ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Google Pixel 10 is anticipated to obtain important upgrades this 12 months, together with a devoted telephoto lens.
- Better function parity with the Professional fashions, mixed with no anticipated worth will increase, makes the usual Pixel an attractive choice.
- It nonetheless will not be the most suitable choice for energy customers, particularly if you’d like essentially the most succesful digital camera system from Google.
Google’s non-Professional Pixel cellphone has at all times been the “secure decide.” It is the mannequin I like to recommend to most customers, as long as they will reside with out the Professional options — whether or not that is an additional telephoto digital camera, extra RAM, or higher {hardware}.
Additionally: This rumored Pixel 10 feature puts Google above Samsung and OnePlus for me – here’s why
Whereas there’s little left to the creativeness so far as what the upcoming Google Pixel 10 phones will appear to be, if the leaks and rumors are true, there will probably be a notable shift in dynamics this 12 months. I am going to say it now: The Pixel 10, not the Pixel 10 Professional, will probably be each the secure decide and the perfect decide in 2025. I am not alone in that perception, and this is why.
1. A telephoto lens to zoom additional
An early have a look at marketing renders means that the base-model Pixel 10 will lastly get a devoted telephoto lens, rounding out the normal principal and ultrawide sensors. Whether or not it is pulled from final 12 months’s Pixel 9 Professional Fold or one other older mannequin, having a higher optical zoom vary will permit customers to seize distant topics with extra readability and element.
It is a huge win, whether or not you steadily seize images of your baby or pet working round from afar, or need to protect the liveliness of an artist out of your nose-bleed seats.
Additionally: Google will announce its next lineup of Pixels on August 20 – Here’s what we know
There may be one notable trade-off with this design choice: Google is reportedly downgrading the principle and ultrawide sensors of the Pixel 10 to match the Pixel 9a (which had an inferior digital camera system to final 12 months’s Pixel 9) to be able to combine the extra telephoto sensor. Whereas I discovered the Pixel 9a’s 48MP shooter succesful sufficient for many environments, digital camera buffs could also be extra drawn to the Pixel 10 Professional for that reason.
2. The identical Tensor G5 chip because the Professional
Google’s in-house Tensor chipset does not essentially have the best track record for efficiency, mobile connectivity, and effectivity, however issues are wanting up with the upcoming G5 mannequin. If the rumored 3nm design and TSMC-based manufacturing (versus Samsung Foundry) are to be realized, we might lastly be taking a look at a system processor that delivers snappy day-to-day efficiency whereas additionally reliably sustaining warmth and energy utilization.
Additionally: Google’s latest chip is all about reducing one huge hidden cost in AI
To be clear, I am not anticipating the Tensor G5 to set new benchmark excessive scores or compete intently with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or OnePlus 13; that is by no means actually been the draw of Google’s in-house silicon.
As an alternative, having the identical processor because the Professional fashions ought to give the usual Pixel 10 entry to all of Google’s newest AI instruments, lots of which have landed nicely with shoppers over the previous 12 months. Maybe most significantly, Google will nonetheless have full rein over the Pixel line’s software program and safety updates, permitting the gadgets to remain extra feature-relevant than another Android phone available on the market.
3. The flashiest options can even be on the non-Professional mannequin
From the function parity that features magnet-based Qi2 wireless charging capabilities to a captivating new Indigo blue color, it is possible that the Google Pixel 10 would be the mannequin that appeals to most individuals. It actually has for me, very similar to how the ultramarine iPhone 16 caught out within the unfold of subdued, monotone Professional mannequin handsets final 12 months.
Additionally: The best Android phones to buy in 2025
One other {hardware} distinction between the common and Professional Pixel telephones this 12 months would be the textured sides, with the previous being matte-treated and the latter having a shiny end. From having examined varied handsets with varied industrial designs through the years, I’ve discovered that matte-treated aspect rails are the simplest. The end resists retaining oil and fingerprint smudges, retaining the cellphone wanting cleaner.
Alas, the Pixel 10’s cheaper price level, projected to nonetheless be $799 for the 128GB configuration, makes it a compelling improve for anybody coming from an older handset. We’ll study extra concerning the new Pixel 10 telephones in the course of the Made by Google event subsequent Wednesday, so keep tuned.
ZDNET has reached out to Google for extra particulars on the rumors and can report again with any new info.
