out the two phones side-by-side, it’s really difficult to differentiate them. The only way you’ll be able to do that is by the color and the rear camera module. Even though those camera modules look very similar, but the one on the Pixel 10a is taller and narrower compared to the one on the Pixel 9a. Both are pill-shaped, however, include two cameras, and sit in the top-left corner.
The two phones basically have the same shape, down to the corner curvature. Both have a centered display camera hole up to, and uniform bezels. Those bezels are very similar in thickness, too, so it’s difficult to see a difference there either. On the right side, you’ll see the power/lock button above the volume up and down buttons. They sit in basically the same spot on these two handsets. The frame is flat on both devices.
They are also very similar in terms of size. The Pixel 10a is ever so slightly shorter and narrower, plus slightly thicker. The difference is so minimal, you won’t even notice it, in all honesty. The difference in weight is also not worth noting, as it’s only 3 grams; the new phone is a bit heavier. Both smartphones have a frame made out of aluminum, and there’s plastic on their backplates. Both are IP68 certified for water and dust resistance. All in all, they look extremely similar, and the same goes for in-hand feel.
Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a: Display
The Google Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch P-OLED display, which is flat. It supports HDR content and has a 120Hz refresh rate. The peak brightness the display offers is 2,700 nits. The screen-to-body ratio is at around 85%, while the display aspect ratio is 20:9. The resolution here is 2424 x 1080, while the Gorilla Glass 7i protects this display.
The Google Pixel 9a, on the other hand, features a 6.3-inch P-OLED display. That panel has a flat display and supports HDR content too. It has a 120Hz refresh rate as well, and the same peak brightness. The screen-to-body ratio is at around 84%, while the resolution is 2424 x 1080 pixels. The display aspect ratio is 20:9, while the Gorilla Glass 3 protects this panel.
So, in regard to displays, there’s no real difference. You’re getting the same panels here. They offer the same size, the same resolution, the same refresh rate, and so on. Even the brightness seems to be on par between the two phones. The Pixel 10a does have better display protection.. The Pixel 9a’s display was just fine, so the same is expected of the Pixel 10a. Don’t expect high-frequency PWM dimming or LTPO tech here, but for most people, both of these displays will be more than good enough.
Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a: Performance
Both of these smartphones are fueled by the same processor, actually. Google opted not to include the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10a, probably to cut costs, so it is fueled by the Google Tensor G4, just like the Pixel 9a. That is a 4nm processor, and unlike the Tensor G5, it’s not made by TSMC. It’s manufactured by Samsung. It would be nice to see the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10a, but it is what it is. Both phones also have 8GB of RAM and use UFS 3.1 storage.
The Pixel 10a just launched, so we haven’t reviewed it yet. We cannot comment on its performance, but we’re expecting it to be similar to what the Pixel 9a offers. So, the performance should be solid. It may not be fast as some Snapdragon or Dimensity chips out there, but the performance on the Pixel 9a was good. Lag was not a part of the experience, but the Pixel 9a was not exactly the snappiest phone in the mid-range category, not even close to it.
What about gaming? Well, as long as you’re sticking to games that are not too graphically demanding, you’ll have a great experience. You can also run those really demanding games, but get ready for visible hiccups or lowered settings for the games to play properly. We did not have issues with overheating with the Pixel 9a, so we’re hoping the same will be the case with the Pixel 10a.
Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a: Battery
The Google Pixel 10a includes a 5,100mAh battery on the inside, which is the same capacity as the Pixel 9a. Considering the fact they have the same processor, battery capacity, and even RAM and storage… it’s hard to imagine the Pixel 10a will offer much different battery life than the Pixel 9a. It may, if Google did something drastically different software-wise, but if not… it’ll be quite similar.
The Google Pixel 9a offered good battery life, but not great. There are definitely phones out there in this category that offer much better battery life. For most people, however, the Pixel 9a offers plenty of juice. Getting over 6 hours of screen-on time was not a problem for us, at all. Do note that gaming does drain the battery noticeably faster. The same goes for camera use, but not as much.
Charging is actually something Google slightly improved on the Pixel 10. It supports 30W wired charging compared to 23W wired charging on the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 10a also offers slightly faster 10W wireless charging, compared to 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9a can reach a full charge in an hour and 40 minutes with a compatible charger. The Pixel 10a should charge a bit faster, but we don’t know how fast just yet. Neither phone comes with a charger, by the way.
Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a: Cameras
Both of these phones come with two cameras on the back, and those two cameras are completely identical. The same goes for the selfie camera, actually. Google decided to change nothing on the Pixel 10a. With that being said, a 48-megapixel main camera (1/2.0-inch sensor size) is backed by a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera (1/3.1-inch sensor size, 120-degree FoV). There is no telephoto camera on either device.
Considering the specs here, the Pixel 10a should be able to provide similar results to the Pixel 9a. We won’t know that for sure until we test the device, though, of course. The camera specs are nothing to write home about, though the Pixel 9a offered good results. It provides that contrasty Pixel look that people seem to love so much.
Yes, the images from the device can be sharper, and there are phones out there that do a noticeably better job in all lighting conditions. Considering the price, however, the Pixel 9a did a good job, and we expect something similar from the Pixel 10a. It’s a shame Google didn’t incorporate a telephoto camera here; it’s arguably more useful than an ultrawide one, but it is what it is. At least Google’s digital zoom is quite good.
Audio
Both of these smartphones do ship with stereo speakers. The ones on the Pixel 9a are not the loudest around, but they’re not dim either. We actually expect the Pixel 10a to mimic these speakers, but we’ll see.
There is no audio jack on either of the two smartphones. You can always take advantage of their Type-C ports if you’d like to connect your wired headphones, though. Alternatively, for wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 6.0 is available on the Pixel 10a, while the Pixel 9a supports Bluetooth 5.3.
The post Phone Comparisons: Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a appeared first on Android Headlines.
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