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 images 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 as we speak. One of many main releases on the occasion is Google’s newest entry-level flagship system, the Pixel 10 — and out of all the Pixel 10 Collection, it is the system to control.
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 very best match for many customers. Why? The Pixel 10 packs extremely anticipated upgrades, reminiscent of 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 here are my first impressions and a round-up of what makes this telephone a stable choice.
1. Design
The normal compact and smooth really feel of the Pixel baseline fashions continues with the Pixel 10, which sports activities related 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 clean Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 again (additionally featured on the entrance), and a digicam bar, the system maintains the identical aesthetic because the Pixel 9 whereas additionally sporting enjoyable new telephone 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 contains the Obsidian colour from prior years’ releases, the telephone additionally is available in new colours: Indigo, a brilliant blue colour just like Apple’s Ultramarine colour for the iPhone 16; Indigo, a white shade with a refined blue undertone; and Lemongrass, a vibrant yellow-lime shade.
The glassy end offers a pleasant sheen on the outside, however when you thoughts smudges, chances are you’ll need to be careful. Like final yr, the telephones nonetheless function an IP68 score for sturdiness in opposition to water and mud.
The shows obtained 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 clean 120Hz refresh price, 2424×1080 decision, and OLED panel discovered on the Pixel 9.
2. Most succesful digicam system but on a base Pixel
One of many greatest upgrades of the Pixel 10 is its digicam system, which is the very best on any base Pixel. The telephone encompasses a new 5x telephoto lens, which allows a wider optical zoom vary, with a Tremendous Res zoom as much as 20x. In observe, this functionality signifies that the telephone is best when cropping in shut on a topic, even from a distance, serving to you seize crisper pictures 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 principal digicam, a 13MP 120-degree ultrawide, and a brand new 10.8MP telephoto lens. Should you had been hoping for an improve from the lower-quality entrance digicam, you may have to attend till the following mannequin, because the Pixel 10 retains final yr’s 10.5MP selfie digicam. It is not unhealthy, but additionally not the very best.
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 about to enhance the picture high quality. Google guarantees this setup delivers Pixel’s “greatest picture and video high quality but.”
Additionally: Changing these 10 settings on my Pixel phone greatly improved the user experience
When taking images within the demo room, I used to be glad with the crispness and high quality of the pictures from each the back and front cameras. To actually choose how effectively the Pixel 10 does in numerous mild situations, I must anticipate my in-depth testing. Along with the precise digicam upgrades, the photo-taking software program obtained the majority of AI upgrades, which can doubtless increase your photo-taking and modifying expertise, leading to total 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 accordance with Google.
Whereas we’ll have to check the telephone 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 offers privateness, as all of their info stays on the system. The Tensor G5 can run Google’s Gemini Nano mannequin on-device, a robust mannequin that helps the in depth suite of AI options which can be sprinkled throughout practically each telephone operate, from the digicam to texts and telephone calls.
4. AI options
As with each system 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 related options to maintain up with their rivals, I used to be impressed that Google managed to incorporate some actually authentic options that ought to add worth to some customers’ lives.
An ideal instance is the brand new Digital camera Coach function, which, as its title implies, makes use of AI that can assist you get the proper shot. The function provides 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 contains 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 embrace: Edit with Ask Pictures, which lets you use pure language prompts to edit one thing out of a picture, reminiscent of 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 telephone; and a brand new Day by 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, reminiscent of Finest Take and Add Me, have obtained a lift.
Google would possibly trickle these experiences all the way down to older fashions through a software program replace. Nevertheless, the corporate could 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 obtainable on the Pixel 10, customers can benefit from 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 films, scrolling on social media, video calls, and extra.
Even when you do not need to buy the equipment, they work with current MagSafe equipment, so there are millions of merchandise already available on the market that now work with Pixel telephones.
