Nokia X10 vs. Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Budget 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 5a 5G emerges as the superior choice. Its more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset, coupled with Google’s renowned camera processing, delivers a noticeably smoother and more capable experience, justifying its slightly higher price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Nokia X10 | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 31, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Splash protection | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 07 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | Zeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4470 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Forest, Snow | Mostly Black |
| Models | TA-1350, TA-1332 | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 150 EUR | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 122h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Nokia X10
- Lower price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- 5G connectivity offers future-proofed data speeds.
- Clean Android One software experience (likely, based on Nokia's history).
- Less powerful Snapdragon 480 chipset limits performance.
- Display likely lacks the brightness and color accuracy of the Pixel 5a 5G.
- Camera performance is expected to be inferior to the Pixel 5a 5G.
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G delivers smoother performance.
- Superior camera quality thanks to Google’s image processing.
- Brighter display enhances visibility in outdoor conditions.
- PD2.0 charging support offers greater charging flexibility.
- Higher price point compared to the Nokia X10.
- May not be significantly faster in everyday tasks for basic users.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 861 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Nokia X10. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both phones likely utilize OLED panels (based on the 'infinite' contrast ratio of the Pixel 5a 5G), the Pixel’s superior brightness is a clear advantage. The Nokia X10’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more standard panel without the advanced features found in higher-end devices.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, the Pixel 5a 5G benefits from Google’s exceptional computational photography. Although sensor details are missing for both, Google’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver excellent dynamic range, accurate colors, and impressive low-light performance. The Nokia X10, while capable, will likely struggle to match the Pixel’s image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of detailed camera specs for the X10 suggests a more basic camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Nokia X10 uses the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm), while the Pixel 5a 5G features the SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 7nm process node of the 765G is more efficient, and its CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core alongside 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores – offers a substantial performance uplift over the X10’s 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Pixel 5a 5G. The Snapdragon 765G also provides a more capable GPU for gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Nokia X10 and Google Pixel 5a 5G achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Pixel 5a 5G’s more efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset may contribute to slightly better real-world battery performance. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 5a 5G also supports PD2.0 (Power Delivery 2.0), potentially allowing for faster charging with compatible chargers. The lack of PD2.0 support on the X10 limits its charging flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia X10 if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and are comfortable with a more basic user experience. It’s a solid option for essential smartphone tasks. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you value camera quality, smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, and a guaranteed software update experience from Google, even if it means spending a bit more.