Advanced Plus Security TuxTalk - Google Pixel 10a

Last updated
Sep 16, 2026
Mobile brand
Google Pixel
Mobile model
Pixel 10a
Phone OS
Android
Phone OS version
17
Phone OS Support status
Supported - Able to receive updates for OS and security
Phone OS Updates status
Automatic updates
Google Play Protect settings
    • Scan apps with Play Protect
    • Improve harmful app detection
    • Permissions for unused apps to be removed
Google Play system update
Jan 7, 2026
App store(s)
    • Google Play Store
App updates
Auto-update on any connection
Phone unlock
Password (high security)
Biometric security
    • Fingerprint(s)
    • Other biometrics
SIM PIN and Card Lock
    • Lock SIM card with a PIN
Stolen Device Protection
On
Tracker Protection
    • Unknown Tracker Alerts (Android)
    • AirGuard - AirTag Protection for Android
Find my Phone
    • Find My Device (Google)
Security & Privacy Apps
ESET Mobile Security
Firewall & VPN Apps
NordVPN
Browser
Brave
Chrome
Password manager
Proton Pass
Authenticator
Google Authenticator
Phone & Caller ID
Caller and Spam Identification by Google
Messaging
Whatsapp
Messenger ( RCS )
Music & Podcasts
Spotify
Photo & Video
Google Photos
Entertainment
None
Note-taking
Google Keep
Cloud storage
Google Drive
Games
Gladly NO
Android launcher
Stock Pixel Launcher
File and Photo backup
Google Photos
Google Drive
Google One Premium 5TB
Subscriptions
    • Google One Premium 2TB
Notable changes
Switched back to this phone from my Xiaomi 17T Pro
What I'm looking for?

Looking for medium feedback.

TuxTalk

Level 21
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Nov 9, 2022
1,031
4,655
1,969
Parting ways with the Xiaomi 17T Pro — back to the Pixel 10a

After spending a short while daily-driving the Xiaomi 17T Pro, I’ve decided to pack it up and go straight back to my trusty Pixel 10a.

The 17T Pro is impressive on paper, but in real-world use, a few things made this an easy call:

  • Form factor & everyday carry: The size of the Pixel 10a just fits my hand and pocket far better. I found myself naturally picking it up way more often than the Xiaomi.
  • HyperOS vs. Clean Android: HyperOS looks slick on the surface, but it’s simply not for me. There is too much pre-installed bloat out of the box, and frankly, I am far too lazy to sit down with ADB commands just to strip out unwanted system apps.
  • Software support & updates: This was the real dealbreaker. Buying a brand-new release only to wait ages for Android 17 feels backwards, especially when Pixels are already cruising along on their second major version bump.
The Xiaomi was a fun test run, but reliable updates, manageable dimensions, and a clean OS win out every time. Total no-brainer for me. I already have a buyer lined up at a solid price, so the Xiaomi goes out the door this Saturday!
 
The Google Pixel 10a uses the TITAN M2 security coprocessor.

Key Functions of the Titan M2
    • Encryption Vault: It safely stores your lock screen PIN, pattern, and encryption keys.
    • Verified Boot: It checks the operating system during startup to make sure the software is genuine and untampered.
    • Rollback Prevention: It stops attackers from installing older, vulnerable versions of the software.
    • Biometric Protection: It adds a secure hardware layer for your fingerprint and face unlock data.

Hardware Pairing
The Titan M2 works alongside the main processor. The phone is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip, which includes an extra Tensor Security Core to scan for malicious activity in real time. You can review the full hardware details on the Google Play Store.
 
Last edited: