Google Pixel 10a

With excellent cameras, a brighter screen, and strong AI features, the Pixel 10a remains one of the best values in midrange Android phones.

A lack of new ideas and hardware hold the Pixel 10a back while deals on better phones just make it seem senseless.

It’s tough to get hyped for the Pixel 10a when it’s basically a twin of the now-cheaper Pixel 9a, offering only minor tweaks like a brighter screen and a flatter back. While it’s definitely not worth the upgrade for current 9a users, it’s still a solid mid-range pick that keeps Google in the game for now.

If you value bang for your buck more highly, however, I can’t recommend the Pixel 10a. Not yet, at least. The sad reality of the cyclical phone market is that, sooner rather than later, Google will make it very difficult to buy the Pixel 9a new, to better shepherd you towards the latest model. Until that point, however, I’d strongly recommend hanging around for the discounts to start back up and getting a Pixel 9a for over £100 less than this.

The Pixel 10a is Google’s latest mid-range phone. It’s a minor update over last year’s Pixel 9a, and mostly cosmetic, but the phone is still a good value.

Despite few upgrades, the Pixel 10a remains an excellent option for those looking for an affordable smartphone.

The new Google Pixel 10a is still the best budget Android phone on the market. Though it's not a particularly exciting smartphone, it does have a very attractive price and one notable design change: The camera array is now completely flat, so there's no wobble when it lays flat.

The good significantly outweighs the bad, and that makes the Pixel 10a still one of the best smartphones on the market—whether you have a tight budget or not. Unless you hate Google's data collection practices and its AI features—if so, wait a few months to install GrapheneOS and de-Google the phone entirely.