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Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Which is the better smartphone?

Comparing the Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a and deciding which is the best smartphone is difficult, as the high-end smartphone market has become an industry where a completely new and improved version is launched every year. Companies tend to make minor improvements rather than major changes, leaving customers to determine what’s new based on specifications. Buying a new Google Pixel phone now means choosing between the two latest models: the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a.

Google Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a: Which is the better smartphone?
Google Pixel 10A vs Pixel 9A Comparison

Given the impressive features of both models, choosing one can be a difficult decision. This article provides a detailed comparison of the two smartphones to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

The Google Pixel 10a (256GB) is currently priced at ₹49,999 in the Indian market, while the Google Pixel 9a (256GB) is available for around ₹39,490. These prices are as of March 6, 2026, and are subject to change. Simply put, the Pixel 10a will be launched in India at ₹49,999 for the 256GB variant only. The Pixel 9a was also launched at the same price, but its price has now changed to around ₹39,999.

This means that if you’re considering buying a phone today, there’s a difference of around ₹10,000 between the two, and this difference could sway your decision. The Pixel 10a is the newer model, but its lower price makes the Pixel 9a a more value-for-money option. Now the question is: are the Pixel 10a’s new features really worth paying ₹10,000 more? Read on to find out.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Specification

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Display.

Simply put, the screens and designs of both phones are largely identical, but the Pixel 10a does have a few tweaks. Both feature a 6.3-inch 120Hz pOLED Actua display. This means scrolling will be smooth, animations will look fluid, and you will enjoy the same signature Pixel color experience. In terms of brightness, the Pixel 9a reaches 2,700 nits, while the Pixel 10a reaches 3,000 nits. Consequently, the 10a’s screen will be slightly clearer in bright sunlight. The design is also nearly identical—both have flat sides and front, with slightly rounded corners.

There are also very minor design differences:
Pixel 10a: 6.06 x 2.87 x 0.35 inches;
Pixel 9a: 6.09 x 2.89 x 0.35 inches.

In terms of weight, both devices are almost identical – the 10a weighs approximately 6.5 ounces, while the 9a weighs 6.6 ounces. This means you will not notice a significant difference when holding it. The Pixel 10a offers Gorilla Glass 7i protection, while the 9a offers Gorilla Glass 3. This means the 10a offers slightly better protection against scratches and light drops. The Pixel 10a slightly excels in durability. In real life, these fluctuations are small but significant.

Google pixel 10a vs pixel 9a: Colours difference

The Google Pixel 9a will be available in three colors (Just Black, Clear White, and Purple), while the Google Pixel 10 will be available in four colors (Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian).

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Camera

Simply put, Pixel phones have always focused on providing users with the highest quality photos possible. The Pixel 10a features almost the same camera setup as the 9a – because why change what already works so well? On the rear, there is a 48MP main camera with OIS (optical image stabilization), along with a 13MP ultra-wide camera. A 13MP selfie camera is provided on the front.

If there is any difference, it will be more in the software than the hardware. The Pixel 10a’s image processing may be slightly new and improved, which could lead to slight improvements in color, detail, and low-light photos. Simply put, if you were expecting a new sensor or a larger camera upgrade, you will not see much of that this time around. Both phones share the same dual rear camera (main + ultra-wide), and Google’s software is the real strength. Photos are clear and colorful during the day, and Night Sight helps capture good photos at night as well.

Overall, the Pixel 10a may have minor software improvements, but the Pixel 9a still offers a great camera today.

Pixel 10a: 48MP main + 13MP ultrawide;
Pixel 9a: 48MP main + 13MP ultrawide.

Google Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a: Design

The Google Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a share a very similar design. Both offer a smart, simple, and premium feel. Both have flat front screens, flat sides, and slightly rounded corners, making them comfortable to hold. This also reduces the risk of drops. If you were expecting a major or bold redesign, you wouldn’t see any. Both the Pixel 9a and 10a have a similar look – a plastic back, an aluminum frame, and a clean, simple Pixel look.

There is a slight difference in size – the Pixel 10a is 9mm thick and 183 grams lighter, while the 9a is 8.9mm thick and 186 grams lighter. Both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they are resistant to water and dust.

The bezels (screen edges) are clean and simple, and Google has maintained a function-first design that will be great for everyday use. The only slight difference is in the glass protection. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the Pixel 10a offers superior protection from scratches and light impacts compared to the Gorilla Glass 3 on the Pixel 9a. This means the 10a’s display is slightly stronger than the 9a’s.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: fingerprint sensor

Both devices come with an optical in-display fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking.

Google Pixel 10a Vs Pixel 9a: Who is Best?

Leaks suggest that the battery life of the Google Pixel 10a is nearly identical to that of the Pixel 9a.
Both pack a large 5,100mAh battery, which is considered quite good for this segment. In normal use, such as browsing social media, watching videos, taking photos, or making calls, both phones easily last a full day. Both smartphones also offer battery-saving features and robust software optimizations, reducing battery drain.


The main difference lies in charging speed. The Pixel 10a supports 30W wired and 10W wireless charging, while the Pixel 9a offers 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. The difference is not significant, but the 10a will charge slightly faster, reducing wait times. In everyday situations, such as needing a quick charge during a meeting or just a few minutes before heading out, fast charging can be extremely helpful.

Brief Summary

 

  • The Pixel 10a delivers a brighter improved screen, tougher Gorilla Glass protection, and both wired and wireless fast charging capabilities.
  • Now that the Pixel 9a is cheaper, users can easily take advantage of the offer.
  • The screen dimensions, battery capacity, and primary camera system are the same on both devices.
  • The Pixel 10a offers a brighter display at 3000 nits compared to the Pixel 9a’s 2700 nits.
  • The Pixel 10a comes with Gorilla Glass 7i, which offers greater durability than the Gorilla Glass 3 used in the Pixel 9a.
  • Equipped with the Google Tensor G4 chipset, both phones deliver almost identical performance in regular use.
  • The device continues to offer an unchanged camera system with a 48MP primary camera, a 13MP ultrawide rear camera, and a 13MP selfie camera.
  • Due to its new software processing, the Pixel 10a may deliver slightly better image quality in some situations.
  • Both smartphones have the same battery capacity of 5,100mAh, but the Pixel 10a offers faster charging with 30W wired and 10W wireless support.
  • Both come with IP68 water and dust resistance.

FAQ's

Google Pixel price comparison?

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (₹49,999) – Offers a premium AMOLED display and strong overall performance.
OnePlus 15R (₹49,999) – Delivers solid performance with fast charging support.
Vivo X200 FE (₹49,999) – Known for its good camera quality and vibrant display.
Vivo V40 Pro (₹49,999) – Known for its premium design and AMOLED display.
OnePlus 9 Pro (₹49,999) – An older flagship that still delivers strong performance.

Google introduced the Pixel 10a on February 18, 2026, and started accepting pre-orders simultaneously. The smartphone will be available in retail stores worldwide starting March 5, 2026. According to reports, sales in India are expected to begin around March 6, 2026, though exact availability may vary by retailer.

Both the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a feature a 6.3-inch 120Hz pOLED display, the same Tensor G4 chipset, similar camera hardware, and a 5100mAh battery, so everyday performance and photo quality are very similar. However, the Pixel 10a offers a brighter display, stronger Gorilla Glass 7i protection, faster charging, longer-lasting software support, and additional safety features like Satellite SOS. Overall, the Pixel 10a offers more feature options, but when it comes to price, the Pixel 9a is available at a significantly lower price.

Both feature a 6.3-inch 120Hz pOLED Actua display. It also enhances the overall package with faster wired charging, longer battery optimization, Android 16 with extended update support, and advanced safety tools, including Satellite SOS and AI features, positioning it as a significant upgrade.

Google has set the official retail price of the 8GB + 256GB Pixel 10a in India at roughly ₹49,999. Buyers can take advantage of sales promotions, cashback schemes, or exchange bonuses to reduce the effective price.

Google has set the official retail price of the 8GB + 256GB Pixel 10a in India at roughly ₹49,999. The price may be lower if you take advantage of cashback offers, bank discounts, exchange bonuses, or promotional deals at the time of purchase.

The Google Pixel 10a made its official debut in India on February 18, 2026, with sales beginning on March 6, 2026, allowing customers to purchase it through online pre-orders and offline retail stores.

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