Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
Google Pixel 10a (#1, best overall) vs Samsung Galaxy A37 5G (#2): in our Budget Smartphones scoring the Google Pixel 10a totals 9.5/10 and the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G 8.4/10, the Google Pixel 10a leading on Camera Quality and Value.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Google Pixel 10a | Samsung Galaxy A37 5G | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3" OLED, 2424x1080, 120Hz, 3,000 nits | 6.7" Super AMOLED, 2340x1080, 120Hz, 1,900 nits peak |
| Processor | Tensor G4 | Exynos 1480 (4nm) |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 5,100mAh, 30W charging | 5,000mAh, 45W charging |
| Weight | 183g | 196g |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our budget smartphones scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Google Pixel 10a and the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G made our Top 5 Budget Smartphones, at #1 (best overall) and #2. The Pixel 9a's successor keeps everything reviewers loved (the 48MP camera, 7 years of updates) and adds a 3,000-nit display and 5,100mAh battery that lasted 16.5 hours in Tom's Guide testing. Android Authority calls it 'the best $500 you can spend on a new phone,' and with Pixel 9a stock winding down it's the clear budget pick. Samsung's 2026 mid-ranger, sold by Amazon.com itself: a 6.7" 120Hz Super AMOLED rated for 1,900 nits peak, Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, IP68, 45W wired charging and 6 years of OS and security updates. It lasted 29 hours 10 minutes in Engadget's video rundown, slightly longer than the Pixel 10a's 28 hours, but Engadget still preferred the Pixel's image quality and AI features, and Google promises 7 years of updates to Samsung's 6, which keeps the A37 in second. It ranks above the Galaxy A36 because its Exynos 1480 posts roughly 15% higher published Geekbench 6 scores (about 1,150 single-core and 3,450 multi-core versus 1,000 and 2,900), it upgrades to IP68, and it ran about two hours longer in Tech Advisor's PCMark battery test.
We score budget smartphones on Value (30%), Camera Quality (25%), Performance (20%), Software Support (15%) and Battery Life (10%). On that basis the Google Pixel 10a totals 9.5 out of 10 and the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G 8.4. The widest gap is Camera Quality, where the Google Pixel 10a scores 9 against 7.5 for the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G: photo and video. Value also separates them: 10 for the Google Pixel 10a versus 9 for the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Display: 6.3" OLED, 2424x1080, 120Hz, 3,000 nits on the Google Pixel 10a versus 6.7" Super AMOLED, 2340x1080, 120Hz, 1,900 nits peak on the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G; Processor: Tensor G4 on the Google Pixel 10a versus Exynos 1480 (4nm) on the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G; RAM: 8GB on the Google Pixel 10a versus 6GB/8GB on the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G; Battery: 5,100mAh, 30W charging on the Google Pixel 10a versus 5,000mAh, 45W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G; Weight: 183g on the Google Pixel 10a versus 196g on the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G. They match on Storage.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Google Pixel 10a for 3,000-nit display brightest in class and 7 years updates through 2033; the most common complaint is same Tensor G4 as Pixel 9a, not the newer G5. Owners praise the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G for 6 years of OS and security updates and IP68 dust and water resistance, up from the Galaxy A36's IP67; the most common complaint is exynos 1480 is the 2024 Galaxy A55's chip, and Tech Advisor saw lag when switching apps.
Google Pixel 10a
- 3,000-nit display brightest in class
- 7 years updates through 2033
- Proven 48MP camera with Camera Coach and Magic Editor
- 5,100mAh battery rated 30+ hours
- Same Tensor G4 as Pixel 9a, not the newer G5
- No telephoto lens
- 30W charging still modest
Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
- 6 years of OS and security updates
- IP68 dust and water resistance, up from the Galaxy A36's IP67
- Lasted 29 hours 10 minutes in Engadget's video rundown and 13 hours 36 minutes in Tech Advisor's PCMark battery test, about two hours more than the A36
- 45W wired charging, faster than the Pixel 10a's 30W
- Exynos 1480 is the 2024 Galaxy A55's chip, and Tech Advisor saw lag when switching apps
- Plastic frame, where the pricier Galaxy A57 uses aluminum
- Weak 8MP ultrawide and 5MP macro cameras, with no telephoto
Which should you buy?
The Google Pixel 10a is the better fit for value seekers and photography on a budget; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Camera Quality and Value. The Samsung Galaxy A37 5G is the better fit for samsung ecosystem users on a budget and buyers who want IP68 and long battery life. The Google Pixel 10a is a poor fit for pixel 9a owners looking to upgrade; the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G is a poor fit for heavy gamers and multitaskers.
Choose the Google Pixel 10a if
- Value seekers
- Photography on a budget
- Long-term Android users
Skip it if
- Pixel 9a owners looking to upgrade
- Zoom photography needs
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G if
- Samsung ecosystem users on a budget
- Buyers who want IP68 and long battery life
- Long-term phone keepers
Skip it if
- Heavy gamers and multitaskers
- MicroSD expansion needs
Common questions
Is the Google Pixel 10a better than the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G?
In our Budget Smartphones ranking the Google Pixel 10a scores higher overall, 9.5 to 8.4, with the biggest advantage in Camera Quality. The Samsung Galaxy A37 5G does not out-score it on any criterion we weigh.
What is the main difference between the Google Pixel 10a and the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G?
The headline spec difference is Display: 6.3" OLED, 2424x1080, 120Hz, 3,000 nits on the Google Pixel 10a versus 6.7" Super AMOLED, 2340x1080, 120Hz, 1,900 nits peak on the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G. In use, the gap that matters most is Camera Quality (9 vs 7.5 in our scoring): photo and video.