Pixel 10a hands-on: Google locks down the midrange phone game

Google's A-series phones have offered some of the best value among midrange handsets for years, and after checking out the new Pixel 10a , I don't see that trend stopping anytime soon. Let's start with the specs. Starting at just $499, you get a vivid 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits of peak brightness, 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of onboard storage.

The phone also features a durable aluminum frame along with a stronger Corning Gorilla Glass 7i panel in front and a composite plastic back with a lovely matte finish. As a nod towards sustainability, Google says the P10a's chassis is made from 100 percent recycled material, while the rear panel comes in at 81 percent.

And just like its predecessor , you still get an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and the same battery capacity (5,100mAh) — except now it charges even faster, both wired (30 watts, up from 23) and wirelessly (10 watts, up from 5). While lavender is the new hero color for the Pixel 10a, berry is the hue I'd pick.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget The one place where the Pixel 10a might come up a touch short is that unlike its more expensive siblings, it features an older Tensor G4 processor instead of the Tensor G5 chip used on the main Pixel 10 line . Google says the decision to go with an older SoC is due to budget constraints.

While it might not be the first choice for gamers or power users, I've never really had an issue with the day-to-day performance of Google's recent homegrown silicon. However, even with a one-year-old chip, Google found a way to port over three flagship features to the Pixel A series for the first time. Camera Coach uses AI to help you compose and come up with more interesting shots.

Meanwhile, Auto Best Take is designed to ensure that everyone in a group shot ends up with their finest expression. Finally, Satellite SOS allows you to call for help during emergencies, even when you don't have proper cell service.  Satellite SOS support is one of three new features coming to the Google's A-series phones for the first time.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget As for its cameras, the P10a looks to be using the same sensors as before, including a 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide and a 13MP selfie shooter in front. That might be a bummer for some, but considering that the Pixel 9a offered by far the best image quality of any phone in its price bracket, I'm not that bothered.

Also, it's quite likely that if Google had opted for new hardware, it may have pushed the phone above $500.  After seeing the positive response to the barely-there camera bump on its predecessor, Google leaned in and made the Pixel 10a’s rear camera module completely flat, and it’s my favorite thing about the phone.

There's no hump or protrusions to speak of, and when combined with the rest of the phone's design, it results in a really sleek, minimalist look.

Plus, after almost a decade of big and bulky camera warts on the back of phones, it's just nice seeing the Pixel 10a go the opposite direction.  I really appreciate how Google double downed on feedback regarding the Pixel 9a's tiny camera bump (left) by making the Pixel 10a's camera (right) completely flat.