Google Pixel 7a vs Samsung Galaxy S10
The Verdict
Google Pixel 7a offers better value at $499, featuring the superior Tensor G2 chip, newer Android 13, and a sharper 90Hz OLED display with 1400 nits brightness versus the Galaxy S10's 60Hz 1200-nit panel. Pixel 7a's 4385mAh battery also outlasts S10's 3400mAh capacity, and computational photography capabilities are significantly more advanced. Samsung Galaxy S10 remains a capable flagship with its quad-camera system including 2x telephoto lens and higher 1440p resolution, but at $899 it's dated technology from 2019 running Android 9. The S10 does offer faster 15W wireless charging and slimmer 7.8mm profile. For most users, Pixel 7a delivers flagship performance with modern software, excellent cameras, and superior everyday experience at nearly half the price. Galaxy S10 appeals only to those needing the telephoto lens and don't mind older software. Pixel 7a is the clear recommendation.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 7a if…
- →Flagship Tensor G2 chip at mid-range price
- →64 MP main camera greatly improved over Pixel 6a
- →Five years of OS and security updates
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 if…
- →Triple camera system with ultrawide
- →Headphone jack and microSD slot
- →Beautiful Dynamic AMOLED display
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 7a
Pros
- Flagship Tensor G2 chip at mid-range price
- 64 MP main camera greatly improved over Pixel 6a
- Five years of OS and security updates
- Wireless charging added vs previous generation
- Compact and easy to use one-handed
Cons
- Only one storage option (128 GB)
- Slow 18W wired charging
- Plastic back feels less premium than glass
- No telephoto camera
- 90Hz capped (not adaptive)
Samsung Galaxy S10
Pros
- Triple camera system with ultrawide
- Headphone jack and microSD slot
- Beautiful Dynamic AMOLED display
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Compact and lightweight at 157 g
Cons
- 60Hz display
- Slow 15W wired charging
- No 5G support
- Ultrasonic fingerprint unreliable with screen protectors
- Moderate 3400 mAh battery
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 7a | Samsung Galaxy S10 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 | Android 9, One UI 1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 193.5 g | 157 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 6 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm | 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, dual aperture, OIS |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/1.9 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4385 mAh | 3400 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W (Qi) | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1400 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.78 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MP7 | Adreno 640 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
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.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Google Pixel 7a or the Samsung Galaxy S10.