Google Unveils $499 Pixel 10a With Satellite SOS
Entry-level Pixel starts at $499 with 30W charging, Satellite SOS, Tensor G4 and seven years of updates; preorders are open with shipments starting March 5.
Overview
Google introduced the Pixel 10a, a $499 entry-level phone available for preorder with shipments starting March 5, the company said.
The phone brings 30W wired charging, Satellite SOS and AI camera features to the A-series while keeping the Tensor G4 to preserve the $499 price point, hands-on coverage said.
Hands-on coverage noted Auto Best Take and Camera Coach add AI-powered camera tools and Google said the Pixel 10a will receive seven years of software and security updates.
The Pixel 10a uses a 5,100-mAh battery that Google said delivers more than 30 hours of use and up to 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver.
Google also announced Pixel Buds 2a in Berry and Fog to pair with the phone, and the company said it will continue selling the Pixel 9a.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this Pixel 10a coverage neutrally: they report specs, price, release dates and features factually, attribute evaluative claims to Google, note omissions (no PixelSnap), and contextualize the phone against Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17e—focusing on verifiable details rather than persuasive language.
Sources (9)
FAQ
The Google Tensor G4 scores 1,096,545 on AnTuTu V11, which is approximately 35% slower than the Tensor G5 found in the Pixel 10 series.[1] While capable, it competes primarily with mid-range processors like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and Dimensity 7400 rather than flagship chips.[1] However, the Tensor G4 achieves strong single-core performance with 1,921 Geekbench points and performs well in everyday tasks like web browsing with a Speedometer 3.0 score of 19.1 points, matching the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.[1]
The Pixel 10a features a 5,100 mAh battery that delivers more than 30 hours of use on a single charge during normal use, and extends to 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode enabled.[4] The phone also supports up to 30W wired charging and up to 10W wireless charging, representing faster charging speeds for the A-series.[4]
The Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, along with 2,000 nits of HDR brightness.[4] The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for improved scratch and drop resistance.[4]
The Pixel 10a starts at $499 and uses the Tensor G4 to maintain this entry-level price point.[6] In contrast, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro/Pro XL models use the more powerful Tensor G5 processor and start at higher price points, with the Pixel 10 offering 12GB RAM and the Pro models providing up to 16GB RAM.[5]
The Pixel 10a will receive seven years of software and security updates.[6] The phone is powered by the Google Tensor G4 and includes AI-powered camera features such as Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, as well as full access to Gemini, Google's personal AI assistant, including features like Gemini Live for natural conversations.[6]
History
4 sources