It may be earlier than expected, but the Google Pixel 10a is already official and up for pre-order. The Pixel 10a looks strikingly similar to last year's Pixel 9a, and for some people, it may not even feel like much of an upgrade (including me).
As I mentioned recently, the Pixel 10a could be the smallest upgrade a Pixel A-series phone has seen in years.
That doesn't make the Pixel 10a a bad phone. It's still the best mid-range Pixel you can buy right now if you want access to Google's clean software and AI features. However, if you are shopping for a new smartphone, the Pixel 10a is not the only device you can get for $499. There are some seriously compelling alternatives out there.
If you're willing to look beyond the Pixel 10a, there are at least five phones that make a much stronger case for your money.
Google Pixel 9a
Believe it or not, the best phone you can buy instead of the Google Pixel 10a is actually Google's own Pixel 9a from last year. Moving from the Pixel 9a to the Pixel 10a should have brought some noticeable upgrades, or at least meaningful changes. But the Pixel 10a is virtually the same smartphone as the Pixel 9a.
There are a few small differences, like the Pixel 10a being 1mm thicker, which makes the camera sit even more flush with the rear frame. It also gets upgraded Gorilla Glass 7i protection on the front, a slightly brighter display, and marginally faster wired charging. Apart from these tweaks and the new color options, the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a are almost identical.
The Pixel 9a features the same Tensor G4 chip, the same 5100mAh battery, and the same dual-camera setup on the back. It runs the same Android version, Android 16, as the Pixel 10a. Yes, the Pixel 10a will likely receive one additional year of software updates, but that difference will not matter much in the short term.
Google may be offering several promotions on the Pixel 10a right now, but you can pick up the Pixel 9a for as low as $399 in the US. At that price, it is arguably the better deal compared to the Pixel 10a.
OnePlus 15R
When it comes to value-for-money smartphones, OnePlus cannot be ignored. While the company's R-series phones used to offer even stronger value in previous years, prices have gradually increased, almost near to its flagship lineup. That said, they're still solid mid-range devices and offer excellent value for money, especially when compared to the Pixel 10a.
The OnePlus 15R is the company's latest premium mid-range phone. Even though it starts at $699, which is $100 more than the 256GB variant of the Pixel 10a, it offers much stronger hardware and a better overall value package.
The OnePlus 15R is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. It is not the absolute flagship processor, but it delivers near-flagship performance. The phone comes with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage.
On the front, you get a large 6.83-inch AMOLED display with up to a 165Hz refresh rate, backed by a massive 7,400mAh battery with 80W charging support. Sure, it does not include all the AI-focused features of the Pixel 10a. There is no Pixel Screenshots app, no camera coaching features, and no similar AI-powered tools.
But if you value strong hardware and a clean software experience over AI extras, the OnePlus 15R is arguably the better deal.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
While the spotlight right now is on Samsung's new Galaxy S26 series, the Galaxy S25 FE remains an excellent mid-range option. It originally launched at $650, which is higher than the Pixel 10a's retail price, but you can now find it for close to $450, making it a very compelling alternative.
On the front, you get a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and stronger protection thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus+. It runs Android 16 out of the box and will likely receive One UI 8.5 soon, bringing several new Galaxy AI features.
On the back, you get an additional 3x telephoto lens, which makes zoom shots much easier. The Pixel 10a does not offer a telephoto lens at all.
While the battery is slightly smaller at 4,900mAh compared to the Pixel 10a, you do get faster 45W charging, whereas the Pixel 10a supports 30W. Overall, both phones are fairly similar, but if you value a dedicated telephoto camera, prefer One UI, and want a bigger display, the Galaxy S25 FE is a great option.
Moto Razr+ (2024)
Spending less than flagship money doesn't mean you cannot try a new form factor, and that is exactly what the Moto Razr+ (2024) offers. The Pixel 10a is a traditional slab smartphone, but the Razr+ 2024 comes in a flip-style foldable design that you usually see on higher-end devices.
Sure, it is a slightly older smartphone, but it still offers plenty of standout features along with a fun form factor to experiment with. The Razr+ 2024 features a 4-inch edge-to-edge cover display protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. When unfolded, it reveals a large 6.9-inch AMOLED inner display with a 165Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support.
It comes with a dual 50MP camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor with f/1.7 aperture and OIS, along with a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2x zoom. Like most clamshell foldables, you can use the primary camera for selfies, which delivers much better results than what you get on most mid-range phones, including the Pixel 10a.
Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. It may not be the latest processor, but considering you're paying mid-range prices for a clamshell foldable, performance will hold up just fine.
The only downside is software longevity. The Razr+ 2024 launched with Android 14 and is promised three major OS updates. That means after Android 16, only Android 17 remains.
If you prioritize long-term software support and AI features over the foldable experience, the Pixel 10a may be the safer choice. But if you want to try a new form factor without paying flagship prices, the Razr+ 2024 remains one of the most interesting options available.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
If you find the Pixel 10a a bit bland, a strong alternative to consider is the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro carries the brand's signature industrial design language along with Glyph LEDs on the back and a unique camera module that looks nothing like the Pixel 10a.
If you're drawn to the Pixel for its clean software experience, Nothing OS offers something similar. It is close to stock Android and feels lightweight and smooth. However, the phone launched with Android 15 and has already been updated to Android 16. Nothing is promising three major Android updates in total, which means only two more updates remain.
On the front, you get a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Compared to the Pixel 10a, it also includes a 50MP 3x telephoto lens and supports faster 50W wired charging. The main drawback, however, is U.S. carrier compatibility. The phone officially works with T-Mobile and AT&T, but some users have reported issues on Verizon networks.
Additionally, you may want to wait a week before making a decision, as the Nothing Phone 4a Pro is also expected to launch soon.
