I’ve spent the last couple of weeks with the Google Pixel 10a, and I’m impressed by the results.
It’s a phone that’s ideal for most buyers, even if its lackluster spec sheet makes enthusiasts uncomfortable. It’s light, snappy, and provides a fantastic software experience — not to mention some fun colors.
Still, when you keep spec sheets relatively unchanged, you expose your flank, and it becomes easy to recommend even older devices in your own catalog.
The Google Pixel 8a is exactly that device in 2026. It still provides plenty of the fun of the newer Pixel 10a, at a fraction of the cost.
If there is one kicking around in your pocket, do your wallet a favor and keep your money where it is for another year.
What I still like about the Pixel 8a
Fantastic battery life and solid performance
Pulling my Pixel 8a back out has been enjoyable. I had tested it on Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive previously, but I was reminded how smoothly it runs.
For daily tasks, it’s outstanding, and scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, I can’t tell it’s only running a Tensor G3 chipset.
The Tensor G3 is important because it was the turning point for Google. I never experienced the overheating and poor battery life with the G3 that I did with earlier Tensor versions, and it’s aged well in the Pixel 8a.
The phone has 8GB of RAM, like the newer Pixel 10a, and its roughly 4,500mAh battery gets me two days of mixed use on a single charge. Sure, it still has the slower Pixel charging speeds, but 30W on the Pixel 10a isn’t exactly blazing.
The Pixel 8a features a fun, compact, and quirky design that looks right out of Google central casting. It feels excellent in the hand, and it makes me long for the days when rounded frames were the norm.
Its 6.1-inch display doesn’t disappoint, and it was the first year Google used its Actua panel on an A-series phone.
If I were comparing the Pixel 10a to the Pixel 7a, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, but the Pixel 8a is in a good spot with the chipset and display.
The real benefit of the Pixel 8a is the software. It was also the first A-series phone to be promised seven years of support and Android upgrades, so it’s just getting started.
As I noted earlier, Material 3 Expressive is a joy on the Pixel 8a. I don’t mind not getting a full slate of Gemini features like Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, because I still have fan-favorites like Now Playing.
The Pixel 8a featured the older 64MP primary sensor and 13MP ultrawide, but the photos are sharp.
Low-light photography is solid, even if I would like the saturation turned up a bit. It’s an issue I seem to have with all Pixels, but it’s easily corrected with a bit of editing after.
If you have a Pixel 8a in your pocket, don’t think you’re missing out on some huge improvement that will transform your point-and-shoot photos.
The Pixel 10a does feature some upgrades
Coming from a Pixel 8a, you’ll notice changes
I absolutely wouldn’t recommend upgrading from a Pixel 9a to a 10a, but if you’re coming from an older generation, you will notice improvements.
At 6.3 inches, the Pixel 10a display is slightly larger. It’s also a brighter display, with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.
Google overhauled the design last year with the Pixel 9a, and that design has carried over to this year’s phone.
It’s a matter of personal preference, but some enjoy the flat edges on the Pixel 10a over the rounded design of the 8a.
The camera visor is also history, with Google opting for a completely flat camera cluster on the Pixel 10a. It’s impressive, and I love that Google isn’t unnecessarily raising the camera glass.
The Pixel 10a is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.
Google upgraded the modem on the Pixel 10a. Even though it has a Tensor G4 chipset, it features the newer Exynos 5400 modem. It allows for satellite SOS emergency calls and should provide better connectivity and thermals.
I never had a problem with the older modem in the Pixel 8a, but some users did, and the Pixel 10a would be a suitable upgrade if you need better modem performance.
The Material 3 Expressive software experience may be the same, but you pick up additional AI features with the Pixel 10a. It supports Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, two features that help improve your photography.
I don’t know how many new Gemini features will trickle down to your Pixel 8a at this point, as even the Pixel 9a doesn’t have all of them. Still, you might not care, in which case the Pixel 8a is worth hanging onto.
You reset software support on the Pixel 10a, getting the full seven years instead of what remains on the Pixel 8a.
You do pick up a larger 5,100mAh battery with the Pixel 10a, along with slightly faster 30W wired charging. Neither are world-changing improvements, but Pixel 8a charging was painfully slow, especially in 2026.
Unfortunately, the Pixel 10a doesn’t support Pixelsnap accessories, which would’ve been a decent upgrade over the Pixel 8a.
Not a massive upgrade despite the fancy new exterior
When you take a hard look, there are very few reasons why you’d dump your perfectly good Pixel 8a for a shiny new Pixel 10a.
There’s always the allure of newness and FOMO, but Pixel A-series upgrade cycles feel even longer than flagship ones.
The Pixel 8a still absolutely does the job, and I don’t see a compelling reason to spend money on an upgrade to a Pixel 10a.
If you own a 7a, then have at it, but for everyone on a newer device, keep your money in your pocket.
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- SoC
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Google Tensor G3
- RAM
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8GB
- Storage
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128GB, 256GB
- Battery
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4492mAh
- Ports
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USB-C
- Operating System
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Android 14
The Pixel 8a wants you to forget the Pixel 8 ever existed. With some crucial upgrades over its predecessor, including a brighter display, faster processor, and larger battery, Google’s latest mid-range smartphone is the perfect combo of speed and AI smarts. And with seven years of OS upgrades, it’s the longest lasting $500 smartphone you can find today.
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- SoC
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Google Tensor G4
- RAM
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8GB
- Storage
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128 or 256GB
- Dimensions
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6.1 in (height) x 2.9 in (width) x 0.4 in (depth)
- Display type
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Actua display
- Weight
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6.5 oz
