This Thursday, Google will release the new Pixel 10a, the most affordable version of its smartphone line for $499, following Apple's announcement of the iPhone 17e this week for $599. At first glance, the model closely resembles the previous version, the Pixel 9a, but as EFE was able to confirm, the new model has completely eliminated the protrusion of the rear camera, allowing the dual cameras to be fully aligned with the back. This enables the phone to be placed flat on a surface without the cameras getting in the way. Despite this slimmer profile, the company has managed to maintain a 5,100 mAh battery and improve the wired charging speed to 30W. Unlike in previous years, where the 'a' series inherited the latest processor from the more expensive models, Google has opted to keep the Tensor G4 chip — the same as last year's — instead of using the Tensor G5 chip from the Pixel 10. The new model, which also comes with 8GB of RAM and a base 128GB of storage, is not very different from the Pixel 9a's design, except for a screen that is 10% brighter, reaching peaks of 3,000 nits, and the incorporation of Gorilla Glass 7i, which is more resistant than the previous model, among other minor changes. Google is betting on AI. For this new model, Google has bet on the optimization of artificial intelligence (AI). 'The Pixel 10a is the only phone in its category that offers the Pixel camera experience and Google's AI features for under $500,' the company highlighted at a press conference prior to the launch. In the photographic section, just like the Pixel 10, the dual camera system relies on Gemini AI for functions like 'Camera Coach,' which advises on lighting and composition, and 'Include Me,' a tool that intelligently adds people to already-taken group photos. As a major security novelty, the Pixel 10a introduces in certain regions the 'Satellite SOS' service, which allows contacting emergency services via satellite connectivity when there is no mobile coverage. The device will hit the market in four colors: lavender, raspberry, mist gray, and obsidian, and maintains a weight of 183 grams. Apple also enters the budget phone market. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17e will be available starting Wednesday, March 11, with pre-orders starting today. This new phone is 'built to last,' with a 'robust yet lightweight design,' and features the A19 chip and a C1X modem, which, according to Apple in a press release, offer 'greater speed and energy efficiency compared to the previous generation.' It also incorporates a 48-megapixel Fusion camera with a 2x telephoto lens, allowing for photos and videos in 4K, as well as advanced portrait features. The device also allows for the use of satellite-based features such as Emergency SOS and Messages, useful in areas without mobile coverage. 'The iPhone 17e combines powerful performance with features designed for users, with a durable design and capabilities that enable working and creating more efficiently,' states Kaiann Drance, Apple's Vice President of iPhone Marketing, in the press release.
