Both Google and Apple have budget phones that promise a flagship-like experience without the flagship price tag. The Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e debate is a popular one, but comparing them head-to-head isn’t quite a fair fight since they run on completely different platforms. So instead of pitting them against each other, we thought it’d be more interesting to see how each stacks up against its own flagship sibling. The Pixel 10a gets compared to the Pixel 10, and the iPhone 16e gets sized up against the iPhone 17.
Performance
The Pixel 10a runs on Google’s Tensor G4, the same chip found across the entire Pixel 9 series. That’s a first for the A-series line. Google has never shipped a budget Pixel with a chip a full generation behind its flagships. The Pixel 10 uses the newer Tensor G5 with a faster CPU, better GPU headroom, and 12GB of RAM versus 8GB in the 10a. For everyday tasks you probably won’t notice much of a difference, but the Pixel 10 does unlock exclusive AI features like Magic Cue and Voice Translate with voice mimicry that the 10a simply can’t run.
On the Apple side, the iPhone 16e packs the A18 chip, the same processor in the standard iPhone 16. The iPhone 17 upgrades to the A19, which pulls ahead during longer gaming or creative sessions. The bigger win for the 16e though is software. Unlike the Pixel 10a, it supports the full Apple Intelligence suite, the same features available on the iPhone 17. You’re not missing out on any AI functionality by going with the cheaper model. Check out our iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 breakdown for more on how Apple’s chips compare.
Cameras
The Pixel 10a has a 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide, the same setup as the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 10 adds a 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom on top. That’s a meaningful upgrade if you shoot subjects at a distance. Without it, the 10a relies on digital zoom, which gets soft fast. For close and mid-range shots though, both phones should produce very similar results.
The iPhone 16e tells a similar story. It has a single 48MP Fusion camera with no ultrawide and no telephoto. The iPhone 17 adds a 48MP ultrawide and bumps the front camera from 12MP to 18MP with Center Stage. If you shoot a lot of wide scenes or group photos, the missing ultrawide on the 16e will sting. It’s the clearest hardware trade-off between the two Apple models.
Battery Life
Both budget phones actually hold their own here. The Pixel 10a has a 5,100mAh battery versus the Pixel 10’s 4,970mAh, and Google claims 30-plus hours of usage on both. Wired charging is the same at 30W. The main thing the 10a misses is Pixelsnap, Google’s Qi2 magnetic charging system. If you’ve already bought into that accessory ecosystem, that’s a frustrating omission. Our Pixel 10a pre-order coverage goes deeper on what’s missing.
The iPhone 16e actually has a larger battery than the iPhone 17 at 4,005mAh versus 3,692mAh, but Apple says the 17 still lasts longer thanks to the more efficient A19. Apple estimates 30 hours of video playback on the 17 versus 26 on the 16e. Charging is faster on the 17 as well, hitting 50% in around 20 minutes. The 16e also skips MagSafe, capping wireless charging at a slow 7.5W Qi.
Software
The Pixel 10a gets some Pixel 10 AI features like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take, but misses the more advanced tools that require the Tensor G5. The iPhone 16e has no such problem. Writing Tools, Visual Intelligence, Image Playground, and Genmoji are all there. Both budget phones get seven years of OS updates, so long-term support isn’t a concern on either side.
Price
This is where things get interesting. The Pixel 10a starts at $499, while the Pixel 10 launches at $799. That’s a $300 gap for a telephoto camera, newer chip, more RAM, and Pixelsnap. The iPhone 16e starts at $599, with the iPhone 17 coming in at $799, a $200 difference. For that extra $200, you get a second camera, a faster chip, MagSafe, and better battery life. On the Apple side, the flagship gap feels a bit easier to justify. Either way, if you want a closer look at how the Pixel 10a compares to its predecessor, we’ve got that covered too.
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, eSIM, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
- 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
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