Google Pixel 10a Struggles to Find Fans in Latest Reader Poll

Last week, we asked our readers whether they had any interest in buying a Pixel 10a – the answer is a resounding “no”. The majority of voters think there are better mid-rangers on the market. The best thing that we can say based on these results is that around a third of voters think that the 10a isn’t a bad phone, it’s just overpriced. Which is bad.

Jokes aside, there was a similar attitude in the 9a poll a year earlier, but people warmed up to the 9a over time – or rather as the price cuts came in. So, maybe there is hope for the new model.

One good reason to jump on the Google Pixel 10a now is if you use a Garmin, SPOT or other satellite communication device. Not needing a separate device (and the subscription that comes with it) makes a lot of financial sense. But then a Pixel 9 has the satellite SOS feature too – and so does the Pixel 10.

We saw plenty of jokes that called this phone the “Pixel 9b”. Indeed, the 10a lacks one of the defining features of the Pixel 10 series – the 10a still uses the old Samsung-made Tensor G4 chipset. Two defining features, actually, since the 10a doesn’t support Pixelsnap magnetic accessories.

Future price cuts may shift the balance, but right now finding a Pixel 10 at the same price as a Pixel 10a isn’t that difficult. And it’s clear which is the better phone.

It gets even worse once you consider the wider mid-range market outside of Google’s own stable. Some people value the Pixel software experience enough to stick with Google, but even for them the 10a isn’t their first pick.

The Google Pixel 10a launched with a €549/£499 price tag for the 128GB model, but our readers clearly aren't convinced it represents good value. The phone's biggest weakness appears to be its use of the older Tensor G4 chipset, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to both the standard Pixel 10 and competing mid-range devices from other manufacturers.

What's particularly telling is the comparison to last year's Pixel 9a launch. When that device debuted, it faced similar skepticism from our readers. However, as prices dropped over time, more people warmed to the idea of purchasing it. This suggests the Pixel 10a might follow the same trajectory – it's not necessarily a bad phone, just one that's currently priced above its perceived value.

For those considering the Pixel 10a, there's one compelling use case: if you already use satellite communication devices like Garmin or SPOT for outdoor activities, the built-in satellite SOS feature could eliminate the need for a separate device and subscription. However, this advantage disappears when you consider that the standard Pixel 10 also includes satellite SOS functionality.

The "Pixel 9b" nickname circulating online highlights another issue – the 10a feels more like a warmed-over Pixel 9a than a true successor. Beyond the older chipset, it also lacks support for Pixelsnap magnetic accessories, which debuted with the Pixel 10 series. These omissions make it harder to justify the phone's positioning as part of the Pixel 10 lineup.

Market dynamics aren't helping either. At launch, finding a Pixel 10 at the same price as a Pixel 10a wasn't difficult, and the choice between them seems obvious. When you factor in the broader mid-range Android market, the Pixel 10a's appeal diminishes further. Even dedicated fans of Google's software experience seem to be looking elsewhere for their mid-range needs.

This poll result reflects a broader trend we're seeing in the smartphone market, where mid-range devices face intense competition and consumers have become increasingly discerning about value propositions. The Pixel 10a's struggle suggests Google may need to rethink its mid-range strategy, perhaps by offering more significant upgrades or adjusting pricing to better match the phone's capabilities.

The question now is whether price cuts will eventually make the Pixel 10a more attractive, as happened with its predecessor. For now, though, our readers have spoken – and they're not rushing to buy Google's latest mid-range offering.