Here’s the thing—I’ve been obsessing over these Pixel leaks for months, and now that the Pixel 10a is actually here, it’s created a bit of a mess for anyone trying to shop smart. Usually, the “a-series” is the no-brainer budget pick. But this year? The line between the mid-range and the flagship is weirdly blurry in some spots, yet feels like a canyon in others.
If you’re ready to buy into the Pixel life, you’re probably staring at that ₹49,999 price tag on the 10a and asking yourself: Is the standard Pixel 10 actually worth an extra ₹25,000? Honestly, it’s a tough call. I’ve spent some time digging through the spec sheets to figure out where your money is actually going.
The Brains: Tensor G4 vs. G5
This is the biggest “under the hood” change I’ve seen in years.
- Pixel 10: Features the new Tensor G5, Google’s first fully custom-designed chip. With 12GB of RAM, this is a multitasking beast.
- Pixel 10a: Sticks with the Tensor G4 (the same chip found in last year’s flagships) and 8GB of RAM.
Why it matters: While the 10a is plenty fast for Instagram and emails, the G5 in the Pixel 10 is built for the next generation of AI features and heavy gaming. If you plan on keeping your phone for 4+ years, the Pixel 10 is the much safer bet for “future-proofing.”
Display: High-End Brightness for All
I have to give Google credit here—they aren’t skimping on the screen.
- Both phones rock a 6.3-inch OLED with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a massive 3000 nits of peak brightness.
- The Catch: The Pixel 10 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the 10a uses the more budget-friendly Gorilla Glass 7i.
Why it matters: Honestly, to the naked eye, these screens look exactly the same. But here’s the thing: if you’re a bit clumsy like me and tend to drop your phone, the Pixel 10 is the way to go. Its glass is way tougher and far less likely to shatter on impact than what you’re getting with the 10a.
Camera: Do You Need the Zoom?
Pixel photography is legendary, and both of these phones share the same 48MP main sensor.
- Pixel 10: A triple-threat system with a 10.8MP Telephoto lens.
- Pixel 10a: A dual-camera setup (Main + Ultrawide). No dedicated zoom lens here.
Why it matters: Look, if you’re just snapping shots of your lunch or your dog for the ‘gram, both phones are going to look great. You honestly won’t tell them apart. But here’s the thing: the second you try to zoom in at a concert or a game, the 10a is going to struggle. Without that dedicated telephoto lens, those far-away shots are going to look grainy and soft, and you’ll definitely wish you’d spent the extra cash.
Battery: A Rare Win for the “Budget” Model
In a strange twist, the cheaper phone actually has the bigger battery.
- Pixel 10a: Huge 5,100 mAh cell.
- Pixel 10: Slightly smaller 4,970 mAh cell.
Why it matters: Google claims the 10a can stretch to 30 hours, while the flagship Pixel 10 targets about 24. Even with the Pixel 10’s more efficient G5 chip, the 10a is looking like the king of endurance for long travel days.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Pixel 10a | Pixel 10 |
| Price | $499 (₹49,999) | $799 (₹74,999) |
| Chipset | Tensor G4 | Tensor G5 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Battery | 5100 mAh | 4970 mAh |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes |
The Verdict: Which should you buy?
I’ll be blunt: If you want the best possible Google experience and you care about mobile gaming or photography versatility, the Pixel 10 is the flagship for a reason.
However, if you just want a phone that takes “Instagram-perfect” photos, lasts all day, and saves you ₹25,000, the Pixel 10a is arguably the best value in the market right now. You’re getting 90% of the flagship experience for 60% of the price.
