Google Pixel 10a First Settings to Change for Better Battery & Camera (2026 Guide)

Google Pixel 10a

 

As soon as you get the new Google Pixel 10a in your hands, the first things most people do are install apps, take photos, and start using the phone. But one thing many users ignore — the default settings.

Many users find the Google Pixel 10a’s settings can enhance their experience significantly.

The truth is, the Pixel 10a performs well out of the box, but if you change a few important settings:

  • Your battery will last longer
  • The phone will run smoother
  • Camera photos will look even better

In this guide, we will go step by step through the settings you should change right away.

With the Google Pixel 10a, optimizing your settings can lead to remarkable improvements.

 

1: How to Improve Battery Life

1️⃣ Turn ON Adaptive Battery

Pixel phones use AI to understand which apps you use less. It then limits those apps from using battery in the background.

How to turn it on:
Settings → Battery → Adaptive Battery → Turn ON

This simple step can noticeably improve daily battery backup.

2️⃣ Check the Screen Refresh Rate

If the Pixel 10a has a high refresh rate mode enabled, it may feel smoother but can drain battery faster.

For the best experience with your Google Pixel 10a, adjusting the refresh rate can be crucial.

For normal use, 60Hz is more than enough.

Settings → Display → Smooth Display → Turn OFF (if you want to save battery)

3️⃣ Turn Off Always-On Display

Always-On Display shows time and notifications when the screen is off, but on an OLED display it still uses some battery.

Settings → Display → Lock Screen → Always Show Time & Info → Turn OFF

If battery life is your priority, it’s better to keep this off.

The Google Pixel 10a is designed to deliver an outstanding display experience.

4️⃣ Restrict Background Apps

Apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat continue using battery even in the background.

How to restrict them:
Settings → Apps → Select App → Battery → Restricted

Do not restrict important apps like WhatsApp or Gmail.

5️⃣ Use Battery Saver Smartly

Don’t wait until 5% battery to turn on Battery Saver.

Settings → Battery → Battery Saver → Set Schedule

You can set it to turn on automatically at 20% or 30%.

6️⃣ Turn Off Extra Features You Don’t Use

When using the Google Pixel 10a, disabling unnecessary features can enhance battery efficiency.

Small features together can cause battery drain:

  • Bluetooth (when not in use)
  • Nearby Share
  • WiFi & Bluetooth scanning
  • NFC (if you don’t use contactless payments)

Go into Settings and turn off features you don’t need.

Many Google Pixel 10a users find that turning off unused features makes a noticeable difference.

 

 PART 2: How to Take Camera Quality to the Next Level

Pixel phones are known for their cameras, but for the best results, a few settings should be adjusted.

The camera capabilities of the Google Pixel 10a are impressive, but tweaks can yield even better results.

7️⃣ Use HDR+ Enhanced Mode

HDR+ is the secret weapon of Pixel cameras. It improves detail and dynamic range in photos.

Camera App → Settings → HDR Control → Select HDR+ Enhanced (when taking important photos)

8️⃣ Use Night Sight Manually

In low light, many people take normal photos and think the camera is weak. The reality is you need to use Night Sight.

Utilizing Night Sight on your Google Pixel 10a can transform your low-light photography.

Camera → Modes → Night Sight

This mode improves brightness and clarity in dark scenes.

For optimal performance from your Google Pixel 10a, remember to keep the lens clean.

9️⃣ Don’t Keep 4K Video as Default

4K video uses a lot of storage and battery. For daily videos, 1080p gives the best balance.

Camera → Settings → Video Resolution → Set default to 1080p

Use 4K only for special moments.

🔟 Keep the Camera Lens Clean (Simple but Powerful Tip)

Many people think there is a camera issue, but often it’s just fingerprints on the lens.

Clean the lens with a soft cloth before taking photos — the difference is instantly visible.

1️⃣1️⃣ Turn ON Grid Lines

Grid lines help with better framing, especially for social media photos.

Camera → Settings → Grid Type → Turn ON 3×3

This makes your photos look more professional.

 

PART 3: How to Make Performance Faster

1️⃣2️⃣ Reduce Animations if the Phone Feels Slow

You can make the phone feel faster by reducing animation speed in Developer Options.

Steps:
Settings → About Phone → Tap Build Number 7 times
Go to Developer Options → Window Animation Scale → Set to 0.5x

The phone will feel noticeably faster.

1️⃣3️⃣ Keep Software Updated

Google regularly releases updates that:

  • Fix bugs
  • Improve battery performance
  • Optimize the camera

Settings → Security & Updates → Check for Updates

❓ FAQ Section

Q1: Why is my Pixel 10a battery draining fast?
Mostly because of background apps, high brightness, and always-on features. Adaptive Battery and app restrictions can help.

Q2: Does using HDR+ consume more battery?
A little, but only while taking photos. The overall daily impact is very small.

Q3: What is the best video setting for Pixel 10a?
1080p for daily use, 4K only for special videos.

Q4: How can I make the Pixel camera sharper?
Keep the lens clean, use HDR+, and tap to focus before taking a photo.

 Conclusion

The Google Pixel 10a is already a powerful phone, but changing the right settings can make it even more efficient. With a little tuning, you can:

  • Improve battery backup
  • Take more professional-looking photos
  • Make phone performance smoother

After getting a new phone, be sure to try these settings — you will feel a real difference.

 

Final Verdict

The Pixel 10a delivers a great experience by default, but its true potential shows after a few smart setting changes. By optimizing battery features and adjusting camera options, users can enjoy longer battery life and significantly better photos without installing any extra apps. If you want the best everyday performance from your Pixel 10a, these settings are absolutely worth changing right away.

Investing time in settings adjustments on your Google Pixel 10a can lead to an exceptional user experience.

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