6 modifications I hope Google makes to the Pixel 10a

As a large fan of the

Pixel 8a
final 12 months, I used to be very excited in regards to the launch of the

Pixel 9a
this 12 months, and it did not disappoint. It took every thing I beloved in regards to the 8a and made it even higher — resembling a quicker processor, greater battery, and a bigger show.

For $500, the Pixel 9a is undoubtedly the best mid-range phone in the marketplace, destroying its competitors within the discipline, such because the $600

iPhone 16e
. Whereas the Pixel 9a gives numerous worth for cash, there are some issues I believe Google can enhance on for subsequent 12 months’s launch, which can make the cellphone much more enticing to price range shoppers.

Whereas there aren’t many rumors surrounding the Pixel 10a simply but, listed here are a number of modifications I believe Google may 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 significantly better as a consequence of price, however I believe these modifications could be cheap 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 significantly 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 probably 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 significantly better at withstanding lengthy drops than Gorilla Glass 3.

Price is all the time 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 could be a win in my e book. It is time to depart Gorilla Glass 3 behind. Finances customers deserve reliable, fashionable glass screens as properly.

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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 consider many individuals would agree that its thick bezels are considerably of an eyesore. The Pixel 9a’s show will get rather a lot proper (like its OLED panel and 120Hz refresh charge), 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 could be preferable in the event that they have been slimmed down for the Pixel 10a, so it aligns extra intently with the Pixel 9. This is perhaps wishful pondering on my half as a result of cellphone’s price range 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 dimension. This 12 months, 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 dimension 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 quicker, which makes me consider that Google may act on this with out impeding the cellphone’s price. 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 truthful.

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3

Convey again the digicam bar

The Pixel 9’s digicam bar makes it distinct

One of many largest modifications to the Pixel 9a this 12 months is the elimination of the cellphone’s digicam bar. The Pixel 6a, 7a, and 8a have a really distinct digicam bar look. After I see them, a minimum of 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 could be good to see the digicam bar return for the Pixel 10a. Aesthetically, I consider it seems to be 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 will 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 12 months maintains the identical digicam design because the Pixel 9 sequence.

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2

Extra RAM, please

Give individuals 12GB of RAM Google

The Pixel 9a has 8GB of RAM, the identical because the Pixel 8a. It will be good to see Google enhance 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 devour RAM.

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

The Pixel 9a gives the identical seven-year software program replace assure as its flagship counterparts, so over time, that 8GB of RAM will turn out to be much more of a burden for the mid-range cellphone. If the Pixel 10a has 12GB of RAM, it could be higher outfitted for dealing with native AI duties, higher at multitasking, and general enhance the cellphone’s longevity.

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1

Add an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor

It’ll make the cellphone simpler to unlock

One among my favourite points 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 could 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, would not seize as a lot element, and struggles if the fingerprint is obscured by one thing (resembling water or dust) for the reason that digicam cannot learn it accurately.

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

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