Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: What Actually Changed?

Google’s Pixel “a” series has always focused on value and balance rather than dramatic upgrades.

With the Pixel 10a, that approach continues — but the changes are subtle.

Here’s a clean breakdown of how the Pixel 10a compares to the Pixel 9a.

Display

• Pixel 9a: 6.3-inch FHD+
• Pixel 10a: 6.3-inch FHD+

No resolution bump.
No panel size change.

The core display experience remains the same.

Glass Protection

• Pixel 9a: Gorilla Glass 3
• Pixel 10a: Gorilla Glass 7i

This is one of the clearer hardware upgrades.

Gorilla Glass 7i offers better durability and scratch resistance compared to the older Glass 3 standard.

Processor

• Pixel 9a: Tensor G4
• Pixel 10a: Tensor G4

Same chipset.

That means:

• Similar performance profile
• Similar AI capabilities
• No generational jump in raw speed

This is more of a refinement cycle than a performance push.

Storage Standard

• Pixel 9a: UFS 3.1
• Pixel 10a: UFS 3.1

No change here.

App loading and data speeds should remain identical between the two.

Battery & Charging

• Pixel 9a: 5100mAh + 23W wired
• Pixel 10a: 5100mAh + 45W wired

This is the biggest practical upgrade.

Same battery capacity.
But nearly double the wired charging speed.

For daily use, faster top-ups could matter more than any minor spec bump.

Wireless charging stays the same:

• 7.5W on both models

Cameras

Rear:

• 48MP f/1.7 main (unchanged)
• 13MP ultrawide f/2.2 (unchanged)

Front:

• 13MP 1/3.1” sensor (unchanged)

No hardware shift in imaging.

Any camera improvements will likely come from:

• Software tuning
• Computational photography updates
• Tensor-powered processing

Connectivity

• Pixel 9a: Bluetooth 5.3
• Pixel 10a: Bluetooth 6

A modest connectivity bump that improves efficiency and device compatibility.

Build & Dimensions

• Pixel 9a: 8.9mm thickness, 186g
• Pixel 10a: 9mm thickness, 183g

Slightly thicker.
Slightly lighter.

These are marginal physical tweaks rather than design changes.

What This Means for Buyers

If you already own a Pixel 9a:

• Performance is the same
• Camera hardware is the same
• Display is the same

The only meaningful upgrade is:

• Faster wired charging
• Improved glass durability
• Newer Bluetooth standard

If you’re upgrading from an older Pixel (like 7a or 6a), the jump makes more sense.

If you’re on a 9a, this is a minor refinement cycle.

The Pixel 10a doesn’t reinvent the formula.

It tightens durability and charging while keeping the core experience intact.

Sometimes stability is the strategy.