AllYouCanTech

If you’re looking to purchase the new Google Pixel 10a, you have two choices: you can either get the phone unlocked through a conventional retailer like Amazon or Best Buy, or you can seek a fantastic offer through your wireless provider.

Those who are T-Mobile customers may prefer the latter choice, as the major provider is presently offering a promotion that provides you with a free Google Pixel 10a AND a set of Pixel Buds 2a earbuds when you add a line with a qualifying data plan.

Unlike some wireless promotions — which necessitate trading in an old phone or enrolling in the highest-priced data plan to achieve maximum savings — T-Mobile’s offer stands out for its straightforwardness. According to the provider, “most plans” will qualify for the complimentary devices, which implies that even T-Mo’s basic Essentials and Better Value plans are applicable.

Set to be among the top budget Android phones launched in 2026, the Google Pixel 10a features a remarkable 6.3-inch pOLED screen with enhanced Gorilla Glass durability and a flat panel design. Inside, it comes equipped with the same camera technology and a larger battery compared to the pricier Pixel 10, plus seven years of OS and security updates assured.

Aside from those minor enhancements, the Pixel 10a remains largely similar to last year’s impressive Google Pixel 9a. The new version also includes the same Tensor G4 chipset and 8GB of RAM, which may disappoint those seeking flagship-level performance. The positive aspect is that, unlike some brands, Google did not increase the prices of its latest phone, making the Pixel 10a a natural upgrade for any pleased 9a owner.

However, this deal may not suit everyone. If you prioritize flexibility when acquiring a new device, you might be better off purchasing the phone unlocked. Best Buy, for instance, still offers a $100 gift card when you buy the Pixel 10a through its website.

But if you’re already a T-Mobile subscriber (or you’re willing to make the switch), this promotion is undoubtedly one of the best Google Pixel 10a deals available online. You just need to be okay with a bit of fine print.

I was surprised, but the Samsung Galaxy XR has emerged as the premier portable gaming device. It can natively run any Android game available on the Google Play Store, and there’s even a free application that allows you to play Steam games without any setup or complications. No cloud streaming, no outrageous subscriptions. Just your favorite Steam titles, all functioning natively on the Galaxy XR (and also on your Android smartphone).

If you haven’t come across GameHub yet, it’s high time you explore it. Offered for free on the Google Play Store, GameHub is a modified version of the widely-used Winlator app, which brings together several cloud gaming services and social features, along with a user-friendly interface and automatic configuration for every game you install. It’s as straightforward as using a Steam Deck, and the portable hardware enhances the experience.

Why opt for an XR headset for gaming instead of a phone or a portable device like a Steam Deck? Mainly for neck and arm comfort, since you won’t need to look down at a system or hold it up for extended periods. The screen hovers directly in your line of sight, whether you’re sitting or lying down. Truly, it’s about as good as a portable gaming device can get. This is the kind of functionality you can expect from the forthcoming Steam Frame headset, but you won’t be waiting for Valve to launch it.

Playing Steam games on the Galaxy XR

GameSir, the creators of many beloved mobile controllers, launched an app called GameHub on the Google Play Store last November. It’s an adapted version of the popular Winlator app, which has been used for years to emulate Windows on Android, but it’s designed to be more user-friendly.

Within the app, you can connect your Steam account, and it effectively resembles SteamOS running inside an app window on the Galaxy XR. Launch the app, select Steam, and your whole library is now entirely playable on the Galaxy XR with no additional setup. I paired my Galaxy XR with the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth controller to enjoy the games, but I’m certain GameSir would prefer you to use one of their controllers.

When the app first launched, it faced criticism on platforms like Reddit for asking for too many permissions, however, the latest version doesn’t require any permissions to operate. Not even for notifications, though it may nag you occasionally to enable them. If you’re worried about telemetry data, someone has modified a version on Github to exclude that data. Another alternative is GameNative.

After installing GameHub, launch it and log in to your GameSir account, or simply utilize the modded GameHub Lite version linked earlier, which doesn’t need an account. You can then open the menu on the left, choose Steam from the list, and log into your Steam account.

Whenever you open the app, a Steam button will greet you right on the main screen, leading you to your Steam library. Just like on a Steam Deck, locate the game you wish to play, click the install button, and you can start playing from there onward. No cloud connectivity required, no subscriptions necessary. Everything is running on the Galaxy XR.

If you’re concerned about compatibility or performance, you can check each game before installation, which gives you a good sense of whether it will run properly.

You can also adjust extra settings if you wish to fine-tune performance, but I found the default configurations to be more than sufficient for my usage. If you encounter difficulties or want to enhance your GameHub knowledge, this YouTube video is an excellent resource and demonstrates with a phone that has a processor slightly slower than the Galaxy XR, so those settings (starting at the 4:50 mark) will help you optimize the system.

If you want to test just one feature, I’d suggest activating Snapdragon Super Resolution, available in GameHub’s menu accessed by pressing the home button on your connected controller. You can also find out more about it in the video linked above at the 9:18 minute mark.

I experienced performance remarkably similar to my Steam Deck, despite this app translating x86 code to the headset’s ARM processor. For example, Portal 2 ran at a consistent 60fps on both my Steam Deck and the Galaxy XR, but newer titles like Resident Evil Requiem are simply too demanding for this hardware. We’ll need to see if the actual Steam Frame performs better with them since it boasts a faster processor.

Taking all the best Steam Frame features now

I recently discussed how two of the Steam Frame’s standout features are already functional on the Galaxy XR, and now even the emulation of Steam games is feasible on Samsung’s Android XR-powered headset. This means three of the four essential pillars that will make the Steam Frame exceptional — foveated