ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Google Pixel 10 packs the Tensor G5 chipset, a brand new telephoto lens, and different long-awaited {hardware} upgrades.
- On the software program facet, the Google Pixel 10’s AI suite can predict your wants, edit pictures for you, and extra.
- Whereas packing all of those upgrades, the Pixel 10 nonetheless retails for $799.
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As summer season attracts to an in depth and Techtember nears, Google is kicking off the transition with its Made by Google occasion at this time. One of many main releases on the occasion is Google’s newest entry-level flagship gadget, the Pixel 10 — and out of your entire Pixel 10 Collection, it is the gadget to regulate.
Additionally: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more
Whereas the Pixel 10 is the corporate’s baseline mannequin, after spending hands-on time with all the brand new units forward of launch, I can confidently say it is the most effective match for many customers. Why? The Pixel 10 packs extremely anticipated upgrades, corresponding to a greater digicam, battery, and chipset (which helps a plethora of recent and thrilling AI features), all on the identical $799 worth level as its predecessor.
Listed below are my first impressions and a round-up of what makes this cellphone a stable choice.
1. Design
The standard compact and modern really feel of the Pixel baseline fashions continues with the Pixel 10, which sports activities comparable dimensions and weight (a mere 0.2 ounces heavier) as its predecessor and feels simply as comfy within the palm of your hand.
With rounded corners, aluminum sides, a easy Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 again (additionally featured on the entrance), and a digicam bar, the gadget maintains the identical aesthetic because the Pixel 9 whereas additionally sporting enjoyable new cellphone colours.
Additionally: I went hands-on with every Google Pixel 10 model – and was surprised by the one I loved most
Whereas the brand new lineup consists of the Obsidian shade from prior years’ releases, the cellphone additionally is available in new colours: Indigo, a shiny blue shade just like Apple’s Ultramarine shade for the iPhone 16; Indigo, a white shade with a refined blue undertone; and Lemongrass, a vibrant yellow-lime shade.
The glassy end gives a pleasant sheen on the outside, however for those who thoughts smudges, you might wish to be careful. Like final yr, the telephones nonetheless function an IP68 ranking for sturdiness in opposition to water and mud.
The shows received a facelift for a greater viewing expertise in indoor and outside settings, throughout each productiveness and leisure actions. The 6.3-inch Actua show now helps as much as 3000 nits of peak brightness (up from final yr’s 2700 nits), and retains the buttery easy 120Hz refresh charge, 2424×1080 decision, and OLED panel discovered on the Pixel 9.
2. Most succesful digicam system but on a base Pixel
One of many largest upgrades of the Pixel 10 is its digicam system, which is the most effective on any base Pixel. The cellphone encompasses a new 5x telephoto lens, which permits a wider optical zoom vary, with a Tremendous Res zoom as much as 20x. In follow, this functionality signifies that the cellphone is best when cropping in shut on a topic, even from a distance, serving to you seize crisper photographs whereas maximizing the zoom. This function set additionally closes the hole between the bottom and Professional telephones even additional.
Additionally: Google just settled the foldable phone debate with one number — and I hope Samsung is watching
The triple digicam array replaces the twin digicam system, that includes a 48MP predominant digicam, a 13MP 120-degree ultrawide, and a brand new 10.8MP telephoto lens. In the event you had been hoping for an improve from the lower-quality entrance digicam, you will have to attend till the following mannequin, because the Pixel 10 retains final yr’s 10.5MP selfie digicam. It isn’t dangerous, but additionally not the most effective.
Whereas the addition of a 3rd lens meant a downgrade within the sensors’ specs in comparison with these of the earlier yr’s mannequin, the digicam’s Imaging Sign Processor (ISP), enabled by the brand new Tensor G5 chipset, is ready to enhance the picture high quality. Google guarantees this setup delivers Pixel’s “finest picture and video high quality but.”
Additionally: Changing these 10 settings on my Pixel phone greatly improved the user experience
When taking pictures within the demo room, I used to be happy with the crispness and high quality of the photographs from each the back and front cameras. To really choose how properly the Pixel 10 does in numerous mild situations, I must look ahead to my in-depth testing. Along with the precise digicam upgrades, the photo-taking software program acquired the majority of AI upgrades, which is able to doubtless increase your photo-taking and modifying expertise, leading to general higher image high quality.
3. Tensor G5
The Pixel 10 options an expansive suite of AI options, all enabled by the brand new Tensor G5 chipset. The processor was designed for Gemini and is Google’s most AI-optimized chipset but, with a TPU that’s as much as 60% extra highly effective and a CPU that’s 34% quicker, in response to Google.
Whereas we’ll have to check the cellphone in the actual world to gauge efficiency, the chipset helps computational enhancements on the Pixel 10, such because the ISP upgrades mentioned above, an extended battery life (30 hours), and improved experiences when utilizing AI options.
Additionally: 7 Google Pixel phone settings you should change immediately (and how to do it)
On-device processing is a win for customers because it not solely permits them to expertise quicker speeds when utilizing AI options by avoiding cloud-based processing, but additionally gives privateness, as all of their info stays on the gadget. The Tensor G5 can run Google’s Gemini Nano mannequin on-device, a robust mannequin that helps the intensive suite of AI options which might be sprinkled throughout practically each cellphone perform, from the digicam to texts and cellphone calls.
4. AI options
As with each gadget launch from the final yr, Google’s new {hardware} is accompanied by a ton of recent AI options. Whereas most tech firms are in a race the place they launch comparable options to maintain up with their rivals, I used to be impressed that Google managed to incorporate some actually unique options that ought to add worth to some customers’ lives.
An ideal instance is the brand new Digicam Coach function, which, as its title implies, makes use of AI that will help you get the right shot. The function offers step-by-step directions and even generates a pattern picture of what it is best to goal for within the remaining image. Among the suggestions consists of correcting your angle, lighting, and extra.
Additionally: I upgraded to Android 16 – here’s what I love and what’s still missing
Different new options embody: Edit with Ask Photographs, which lets you use pure language prompts to edit one thing out of a picture, corresponding to eradicating reflection; Magic Cue, which may anticipate your wants and counsel related info and actions primarily based on what you might be doing in your cellphone; and a brand new Each day Hub function, which places all the knowledge you want in a single place, together with AI-powered insights about your day. Even older options, corresponding to Greatest Take and Add Me, have acquired a lift.
Google would possibly trickle these experiences all the way down to older fashions through a software program replace. Nonetheless, the corporate might select to maintain these options unique to the Tensor G5 chipset resulting from processing calls for or as an incentive to improve.
5. Meet Pixelsnap
You probably have ever checked out an iPhone person with MagSafe envy, Google has lastly introduced the identical expertise to Pixel telephones through its new Pixelsnap magnetic know-how. Pixelsnap permits customers to connect their telephones to suitable magnetic equipment, together with chargers, mounts, docks, and extra, unlocking new experiences with their telephones.
When this performance is paired with the Qi2 wi-fi charging assist accessible on the Pixel 10, customers can make the most of the complete glory of quick wi-fi charging.
Additionally: PixelSnap is the MagSafe for Android phones we’ve been waiting for – here’s our first look
Google additionally launched a Pixelsnap Charger with Stand and a Pixelsnap Ring Stand, which permit customers to prop their telephones up for a hands-free expertise. This strategy is right for viewing motion pictures, scrolling on social media, video calls, and extra.
Even for those who do not wish to buy the equipment, they work with present MagSafe equipment, so there are millions of merchandise already available on the market that now work with Pixel telephones.
