Pixel 10a Hands-On: Why This $679 Phone is a Problem for the iPhone 17e

We’ve been going hands-on with the Google Pixel 10a (in the Fog colourway with matching case) for less than a week and here’s a short review of our brief time with this phone.

It’s basically like the Pixel 9a, but with a flush camera bump. I’ve been really impressed with Google’s hardware designs lately. The Pixel 10a feels great in the hand and looks good. I am waiting for the day to get an iPhone with a flush camera bump again. Even if a phone needs to be thicker to accommodate, give me extra battery while you’re at it. It’s pretty simple.

At $679 CAD in Canada again, the Pixel 10a again pricing pressure on Apple’s new iPhone 17e, announced this week (with pre-orders live today) starting at $899. That’s a $220 difference in today’s hostile economic climate. Not everyone can afford or needs a $1,000 phone after tax to surf Facebook.

If you are tied into the Google ecosystem, it’s a no-brainer that using a Pixel device is the way to go. Gemini has made some improvements across the board and the integration into the phone is still great. This phone is light and has decent battery life but there are not groundbreaking changes compared to the Pixel 9a. Kudos to Google for keeping the price the same.

A refined, durable design

The Pixel 10a features a design that looks just like the Pixel 9a, but with a completely flat back and a camera that sits completely flush with the body. Google is also highlighting durability this year, using Gorilla Glass 7i for the display and maintaining an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

The 6.3-inch Actua display is about 11% brighter than the previous generation, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. It now supports a 60–120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling feel much smoother than the older A-series models.

Flagship AI in your pocket

To hit this aggressive price point, Google says it chose to use the Tensor G4 chip rather than the newer G5, which may be disappointing to some. However, it still handles flagship AI tools like Circle to Search, Magic Editor, and Auto Best Take directly from the Pixel 10 Pro.

New A-Series AI features include Camera Coach, which uses Gemini to help you frame better shots, and Add Me, so you can finally be in the group photo you’re taking. Also, Satellite SOS is available on an A-series Google phone for the first time for emergency help even without a signal.

Battery and Charging

One of the most notable upgrades is the battery performance. The Pixel 10a is rated for more than 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. It now supports faster 30W wired charging, plus 10W wireless charging. It’s not the fastest in the world, but it’s a solid step up for the budget line.

If you’re already using a Pixel 9a, there’s no point in upgrading. But for those looking to get an A-series Pixel phone, the Pixel 10a comes with some minor improvements at the same price point.

The Pixel 10a comes in four shades: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian. Google is also releasing Pixel Buds 2a in matching Berry and Fog colours for $179 CAD.

You can pre-order the Pixel 10a with 128GB for $679 starting today (it’s $809 for 256GB), with the phone releasing next week on March 11.