Pixel 10a Cuts Corners to Save Dollars

The Google Pixel 10a and Pixel 10 may look similar at first glance, but they have distinct differences in hardware and software. The Pixel 10a costs $499, while the Pixel 10 carries a $799 sticker. One of the main reasons for this price difference is the use of plastic instead of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back of the Pixel 10a.

The Pixel 10 also features a newer and more powerful processor, the Tensor G5, which runs 34% faster than the Tensor G4 found in the Pixel 10a. Additionally, the Pixel 10 has 12 GB of RAM compared to the Pixel 10a's 8 GB.

Other notable differences include the absence of a telephoto lens on the Pixel 10a, which allows for 5x optical zoom, and the lack of 10-bit HDR video recording. The Pixel 10 also has three microphones, allowing for Spatial Audio and Audio Zoom, whereas the Pixel 10a only has two.

The use of different materials and hardware components is a common practice in the industry, with many manufacturers offering 'a' or lower-end versions of their flagship devices at a lower price point. This trend is evident in other brands such as Nothing Phone 3a, which costs $379 and shares similarities with Samsung's A series.