Google’s Pixel lineup continues to evolve, and if you’re currently using a Google Pixel 9a or considering an upgrade from any Pixel device, the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro promises some exciting improvements over the already impressive Pixel 9 Pro. While the Pixel 9 Pro earned recognition as one of the best smartphones of its generation, there’s always room for growth, especially when competing against other flagship devices.
Whether you’re a current Google Pixel 9a owner looking to step up to the Pro tier or someone weighing the differences between these flagship options, understanding what makes each generation special can help you make the right choice for your needs.
Why Performance Matters More Than Ever
The Reality Check on Current Pixel Performance
Let’s be honest about something many Pixel users have noticed: while Google phones excel in many areas, raw performance hasn’t always been their strongest suit. The Tensor chips that power Pixel devices, including the Google Pixel 9a, focus more on AI capabilities and computational photography than pure speed.
This approach works well for most daily tasks, but as mobile apps become more demanding and AI features require more processing power, the performance gap becomes noticeable. If you’re coming from a Google Pixel 9a, you might not feel this limitation as much since the a-series is designed for efficiency rather than peak performance.
What the Pixel 10 Pro Needs to Deliver
The upcoming Tensor G5 chipset in the Pixel 10 Pro should address these concerns with meaningful performance improvements. This doesn’t mean Google needs to chase benchmark scores, but the phone should handle intensive tasks smoothly—whether you’re editing 4K videos, running multiple apps simultaneously, or using demanding AR features.
For Google Pixel 9a users considering an upgrade, this performance boost could be the difference between a phone that feels adequate and one that feels truly flagship-worthy.
Charging Speed: Catching Up to 2025 Standards
The Current Charging Situation
One area where Pixel phones, including the Google Pixel 9a, have consistently lagged behind the competition is charging speed. The Pixel 9 Pro’s 27W charging feels particularly slow when compared to competitors offering 60W, 90W, or even faster charging speeds.
In practical terms, this means longer waiting times when you need to quickly top up your battery. While 30 minutes might give you around 55% charge on the Pixel 9 Pro, other flagship phones can achieve 80% or more in the same time frame.
Hope for Faster Charging
Recent rumors suggest the Pixel 10 Pro might jump to 60W charging, which would be a significant improvement. This upgrade would benefit not just those upgrading from the Pixel 9 Pro, but also Google Pixel 9a users who are accustomed to even slower charging speeds in the mid-range segment.
Fast charging isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reducing anxiety around battery life and making your phone more reliable when you need it most.
Keeping Cool Under Pressure
The Overheating Challenge
Temperature management has been a recurring issue across multiple Pixel generations. Many users, whether they own a Pixel 9 Pro or Google Pixel 9a, have experienced their phones getting uncomfortably warm during intensive tasks like photography in bright sunlight or extended gaming sessions.
This isn’t just about comfort—overheating can throttle performance, reduce battery lifespan, and even cause the phone to temporarily shut down certain features. For a device positioned as a premium camera phone, having it overheat during outdoor photography sessions is particularly problematic.
Solutions on the Horizon
The Pixel 10 Pro needs better thermal management, whether through improved internal cooling systems, more efficient chip design, or smarter software that prevents overheating before it becomes problematic. This improvement would benefit the overall user experience, making the phone more reliable during demanding tasks.
Storage: Starting Where Others End
The 128GB Problem
Starting a $999 flagship phone with just 128GB of storage feels outdated in 2025. Many users, especially those upgrading from devices like the Google Pixel 9a, expect more generous storage at flagship prices. With 4K video recording, high-resolution photos, and increasingly large apps, 128GB fills up quickly.
The situation becomes more frustrating when you consider that competitors often provide 256GB as their base storage option at similar price points. This puts Pixel users in the uncomfortable position of either paying extra for adequate storage or constantly managing their storage space.
A Simple Fix with Big Impact
Doubling the base storage to 256GB would be one of the easiest ways for the Pixel 10 Pro to provide clear value over its predecessor. This change would particularly appeal to Google Pixel 9a users considering an upgrade, as it would represent a significant storage increase along with the other Pro-tier benefits.
What This Means for Different Users
For Current Google Pixel 9a Owners
If you’re happy with your Google Pixel 9a and primarily use your phone for everyday tasks like messaging, social media, and casual photography, the Pixel 10 Pro might feel like overkill. However, if you’ve been feeling limited by performance, storage, or charging speed, the improvements could make the upgrade worthwhile.
For Pixel 9 Pro Users
Current Pixel 9 Pro owners might find the upgrades incremental rather than revolutionary. Unless the performance improvements are substantial or you’re frequently frustrated by charging speeds and overheating, waiting for the Pixel 11 series might be more sensible.
For New Buyers
If you’re new to the Pixel ecosystem or upgrading from a much older device, both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro offer excellent experiences. The decision might come down to pricing and which specific improvements matter most to your usage patterns.
The Bigger Picture
These potential improvements in the Pixel 10 Pro reflect Google’s ongoing effort to position Pixel phones as true iPhone and Samsung Galaxy competitors. While Pixel devices have always excelled in software experience and computational photography, addressing hardware limitations makes them more appealing to a broader audience.
For users across the Pixel lineup—from Google Pixel 9a owners to Pixel 9 Pro users—these improvements represent Google’s commitment to delivering flagship experiences that don’t compromise on any major aspect of smartphone usage.
The smartphone market is more competitive than ever, and incremental improvements in areas like performance, charging, thermal management, and storage can make the difference between a good phone and a great one. As we wait for the official Pixel 10 Pro announcement, these areas represent the most obvious opportunities for Google to deliver meaningful upgrades that users will actually notice and appreciate in their daily lives.