6 adjustments I hope Google makes to the Pixel 10a

As a large fan of the

Pixel 8a
final yr, I used to be very excited concerning the launch of the

Pixel 9a
this yr, and it did not disappoint. It took all the pieces I cherished concerning the 8a and made it even higher — corresponding to a sooner processor, greater battery, and a bigger show.

For $500, the Pixel 9a is undoubtedly the best mid-range phone available on the market, destroying its competitors within the subject, such because the $600

iPhone 16e
. Whereas the Pixel 9a provides a number of worth for cash, there are some issues I believe Google can enhance on for subsequent yr’s launch, which can make the cellphone much more enticing to funds customers.

Whereas there aren’t many rumors surrounding the Pixel 10a simply but, listed here are just a few adjustments I believe Google might make to the cellphone to construct upon the success of the Pixel 9a. I perceive {that a} $500 mid-range cellphone can solely get so a lot better attributable to value, however I believe these adjustments can be affordable to anticipate for a possible $500 Pixel 10a in 2026.

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6

Improved Corning show glass

A glass improve is lengthy overdue

The Pixel 9a makes use of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which Corning first launched in 2013. Whereas it’s pretty scratch-resistant and sturdy, it may very well be a lot better, and it is lastly time for Google’s mid-range handset to obtain a much-needed glass improve. By the point the Pixel 10a presumably launches in 2026, Gorilla Glass 3 will likely be 13 years previous.

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional each characteristic Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, launched by Corning in 2022. It’s newer, considerably stronger, exceptionally scratch-resistant, and a lot better at withstanding lengthy drops than Gorilla Glass 3.

Value is at all times on my thoughts with the Pixel A sequence, so even when Google opted for Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 1, which got here out in 2020, I’d view that as a win. Any glass that’s newer, more durable, and extra sturdy for the Pixel 10a can be a win in my ebook. It is time to go away Gorilla Glass 3 behind. Finances customers deserve reliable, fashionable glass screens as effectively.

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5

Sleeker display screen bezels

The Pixel 9a’s bezels are an eyesore

Staying on the Pixel 9a’s show, I imagine many individuals would agree that its thick bezels are considerably of an eyesore. The Pixel 9a’s show will get lots proper (like its OLED panel and 120Hz refresh price), so I will not harp on the bezels an excessive amount of, however I do really feel that is one space the place the iPhone 16e and the

OnePlus 13R
have a bonus over the Pixel 9a.

In all equity, you do not discover the bezels as a lot over time. Nevertheless, aesthetically, it might be preferable in the event that they have been slimmed down for the Pixel 10a, so it aligns extra carefully with the Pixel 9. This is perhaps wishful pondering on my half as a result of cellphone’s funds nature, however I can dream, even when it is only a millimeter.

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4

Faster charging speeds

The Pixel 9a’s battery is spectacular, however the charging velocity is not

Google has outdone itself with the Pixel 9a’s battery measurement. This yr, the corporate packed a 5,100mAh battery into the Pixel 9a, the most important battery in a Pixel cellphone but, surpassing the Pixel 9 Professional XL’s 5,060mAh battery.

Clearly, battery measurement is not a difficulty. Nevertheless, charging speeds are. The Pixel 9a’s wired charging velocity is 23 watts, and its wi-fi charging solely pulls a meager 7.5 watts. The Pixel 9, which has a 4,700mAh battery, has a 27-watt wired charging velocity and as much as 15 watts of wi-fi charging if paired with Google’s Pixel Stand 2 wi-fi charger.

The Pixel 10a would profit from an elevated charging velocity much like the Pixel 9. Admittedly, it isn’t that a lot sooner, which makes me imagine that Google might act on this with out impeding the cellphone’s value. The mid-range OnePlus 13R, which is $600, has a wired charging velocity of as much as 80 watts, so asking Google for as much as 27 watts on the Pixel 10a appears honest.

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3

Carry again the digicam bar

The Pixel 9’s digicam bar makes it distinct

One of many largest adjustments to the Pixel 9a this yr is the elimination of the cellphone’s digicam bar. The Pixel 6a, 7a, and 8a have a really distinct digicam bar look. Once I see them, not less than in my eyes, I instantly acknowledge them as Pixel smartphones; the Pixel 9a simply is not the identical with its new flat digicam design.

I perceive the advantages of the Pixel 9a’s new digicam design, such because it being simpler to pocket and lie flat on a desk. Nevertheless, as controversial as this can be, I genuinely suppose it might be good to see the digicam bar return for the Pixel 10a. Aesthetically, I imagine it appears to be like higher and would give the Pixel 10a its distinctive identification again. The Pixel 9a’s flat digicam design makes the cellphone look a bit like a generic, boring slab.

It might be good to see some variation of the Pixel 9’s digicam bar on the Pixel 10a, particularly if the

Pixel 10 series
later this yr maintains the identical digicam design because the Pixel 9 sequence.

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2

Extra RAM, please

Give folks 12GB of RAM Google

The Pixel 9a has 8GB of RAM, the identical because the Pixel 8a. It might be good to see Google improve it to 12GB of RAM for the Pixel 10a, particularly for the reason that firm is more likely to proceed pushing extra Gemini AI options that may eat RAM.

The Pixel 9a’s 8GB of RAM already presents some limitations for the cellphone, corresponding to the shortcoming to make use of the Pixel Screenshots app out there on the Pixel 9 and 9 Professional, which is powered by an area Gemini AI mannequin that eats up sources.

The Pixel 9a provides the identical seven-year software program replace assure as its flagship counterparts, so over time, that 8GB of RAM will change into much more of a burden for the mid-range cellphone. If the Pixel 10a has 12GB of RAM, it might be higher geared up for dealing with native AI duties, higher at multitasking, and total enhance the cellphone’s longevity.

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1

Add an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor

It’s going to make the cellphone simpler to unlock

Considered one of my favourite facets of the Pixel 9 is its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. In comparison with the optical fingerprint sensor discovered within the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 8a, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors are way more dependable for unlocking telephones in low-light environments, in addition to when your fingers are moist or soiled, and it might be handy to have on the Pixel 10a.

An optical fingerprint sensor makes use of a specialised digicam to seize a picture of your fingerprint to unlock the cellphone. It is cheaper, does not seize as a lot element, and struggles if the fingerprint is obscured by one thing (corresponding to water or grime) for the reason that digicam cannot learn it appropriately.

In distinction, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors use inaudible sound pulses to scan your fingerprint. They seize the print in larger element, recording all its ridges, and can be utilized in darkish environments and with moist or soiled fingers. Ultrasonic fingerprint readers are dearer to implement than optical fingerprint sensors, so this can be one other far-fetched dream. Nonetheless, I imagine Google might pull it off on a $500 Pixel 10a if it needed to.

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