The Pixel 10a is good, but these 5 phones are better

Following a soft launch a few weeks ago, the Google Pixel 10a has finally been revealed.

It’s fair to say this year’s Pixel A is not exactly a barnstormer, with Google eschewing most physical upgrades in favor of leaning harder into AI.

But even with that in mind, the Pixel 10a’s strong camera, flagship processor, and AI smarts make it one of the best buys within the midrange phone market.

It’s not the only option within the space though, as there is plenty of competition for Google’s latest handset.

Here are five of the best smartphones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 10a.

Google Pixel 9a

First on the list has to be the Google Pixel 9a, the previous incarnation of the Pixel A line.

If you’re a phone fan, you can probably guess why it’s here — it’s because there really aren’t many differences between Google’s 2026 phone and its 2025 phone.

In fact, there are no hardware differences between the Pixel 10a and 9a. From the processor nestled within its aluminum frame, to the amount of RAM, to its storage options, and even its size, the Pixel 10a and 9a are twins.

The big physical difference is the palette of colorways available at purchase, and even then, the Pixel 10a is basically a deeper shade of the same colors.

The true differences are in the software. The Pixel 9a had some big restrictions placed on it that made it less capable than the Pixel 9, and that applies to this day.

While it’s still plenty powerful, the 9a’s Gemini Nano XXS model lacks the always-on nature of the Pixel 9’s Gemini Nano XS, and it also doesn’t have access to Pixel Screenshots, Call Notes, and some other features.

The Pixel 10a has fewer limits. While it’s safe to say it won’t be as capable as the Pixel 10, the upgrade in AI features is likely to be significant.

With that being the major difference between the two devices, it makes sense that only those people really excited about the Pixel 10a’s AI features should buy the newer model.

Because if you’re not, the Pixel 9a offers the same hardware, the same looks, and the same overall software as its more recent cousin.

Just about the only reason to buy the Pixel 10a is that you’re excited about the latest AI features.

When the Pixel 9a is so similar to the Pixel 10a, and will likely soon be available for a good discount, the choice seems clear to me: You should be buying the Pixel 9a instead of the Pixel 10a.

9/10

SoC

Google Tensor G4

Display type

pOLED, 120Hz

Display dimensions

6.3 inches

OnePlus 15R

OnePlus is known for one thing: being the absolute king of specifications. If you want the highest numbers you can get, it’s usually a OnePlus phone you’ll find them on.

Being a midrange phone, the OnePlus 15R is a little bit different, but it’s still jam-packed with high specs worthy of a flagship smartphone.

It has the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, 12GB of RAM, and either 256GB or 512GB of storage.

A 165Hz refresh rate makes the AMOLED display super-smooth, and the enormous 7,400mAh battery can be recharged in a snap thanks to an 80W charging rate.

Those are specs that any flagship phone would be proud of, and it puts the OnePlus 15R head-and-shoulders above the Pixel 10a.

It has buckets of power, and it’ll power games and intensive apps far better than Google’s midrange phone.

It loses out in certain areas. It lacks wireless charging, and OnePlus’ cameras have long been inconsistent, so we wouldn’t expect it to beat the Pixel 10a in a shoot-out.

And it won’t have the Pixel’s strong AI capabilities. OnePlus has some AI smarts, and Gemini will be available, since it’s part of Android as a whole — but you won’t get all the stuff Pixel owners have come to expect.

There’s an AI Translate, AI Search, AI Recorder, and AI Writer tools, as well as the Mind Space app that stores screenshots and other media, but there’s nothing on the level of Magic Cue or anything like that.

If you don’t care much about AI features outside the basics, that shouldn’t put you off. The OnePlus 15R offers so much bang for your buck that you likely won’t care too much anyway.

It’s the phone to buy instead of the Pixel 10a if you want a powerful device for the same price.

SoC

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

Display type

AMOLED

Display dimensions

6.83-inches

RAM

12GB

Samsung Galaxy A56

The Galaxy A range tends to play second fiddle to the S flagships, but it’s unfair to write them off as a result.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a capable smartphone in its own right, and while it’s not as flashy as devices like the Pixel 10a, it’s still worth considering.

Unlike the OnePlus 15R above, the Galaxy A56 has more standard midrange specifications, including the Exynos 1580 processor that’s likely to be slightly weaker than the Pixel 10a’s Tensor G4.

However, it has the same amount of storage as the Pixel 10a, and while the A56’s basic model only has 6GB of RAM, it has the option to equal the Pixel with 8GB of RAM, or exceed it with 12GB.

In terms of other areas, it’s a bit of a toss-up.

The A56’s triple-lens main camera setup is likely to be good enough to rival the Pixel 10a, though it’s always worth ignoring any macro camera lens. They’re never particularly good.

One of the major reasons to choose the Galaxy A56 over the Pixel 10a is because you prefer a Samsung phone.

Whether that’s down to familiarity or loving some part of what the Korean company delivers, it’s fair to point out that you’ll get a similar experience from the A56.

Sure, the Pixel has a head up when it comes to pure processing power and AI tricks, but Samsung is no slouch in AI, and the Exynos processor will still provide good day-to-day performance, and will handle most 3D games easily.

SoC

Exynos 1580

Display type

AMOLED

Display dimensions

6.7-inches

RAM

8GB

Moto Razr+ (2024)

This might seem like a weird inclusion on this list, as not only is it a foldable, but it’s an expensive one too.

But fear not, intrepid bargain hunters, for the Moto Razr+ (2024) can be found for rock-bottom prices in 2026, making this one of the best alternatives for the Pixel 10a.

First off, there’s the obvious upside: It’s a foldable phone, and that’s just objectively cooler than the Pixel 10a’s boring conventional design. The clamshell fold has a real retro chic about it, and that plays strongly into the Razr+’s appeal.

The fold isn’t just for looks either, as the Razr+ has a very capable outer display that can be used to check your phone as normal, and even runs apps as you’d expect.

Sure, the 4-inch square design is smaller than you’re used to, but it’s still more than usable.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is a bit older, but it’s still very powerful by most standards, and won’t have any problems keeping up.

The camera isn’t as good as what Google can offer, but it’s still a good suite, with a solid main lens and a good telephoto lens.

However, keep in mind that you’ll be missing out on the number of upgrades offered by a newer phone like the Pixel 10a.

Motorola only offers three years of support compared to Google’s seven, and the Razr+ is already two upgrades in. It launched with Android 14, meaning you only really have the upgrade to Android 17 to look forward to.

But if that doesn’t put you off, the chance to grab a foldable phone for less than the Pixel 10a isn’t a chance you should give up easily.

The Moto Razr+ (2024) is an excellent smartphone, and a tempting alternative to Google’s latest.

9/10

SoC

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Display type

pOLED, 165Hz (internal); OLED, 165Hz (external)

Display dimensions

6.9″ (internal); 4″ (external)

Display resolution

1080 x 2640 (internal); 1272 x 1080 (external)

Moto G Stylus 2025

Motorola’s midrange and budget credentials are usually beyond question, but it’s had a few rough years recently, with some phones ending up disappointing.

Thankfully, last year’s Moto G Stylus is not one of those phones, and it’s the best option for you if a stylus phone appeals.

It’s fair to say the Moto G range has often been a little bit underpowered, but Motorola pushed the envelope a bit for this iteration.

The capable Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor sits at the heart of the phone, and it also has 8GB of RAM, and at least 128GB of storage.

A 6.7-inch AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 5,000mAh battery is quickly recharged with speedy 68W wired charging, and 15W of fast wireless charging.

A 50MP main lens is backed up by an 8MP ultrawide lens, and while it’s not the equal of the Pixel 10a, it’s still good enough for most situations.

The stylus is the big draw here, and it’s something the Pixel simply can’t match.

If that appeals to you, the Moto G Stylus is worth keeping an eye out for.

However, Motorola only offers two major software upgrades, which unfortunately only takes you to Android 17.

But even with that in mind, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is a very good alternative to the Pixel 10a.

8.5/10

SoC

Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3

Display type

120Hz pOLED

Display dimensions

6.7″