Google’s Pixel A-series has long been about delivering the essentials done really well, and the new Pixel 10a looks set to continue that tradition when it lands in Australia. The Pixel 10a brings a refined design, a powerful AI-driven camera system and seven years of updates, all wrapped in a phone designed to last the distance.
Rather than chasing flagship excess, Google’s A series focus is simple: more of what people actually use, fewer compromises, and software that improves over time.
DESIGN THAT’S BUILT TO LAST
One of the most noticeable changes with Pixel 10a is its refreshed design. Google has gone for a completely flat back, with the iconic Pixel camera bar now blending seamlessly into the body. The result is a phone that slides easily into a pocket and lies flat on a desk, without the wobble that’s become common on many modern smartphones.
The Pixel 10a is also the most sustainably built A-series phone yet. It uses the highest amount of recycled material of any Pixel A-series device so far, including recycled aluminium in the frame and recycled plastic in the back cover. For the first time, recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten are also used in key internal components, and the retail packaging is completely plastic-free.
Colour choices add a bit of personality, with Pixel 10a available in Lavender, Berry, Fog and Obsidian, offering everything from understated to bold depending on your style.
BRIGHTER DISPLAY, BIGGER BATTERY
Up front, Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display that’s brighter than last year’s Pixel 9a, making it easier to see photos, videos and messages even in direct sunlight. The OLED panel supports a smooth refresh rate up to 120Hz, giving scrolling and animations a noticeably slick feel in everyday use.
Durability has also been stepped up. Pixel 10a is Google’s most rugged A-series phone yet, with IP68 water and dust resistance and upgraded Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protecting the display against everyday knocks, scratches and spills.
Battery life is another highlight. Google is quoting more than 30 hours of use, stretching up to an impressive 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled. Faster wired charging and Qi wireless charging support round things out, making Pixel 10a a practical option for people who want fewer battery-related compromises at this price point.
A CAMERA THAT PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT
Photography has always been a Pixel strength, and Pixel 10a looks to deliver one of the most capable camera systems you’ll find outside the flagship tier.
The dual-camera setup pairs a 48-megapixel main camera with a 13-megapixel ultrawide, supported by Google’s computational photography smarts. Features like Night Sight, Macro Focus, Astrophotography and Super Res Zoom mean the phone is just as comfortable shooting sunsets, close-ups or low-light scenes as it is everyday snaps.
New to the A-series is Camera Coach, which uses Gemini AI to analyse the scene and give real-time guidance on lighting and composition, helping casual photographers get better shots without needing to think about settings. Auto Best Take also makes group photos easier by combining multiple frames to ensure everyone looks their best from a single press of the shutter.
Editing photos is simpler too. With Google Photos, users can now edit images just by asking – typing or speaking what they want changed and letting AI do the heavy lifting. The popular Add Me feature has also been expanded to support both small and large group shots, so no one has to miss out on being in the photo anymore.
POWERED BY GOOGLE TENSOR AND GEMINI AI
At the heart of Pixel 10a is Google’s Tensor G4 processor, custom-built to power Pixel’s AI-first approach. This unlocks full access to Gemini, Google’s personal AI assistant, which can help with everything from planning outings and finding information to creative tasks and hands-free conversations via Gemini Live .
Other familiar Pixel features return as well, including Circle to Search, Call Screen, Hold for Me, live translation tools and built-in spam protection. Together, they’re designed to save time, reduce interruptions and make everyday phone use a little smoother.
LONG-TERM SUPPORT AND SAFETY FEATURES
One of Pixel 10a’s biggest strengths is longevity. Google is committing to seven years of OS updates, security updates and Pixel Drops, meaning the phone will continue to gain new features and protections well into the next decade.
Safety features are also front and centre. Pixel 10a includes Car Crash Detection, Crisis Alerts and real-time security protections, and for the first time on an A-series phone, a two-year trial of Satellite SOS is included. This allows users to contact emergency services even when they’re outside mobile or Wi-Fi coverage, adding an extra layer of reassurance for travel and outdoor adventures.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Pixel 10a is available for pre-order now through the Google Store and major Australian retailers including JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, The Good Guys and Telstra, with devices hitting shelves from 5 March for AU$849.00
CONCLUSION
Pixel 10a doesn’t try to be everything. Instead, it focuses on what most people actually care about: a great camera, strong battery life, meaningful AI features and long-term software support, all at a more approachable price than Google’s flagship phones.
