Advanced Plus Security TuxTalk - Google Pixel 10a

[TuxTalk]

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!

 

[TuxTalk]

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.

 

[oldschool]

If you want to ramp up security even more, install GrapheneOS with its available security preview releases and other features. No bloat, no AI, no BS.

 

[TuxTalk]

If you want to ramp up security even more, install GrapheneOS with its available security preview releases and other features. No bloat, no AI, no BS.

No thanks, i want to keep it stock Android. I dont trust all these custom things at all.

 

[TuxTalk]

And the Xiaomi 17T Pro is sold

 

[Marko :)]

I hate that Xiaomi devices come with bloatware. But when I see that their devices are consistently way cheaper than competitors, suddenly I'm okay with removable bloatware. After all, it takes pretty much less than 5 minutes during setup of device and you only have to do it once.

In return you get way better and capable device than Pixel with waaay longer battery life for cheaper price.

 

[TuxTalk]

I hate that Xiaomi devices come with bloatware. But when I see that their devices are consistently way cheaper than competitors, suddenly I'm okay with removable bloatware. After all, it takes pretty much less than 5 minutes during setup of device and you only have to do it once.

In return you get way better and capable device than Pixel with waaay longer battery life for cheaper price.

You get a Xiaomi with HyperOS, Delayed Updates, i can not stand HyperOS too buggy.
I want a clean Android system the way Google made it, thats why also never will buy a Samsung with their ONEUI skin, at work alot of issues with it.

 

[Marko :)]

You get a Xiaomi with HyperOS, Delayed Updates, i can not stand HyperOS too buggy.

People need to learn that all important security updates are released by Google themselves using Google Play system update feature, not by the phone manufacturers. What manufacturers release is updates for their hardware and their Android skin, everything else is handled by Google through already mentioned mechanism.

Which is why once your phone stops getting updates from the manufacturer, it's still safe to use.

I want a clean Android system the way Google made it, thats why also never will buy a Samsung with their ONEUI skin, at work alot of issues with it.

That's fair. In that case, though, you're only limited to Pixel phones and no other. If Google releases phone years behind Samsung, Xiaomi and other regarding hardware, you don't have a choice and will have to buy it.

For me the thing that matters the most is that the phone is fast, has a great hardware, camera and the longest battery life.

 

[TuxTalk]

For me the thing that matters the most is that the phone is fast, has a great hardware, camera and the longest battery life.

For me the opposite, i dont need the fastest phone, i dont game, i need a decent/good camera and up to date security patches.
My phone gets updates until 2033. Change the battery costs 45 euro ( official Google Battery )

 

[Marko :)]

For me the opposite, i dont need the fastest phone, i dont game, i need a decent/good camera and up to date security patches.
My phone gets updates until 2033. Change the battery costs 45 euro ( official Google Battery )

And that's okay.

You will change your phone way before 2033 though. Not because it will die (it could), but because updates and apps could make it unusable. Google Tensor chips aren't flagship level or very capable ones. It's midrange at best. What that means, as years go by and Android updates come, with each major update, Android becomes more and more hardware intensive. Not only Android itself, but also apps. All while your phone hardware remains the same. This is why battery lasts longer on devices that use Android version they came with versus the same devices that have the latest Android version.

Now... I'm not recommending anyone to ditch Android updates. While you could (because all security essential updates are released by Google now), I will recommend buying phone that has more capable and better CPU and GPU if you plan on rocking it long. Simply because flagship level hardware ages slowly while low end and mid range hardware ages fast. After all, if you don't install unknown apps and don't give all permissions to all apps, a phone without Android updates is still safe. The most important thing is to keep apps updated because they are the major contributor to vulnerabilities.

 

[oldschool]

You will change your phone way before 2033 though. Not because it will die (it could), but because updates and apps could make it unusable. Google Tensor chips aren't flagship level or very capable ones. It's midrange at best. What that means, as years go by and Android updates come, with each major update, Android becomes more and more hardware intensive. Not only Android itself, but also apps. All while your phone hardware remains the same. This is why battery lasts longer on devices that use Android version they came with versus the same devices that have the latest Android version.

My 9a has the same update lifetime and I bet I'll be using it till 2032, especially running GrapheneOS.

 

[TuxTalk]

And that's okay.

You will change your phone way before 2033 though. Not because it will die (it could), but because updates and apps could make it unusable. Google Tensor chips aren't flagship level or very capable ones. It's midrange at best. What that means, as years go by and Android updates come, with each major update, Android becomes more and more hardware intensive. Not only Android itself, but also apps. All while your phone hardware remains the same. This is why battery lasts longer on devices that use Android version they came with versus the same devices that have the latest Android version.

Now... I'm not recommending anyone to ditch Android updates. While you could (because all security essential updates are released by Google now), I will recommend buying phone that has more capable and better CPU and GPU if you plan on rocking it long. Simply because flagship level hardware ages slowly while low end and mid range hardware ages fast. After all, if you don't install unknown apps and don't give all permissions to all apps, a phone without Android updates is still safe. The most important thing is to keep apps updated because they are the major contributor to vulnerabilities.

LIke i said, i never ever will buy any phone over 600 euro, complete waste of money. I had iPhone before, everything with iPhone is expensive.
Complete waste of money to spend more on a phone then 500-600 euro.

My 9a has the same update lifetime and I bet I'll be using it till 2032, especially running GrapheneOS.

True, its almost the same as the 10a. For like 40 euro you have a new official battery. So why pay 600 euro when 40 euro can give you a brand new battery life.
My wife loves her Pixel 8a , i just had the battery replaced , its running as new again.

 

[Marko :)]

LIke i said, i never ever will buy any phone over 600 euro, complete waste of money. I had iPhone before, everything with iPhone is expensive.
Complete waste of money to spend more on a phone then 500-600 euro.

I completely agree. There are phone for 500€ even less with flagship hardware though, it's just you can get it due to your update requirements.

 

[TuxTalk]

I completely agree. There are phone for 500€ even less with flagship hardware though, it's just you can get it due to your update requirements.

Yup i rather have security updates than some flashing super duper cpu. I will never use this.

 

[TuxTalk]

The flagship CPU trap: Why I don’t need an overpowered phone

Every year, smartphone reviews obsess over raw benchmark scores, vapor chamber cooling, and whether a chipset can sustain 60 FPS in heavy 3D titles.

Real talk? My Google Pixel handles everything I actually do on mobile:

• Email & Communication: Proton Mail, Tuta Mail, WhatsApp, staying connected
• Socials & Browsing: Quick check-ins and reading
• Banking & Utilities: Smooth, secure authentication
• Live Scores & Hobbies: Checking football updates and tracking TV show backlogs
• Camera: Great point-and-shoot photos backed by solid computational photography

I don’t game on my phone. I don’t edit 4K timelines or run local heavy workloads on a tiny screen—that’s what my laptop and dedicated workstations are for.

For everyday tasks, modern silicon peaked years ago. Clean software, dependable battery life, security updates, and a camera that reliably nails the shot matter far more than synthetic benchmark scores.

Stop buying flagship silicon for scrolling feeds.

So summary :

Every hardware cycle pushes the same narrative: faster benchmark scores, extreme ray-tracing capabilities, and chipsets built to handle thermal loads that most daily drivers will never encounter.

On a smartphone, the actual user experience isn't defined by whether the CPU can max out a synthetic benchmark. It comes down to clean UI responsiveness, great computational photography, reliable security support, and battery efficiency.

We’ve reached a point where even "mid-range" or modest mobile silicon effortlessly breezes through 95% of real-world smartphone usage. Don't pay the flagship tax if your phone is just a daily utility.

I rather have security updates, long support for new OS versions.