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Apple, Google, and Samsung are once again butting heads in the midrange phone market, with the former two having recently released new models. Samsung beat the others to the punch when it launched the Galaxy A56 back on July 18, 2025. 

Eight months later, on March 5, 2026, Google released the Pixel 10a, its latest budget handset designed to deliver the core Pixel 10 experience at a lower price. Not long after that, on March 11, Apple introduced the iPhone 17e, a more affordable alternative to the rest of the iPhone 17 series.

Also: iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: I compared both models to uncover the $200 difference

These three phones target the same buyer: people who want a dependable mobile device without flagship prices. They focus on practicality and strong everyday performance rather than flashy features. 

However, there are distinct differences between them. The best phone for you depends on your needs as a user. Below, I break down where the iPhone 17e, Pixel 10a, and Galaxy A56 stand out, so you can decide which is best for you.

Specifications

You should buy the Google Pixel 10a if…

1. You want a better value phone

The Pixel 10a is the cheaper of the two. Prices start at $499 for the 128GB model, and go up to $599 for the 256GB model. In comparison, the iPhone 17e is $599 for its base 256GB version and $799 for the upgraded 512GB model. So, you can save a good amount of money by sticking to the Pixel 10a. 

Plus, if you ever need more space, Google offers plenty of cloud storage. With Google One, you’ll get 100GB of storage for $1.99 a month.

Review: Google Pixel 10a

Samsung’s Galaxy A56 costs as much as the Pixel 10a; however, Google’s device offers better value thanks to its more powerful hardware, larger battery, and high-quality display.

2. You want the best display

Google’s Pixel 10a houses a 6.3-inch pOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 and about 422 ppi (pixels per inch). In plain English, that means the visual output is sharp and rich in detail. The panel can reach up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making it visible even in direct sunlight. Its 120Hz refresh rate makes navigating through web pages feel noticeably smooth. 

What’s more, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which adds extra durability and resistance to scratches.

You should buy the iPhone 17e if…

1. You want the best performance

The iPhone 17e runs on Apple’s A19 chipset, the same one found in the base iPhone 17. Compared to the previous generation, the chip comes with a faster six-core CPU, a four-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and a 16-core Neural Engine to support Apple Intelligence features. 

In plain English, this puts the iPhone 17e’s performance pretty close to that of the iPhone 17. It has enough power to handle gaming apps, AI tools, and heavy multitasking without slowing down.

2. You want better accessory support

In my opinion, one of the biggest drawbacks of the Pixel 10a is that it does not support Pixelsnap.

Pixelsnap, if you don’t know, is Google’s magnetic accessory ecosystem introduced with the Pixel 10 lineup. It enables Qi-certified 25W wireless charging via magnetic attachment. The tech lets you attach compatible chargers and stands to the back of the phone. Because the Pixel 10a doesn’t support Pixelsnap, users will miss out on great accessories.

Also: The thinnest MagSafe charger I’ve tested adds almost no weight to my iPhone

The iPhone 17e doesn’t have this issue. It supports MagSafe devices, just like the rest of the iPhone 17 series, giving it access to a large lineup of accessories and a more polished experience. Samsung’s Galaxy A56 also has access to a wide array of accessories, but nothing is exclusive to the model or as sophisticated as MagSafe.

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy A56 if…

1. You want the best camera system

Samsung’s Galaxy A56 has the best camera array out of the trio. It houses a 50MP main, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens, giving the phone great versatility in the shots you can take. The ultrawide camera is useful for capturing wide landscapes or large-group photos without stepping back, while the macro lens is perfect for close-up photography.

Plus, it’s rich in photography-related features, including Night mode for low-light environments, Hyperlapse for time-lapse videos, and Dual Recording, which lets you record videos using both the front and rear cameras simultaneously.

Also: I expected Samsung’s new flagship earbuds to bore me, but I fell in love with them instead

2. You want a deeply customizable phone

The Galaxy A56 runs on One UI 7, Samsung’s latest operating system with a strong focus on customization. Users can rearrange the home screen in a variety of ways, letting them place apps, widgets, and shortcuts in different sizes to their liking. 

If you look online, you’ll find plenty of YouTube tutorials showcasing how flexible One UI 7 can be. You’ll find creative setups where widgets are angled or layered to create unique on-screen designs.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible on the A56. Just to highlight a few other things, Samsung’s device will let you create your own quick panel, automatically lock its screen if it detects that it’s been stolen, and provide Live Notifications for ongoing activities like timers and audio playback.

Writer’s choice

Each of the phones are excellent option and well worth your money, but if I had to pick one myself, I’d go with the iPhone 17e, and there are two main reasons why. One: its performance, and two: its access to the MagSafe accessory ecosystem. 

I tend to put my phone through heavy multitasking, so I want a mobile device that I am confident can handle everything I throw at it. Also, being able to enhance my iPhone 17e with a MagSafe charger, mount, or wallet makes the user experience so much better.

That said, the Pixel 10 is still a good choice, especially if you’re trying to spend less or want a better screen. The Galaxy A56 is a solid, affordable alternative, too, but the power of the iPhone puts it at the top.