Pixel 10a Launch: Is It Worth It Compared to Galaxy S25 FE and OnePlus 15R?

The mid-range smartphone market in the US is currently challenging. The most notable recent launch is the Google Pixel 10a, which will be available in a couple of weeks.

The Google Pixel 10a is largely similar to the 9a. It features the same 6.3” 1080p+ display, now slightly brighter and equipped with Gorilla Glass 7i replacing GG3. It operates on the same Tensor G4 chipset and retains the same 48+13MP camera configuration. The battery capacity remains at 5,100mAh, although Google has improved the charging speeds, increasing wired charging from 23W to 30W and wireless from 7.5W to 10W.

A significant upgrade over the 9a is the introduction of Satellite SOS support, albeit only available in select regions. However, Pixelsnap is not supported.

Here’s the current offer: you can pre-order the Pixel 10a and receive either a $100 gift card or a complimentary pair of Pixel Buds 2a, valued at $130. The phone will start shipping on March 5.

Regarding the Pixel Buds 2a, while they are the “basic” option, they feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and spatial audio. Google also offers an official silicone case for the Pixel 10a, though it lacks magnets.

Unsurprisingly, deals for the Pixel 9a disappeared quickly. A couple of weeks ago, the 9a was priced at $400 for the 8/128GB variant and $500 for the 8/256GB model. Unless satellite messaging is a priority, the 9a would have been the better choice. Currently, the Pixel 9a is only available through third-party sellers on Amazon, though some offer competitive pricing.

Moreover, Amazon is currently out of stock for Google Pixel 10 units, available only from third-party sellers. Last week, the prices were $650 for the 12/128GB model and $700 for the 12/256GB variant. The Pixel 10 features the newer Tensor G5 chip, Satellite SOS, and a dedicated 10.8MP telephoto camera (5x). It might be wise to wait for regular Pixel 10 deals to resurface.

Alternatives are available outside Google’s offerings. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is priced at $450 for the 8/128GB variant. This is technically $50 more than the Pixel 10a when factoring in the $100 gift card, and the price gap widens when considering the Buds 2a.

The Galaxy S25 FE features a larger 6.7” display compared to the Pixel 10a's 6.3,” but it has a slightly smaller 4,900mAh battery. It supports faster 45W and 15W wired and wireless charging, respectively, and is equipped with the Exynos 2400 chip and an 8MP 3x telephoto camera, although it lacks satellite messaging.

Alternatively, the OnePlus 15R offers a $100 gift card promotion but is priced $200 higher than the Pixel 10a. This device features a larger 6.83” display and boasts a significant 7,400mAh battery with 80W wired charging. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, although the latest model does not include a dedicated telephoto camera.

Lastly, you still have a few days left to reserve a Galaxy S26 phone. Simply sign up for an email reminder to qualify for a $30 discount on the new models. Remember, this isn’t a pre-order, so if the S26 models do not meet your expectations upon release, you can disregard the email.

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