Smartphones that overshadowed the new product from Google: five best alternatives to the Pixel 10a / Depositphotos
Google has shown off its new mid-range model, but the market reaction has been mixed. Instead of the expected technological leap, users have received a device that duplicates its predecessor in most respects. This situation forces us to take a closer look at competitors and even last year's flagships, which now look much more attractive in terms of price and capabilities.
Why is the Pixel 10a considered the most boring update?
The release of the Pixel 10a came as a surprise to many due to the minimal number of changes compared to the previous model. If you put the new product next to the Pixel 9a, it is almost impossible to notice the difference in design or technical characteristics. Both smartphones are based on the identical Tensor G4 processor, have the same display parameters, the same camera sensors, 8 gigabytes of RAM and the same storage and battery capacity, writes 24 Kanal .
While the Pixel 10a gets slightly stronger Gorilla Glass, a flatter camera module (just a fraction of a millimeter difference), slightly faster charging, a slightly brighter screen, and an extra year of software updates, these changes hardly justify an upgrade.
What is better to buy instead of Pixel 10a?
The first and most logical alternative is the Pixel 9a. Since it is practically indistinguishable from the new product, its purchase looks much more rational considering the price. While the Pixel 10a is offered for $499, the Pixel 9a can often be found on sale for $399.
Artificial intelligence software features, which are currently exclusive to the tenth series, will most likely appear on the ninth model in the coming months.
Pixel 9a is almost indistinguishable from Pixel 10a / Photo Android Headlines
For those willing to spend a little more, the basic Pixel 10 is an ideal choice. Its retail price is $799, but during discounts, the smartphone can be purchased for $549-649.
For this money, the user gets a much more powerful Tensor G5 processor and 12 gigabytes of RAM, which is critical for modern games and multitasking. In addition, the Pixel 10 is equipped with a camera with a 5x telephoto lens, supports Qi2 magnetic accessories, has a selfie camera with autofocus and much thinner bezels around the screen.
Pixel 10 offers more / Photo Notebookcheck
If the Google brand is not your thing, you should consider the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. This device offers a large 17-inch screen compared to the 16-inch screen of the Pixel 10a. The Samsung smartphone has a 3x zoom telephoto lens, a powerful Exynos 2400 processor, and a flexible One UI shell.
With a retail price of $650, it can often be found for $450, making it a very strong competitor, especially considering the similar seven-year update support.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE / Photo by Anyron Copeman / Foundry
For those who love practicality and economy, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 is the right choice. Its main advantages are a larger display, a built-in stylus, and support for memory cards. The Motorola smartphone charges much faster than its competitor – the power is 68 watts versus 45 watts for the Pixel.
While it will only receive two major system updates, its price, which often drops below $300, is a strong argument.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 / Photo by PhoneArena
The most unusual device on the list is the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It's the complete opposite of the Pixel's understated design: a transparent body, bright LEDs, and a huge circle of cameras.
Technically, it is also impressive: a large screen, a 50-megapixel main camera with a periscopic telephoto lens, 50-watt fast charging, and a unique Nothing OS shell.
At a price of around $459, this is one of the most interesting options for those looking for innovation and style.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro / Photo by PhoneArena