Google Pixel 6a vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Comparing these phones reveals a significant generational gap, as the Galaxy Note 10+ launched in 2019 while the Pixel 6a arrived in 2021. Samsung's Note 10+ boasts superior display specs with a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen at 1440p resolution and 1200 nits brightness, plus a more versatile camera system featuring telephoto and depth sensors with 12GB RAM. However, the Pixel 6a compensates with Google's custom Tensor chip delivering exceptional computational photography, cleaner Android 12 software, IP67 water resistance, and modern 5G connectivity at half the price. Battery capacities are comparable, though Samsung offers faster 45W charging and wireless PowerShare. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing software updates and camera intelligence, the Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Those needing premium hardware features and larger displays should consider the Note 10+, though at its age, long-term support becomes questionable.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 6a if…
- →Same Tensor chip as Pixel 6 at $449
- →Excellent computational photography
- →Five years of security updates
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ if…
- →S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- →Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- →45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 6a
Pros
- Same Tensor chip as Pixel 6 at $449
- Excellent computational photography
- Five years of security updates
- Compact and lightweight design
- Clean stock Android experience
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated
- Slow 18W charging
- No wireless charging
- Only 128 GB storage option
- 12.2 MP camera hardware behind Pixel 6
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Pros
- S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- 45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
- 12 GB RAM handles multitasking effortlessly
- Versatile quad-camera system with ToF depth sensor
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors were moving to high refresh rates
- No headphone jack — a first for the Note series
- Exynos variant has weaker GPU performance than Snapdragon
- Glass back is slippery and fragile without a case
- Samsung software updates have ended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 6a | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 178 g | 196 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Depth | — | VGA ToF 3D sensor |
| Telephoto | — | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4410 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz + 2x2.25 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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