I’ve been tracking the Pixel leaks for months, but Google just made it official: the Pixel 10a is here, and it’s arguably the most “pro” budget phone they’ve ever built.
If you’ve been waiting for flagship power without the flagship debt, this is the one to watch. Google isn’t just iterating here; they’ve packed their top-tier Tensor G5 chip—the same one in the $1,000+ Pro models—into a device that costs half as much.
Here is everything you need to know about the new king of the mid-range.
Price and “The Catch” (There isn’t one)
Google is sticking to the ₹49,999 price point. Considering the massive hardware jumps, I’m genuinely surprised they didn’t hike the price.
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Availability: Pre-orders are live now; sales hit the shelves on March 6.
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Colors: You can pick from Lavender, Obsidian, Fog, and a punchy new Berry.
Why it matters: Google is pushing a new “Upgrade Program” that allows for zero down payment and an easy exit/upgrade after 9 months. They are clearly trying to make the Pixel as ubiquitous in India as the iPhone, removing the “price barrier” entirely.
A Display That Punches Up
The Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display, but here is the kicker: it hits 3,000 nits of peak brightness.
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The sunlight test: This is officially the brightest screen in its segment. You won’t be squinting at your maps under the harsh March sun.
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Durability: It’s protected by Gorilla Glass 7i and carries an IP68 rating. This is officially the “toughest” A-series phone Google has ever manufactured.
The Tensor G5 & “Bumpless” Design
The massive news here is the Tensor G5. Usually, “A-series” phones get a hand-me-down processor, but not this year. You’re getting the same AI-crunching power as the flagships.
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New Look: Google has moved to a “bumpless” camera design, giving it a sleek, flush finish that feels much more modern.
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Sustainability First: For the first time, they’ve used recycled cobalt, copper, and gold in the build. It’s a small detail, but a major first for this category.
Camera & Pro-Level AI
You’re getting a 48 MP main sensor paired with a 13 MP ultra-wide. While the hardware is solid, the real magic is in the software:
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Auto Best Take: No more ruined group shots. It automatically swaps faces for up to 20 people to ensure everyone is actually smiling at the same time.
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Camera Coach: Think of this as a pro photographer sitting on your shoulder giving you real-time framing tips.
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Longevity: Google is promising 7 years of OS and security updates. This phone is technically supported until 2033.
Battery Life That Actually Lasts
We’ve all complained about Pixel battery life in the past, but Google listened. The 10a features a 5,100 mAh battery—the largest ever in an A-series.
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Usage: They’re claiming 30+ hours on a single charge.
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Charging: It supports 30W wired and 10W wireless charging. It’s not the fastest on the market, but the capacity upgrade makes up for it.
My Take: The Pixel 10a is no longer the “cheap” version of the Pixel; it’s the “smart” version. You’re getting 90% of the flagship experience for 50% of the price.
Would you like me to compare the Pixel 10a’s camera specs against the base iPhone 16 to see which one actually wins the value battle?
