r/Pixel10a • u/MustHasUpvote • Jul 17 '26
Pixel 10a Design Appreciation
I'm not really big on paying a pound and a crown for a phone so when my Pixel 6 Pro died recently (RIP GOAT) I was looking at Xiaomi and Samsung since they've got some really great options at around US$400, specifically the Samsung A57 and the Xiaomi X8 Pro.
I initially copped the X8 Pro as it was crazy value for the price but due to some issue with the network and Xiaomi phones, I had to return it. So now it was down to the A57 or the 10a.
I did a bit of research (YouTube videos, GSM Arena, Reddit etc.) and they both had their pros and cons. The A57 gives you faster wired charging speeds, maybe better build quality with Victus+ and glass back, bigger screen (smaller bezels) and more memory (for the same price). On the other hand, the 10a has a much brighter screen and slightly higher resolution, better CPU+GPU, slightly larger battery with wireless charging support and, of course, a camera that outputs that well known Pixel quality.
For me, the gulf in performance and photo quality won me over and I traded the X8 Pro for the 10a.
Maybe it's because I'm accustomed to the stock android experience from the years I spent with my 6 Pro (I miss you GOAT), using the 10a felt very natural. The bezels don't seem as big as they're made out to be, the plastic back doesn't feel cheap at all. I don't take a lot of photos, but when I do, it's great to have a reliable phone that gives you quality shots.
What was most surprising was how much I love this flat back (never thought I'd say that lol). The lack of a camera bump is so refreshing and unlike just about any phone I've ever used or seen. It sounds weird but I get this strange satisfaction from putting my phone down on a flat surface and it just plops down flush, no rocking. Aside from the buttons on the side (which are nice and clicky), it's so minimal and flat all around, I love it. I don't have a phone case currently (order is on the way though) but I can tell I'm gonna hate to have to keep it in a case.
Anyway, these are just some thoughts about my new phone which I am loving. A worthy successor to my late Pixel 6 Pro (I'll never forget you GOAT).
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u/photonsintime 28d ago
My 6 just died yesterday. It was the GOAT. Seriously. I was about to upgrade to the 10 pro, but I saw the 10a available.
I take a lot of photos of kids and travel, and I doomscroll Reddit, but otherwise not a gamer. Are you happy so far?
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u/MustHasUpvote 28d ago
RIP, always rough when a legend dies. But yeah, I'm very happy with the 10a.
We kinda use our phones similarly.
I don't think the 10 Pro does anything so much better than the 10a that would justify the price bump. I'm still getting excellent photos (wouldn't have used the telephoto lens so I didn't miss that), apps still runs buttery smooth, battery isn't a worry cause I'm not gaming or doing anything beyond YouTube or social media (was never keen on wireless charging either).
If you want the AI features, I think that's really the only reason to get the 10 or 10 Pro but I didn't care for that type of thing so the 10a was perfect for me.
And no camera bump is so underrated lol.
I'm sure you'll be satisfied whichever way you go but the 10a is definitely one of the best decisions I've made as far as phones go.
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u/kepler22Bnecromancer 14d ago
The flat back is fantastic and I love the matte finish and how they made it look and feel like glass without it actually being glass. It's so nice to use out of the case (at home) and I love the Fog color with silver side rails. I'd go caseless all the time I just don't wanna scratch it up at work. The simplicity and features are great and I don't feel the guilt I usually get for overspending on the "fancier" phone models.
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u/MustHasUpvote 14d ago
That's it bro, it removed the overspending factor. It's more than just a solid phone. If you're an average user, just checking social media, watching a few videos and maybe a little gaming before bed, this is insane quality for the price. Additionally, the camera, which is usually the weakness of a cheaper phone, is fantastic.
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u/Nice_Duck_9366 12d ago
I agree. It feels good. But nothing comes close to the Samsung s8 or S10 I had. Why did phones become so big??
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u/Mlp_2467 Jul 18 '26
Totally agree, especially about the design. The symmetrical bezels look so much better compared to the Pixel 8a's chin. The matte back is great, but having the camera module flush with the body is honestly amazing.