Google's Pixel 10a: A Familiar Battery, But a New Charging Controversy.
The GSMArena Team's hands-on review on March 4, 2025, reveals a familiar yet improved battery setup in the Pixel 10a. With a 5100mAh battery, it matches the capacity of its predecessor, the Pixel 9a. But here's where it gets interesting: Google has managed to slightly boost the charging speed, allowing the 10a to charge at 30W (wired) and 10W (wireless), up from 23W and 7.5W on the 9a.
But don't get too excited yet. The faster charging speeds do reduce the overall charge time, but only by a mere ten minutes. So, if you were hoping for a quick-charging phone, this might not be it. The Pixel 10a still takes its sweet time to refuel, much like its older sibling.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the improvements, the Pixel 10a continues to snub Qi2 wireless charging, which is a bummer for those seeking magnetic charger compatibility. Your only option for magnetic charging is to invest in a case with a built-in magnet.
On a positive note, the 10a maintains the impressive battery life of the 9a, ensuring you can go about your day (or two) without worrying about running out of juice.
Now, let's talk speakers. The Pixel 10a and 9a share the same stereo speakers, but Google has tweaked the sound and volume settings, creating a noticeable difference. The 10a is louder for most of its volume range, especially in the middle, where it sounds significantly louder. However, this boost in loudness is achieved by redistributing the overall volume, and it doesn't hold up at maximum volume, where the 9a surprisingly takes the crown.
Google has also attempted to enhance the sound's bottom-end, but this comes at the expense of the mid-range, which is slightly less prominent on the 10a. This trade-off becomes evident at max volume, where the 9a's higher mids make it sound louder.
In terms of software, the Pixel 10a introduces spatial audio for speakers and connected audio devices, but it's not without limitations. It only works with apps that support Google's spatial audio implementation, excluding popular codecs like Dolby Atmos. Additionally, the Adaptive Sound feature seems to have disappeared, and a new noise suppression feature is mentioned but remains elusive.
So, is the Pixel 10a a worthy upgrade? That's a question for the readers. What do you think about the charging improvements and the ongoing Qi2 wireless charging debate? Share your thoughts below!
