Google’s Pixel A-series has always been a fantastic mid-range option, offering flagship-level software and camera performance at a more affordable price. The Pixel 8a is already shaping up to be a solid device, and the Pixel 9a will likely follow suit. However, despite the usual appeal of the A-series, I’ve decided to hold off and wait for the Pixel 10 instead. Here’s why.
1. The Tensor G5 Could Be a Game-Changer
Google’s Tensor chips have been good but not groundbreaking. The Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 series improved efficiency and AI capabilities, but it still lagged behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw performance.
Rumors suggest that the Tensor G5 (expected in the Pixel 10) will be Google’s first fully custom chip, moving away from Samsung’s Exynos-based architecture. This shift could mean:
- Better performance (closing the gap with Snapdragon)
- Improved efficiency (longer battery life, less overheating)
- More advanced AI features (Google’s true strength)
If Google nails the Tensor G5, the Pixel 10 could finally compete with the best Android flagships in both power and efficiency.
2. Major Camera Upgrades Are Coming
Google’s computational photography is unmatched, but the hardware hasn’t changed much in years. The Pixel 9a will likely reuse the same sensors as the Pixel 8a, which are good but not revolutionary.
The Pixel 10, however, is rumored to bring:
- A new primary sensor (possibly a larger sensor for better low-light shots)
- Upgraded ultrawide and telephoto lenses (better zoom capabilities)
- More advanced AI processing (real-time HDR+, even better Night Sight)
If Google pairs its software magic with cutting-edge hardware, the Pixel 10 could set a new standard for smartphone photography.
3. The Pixel 10 Might Finally Have a Modern Design
The Pixel 6, 7, and 8 all share a similar design language—thick camera bars and rounded edges. The Pixel 9 series is expected to introduce a flat-edged design (similar to the iPhone), but the Pixel 10 could take it further with:
- Thinner bezels (possibly an under-display camera)
- A more premium build (titanium frame?)
- New color options (Google’s Material You aesthetic taken up a notch)
The Pixel 9a will likely stick to a plastic build and a dated look, while the Pixel 10 could be Google’s first truly premium-feeling phone.
4. Longer Software Support (Possibly 7 Years)
The Pixel 8 series set a new benchmark with 7 years of OS updates, but the Pixel 9a might not get the same treatment. Historically, the A-series gets fewer updates than the flagship Pixels.
If the Pixel 10 follows the Pixel 8’s lead (or extends support even further), it’ll be a much better long-term investment. Seven years of updates means the Pixel 10 could still be getting new features in 2031—something the Pixel 9a almost certainly won’t match.
5. Better Battery Life & Charging Speeds
Pixel phones have never been battery champions. The Pixel 9a will likely have decent battery life, but efficiency improvements with the Tensor G5 could make the Pixel 10 a true all-day (or even two-day) phone.
We might also see:
- Faster wired charging (finally beyond 30W?)
- Improved wireless charging (reverse charging for accessories)
- More efficient display tech (LPTO for adaptive refresh rates)
The Pixel 10 could finally fix one of the biggest complaints about Pixel phones—battery longevity.
6. Next-Gen AI Features We Haven’t Even Seen Yet
Google’s AI advancements are the biggest reason to stick with Pixels. The Pixel 9a will have great AI tools (Call Screen, Magic Editor, etc.), but the Pixel 10 will likely introduce entirely new capabilities, such as:
- On-device Gemini Nano with more features (real-time translation, smarter Assistant)
- Advanced photo/video editing (AI-generated backgrounds, better video stabilization)
- Smarter automation (predictive app launching, context-aware notifications)
Google is betting big on AI, and the Pixel 10 will be the culmination of those efforts.
7. The Pixel 10 Could Be Google’s True “iPhone Killer”
Let’s be honest—Pixel phones have always been great but never quite reached the level of iPhones or Samsung’s best in terms of polish, performance, and ecosystem integration.
The Pixel 10 might change that. With:
- A fully custom Tensor chip (no more Exynos limitations)
- A refined design (premium materials, slimmer bezels)
- Industry-leading AI (features no other phone can match)
- Longer software support than any Android rival
This could be the phone that finally makes people say, “Why would I buy an iPhone when the Pixel does it better?”
Final Verdict: Patience Will Pay Off
The Pixel 9a will be a great phone—no doubt. But if you can wait, the Pixel 10 has the potential to be Google’s best phone ever, fixing many of the long-standing issues with Pixel devices while pushing AI and performance to new heights.
Unless you absolutely need a new phone right now, holding out for the Pixel 10 could be the smarter move. The jump from Tensor G3 to G5, the possible camera upgrades, and the refined design make it worth the wait.
