Google Pixel 10a vs iPhone 16e: Which Should You Buy?
Two of the cheapest phones from the biggest brands, two very different paths: Android with the better camera, or iOS with longer support. Which one fits you?
If you are shopping for a phone around 400 euros, the choice usually comes down to two names: Google Pixel 10a and Apple iPhone 16e. Both are the most affordable models their makers sell, but the thinking behind them could not be more different. Here is how they compare and who each one suits.
Design and build
The Pixel 10a has an aluminium frame, a flat back with no camera bump, and IP68 protection against water and dust. The iPhone 16e is also aluminium, with Face ID and a USB-C port, but it drops the MagSafe magnets — so many wireless charging and mounting accessories will not attach. Both phones are compact and easy to use one-handed.
Display
This is where the gap shows. The Pixel 10a has a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and animations look smooth. The iPhone 16e sticks to a 6.1-inch OLED panel at just 60Hz, which in 2026 feels dated at this price. In daily use the Pixel screen simply looks more modern.
Camera
The main cameras are similar — a 48MP sensor that takes excellent photos in daylight on both. The difference is the second lens: the Pixel 10a adds a 13MP ultrawide, while the iPhone 16e makes do with a single lens and a digital 2x crop. If you shoot landscapes or group photos, the Pixel flexibility is obvious right away. Add to that Google image processing, long regarded as the best in this price bracket.
Performance and battery
The iPhone 16e runs the same A18 chip as the standard iPhone 16 — on raw speed it edges out the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 10a, especially in games. The Pixel hits back on battery: 5,100mAh against 4,005mAh in the iPhone. In practice the Pixel 10a lasts a full day with more room to spare, and both support wireless charging.
Price and value
In Lithuania and neighbouring countries the Google Pixel 10a starts from around 384 euros, while the Apple iPhone 16e starts from around 444 euros. The Pixel is both cheaper and better specified. The iPhone main advantage is seven years of software updates and access to the Apple ecosystem.
Verdict
For most buyers the Pixel 10a is the smarter pick: faster screen, dual camera, bigger battery and a lower price. Choose the iPhone 16e only if you already live in Apple devices or you value long, steady iOS support. If you want more power, it is worth looking at pricier smartphones too.
