ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Google’s PixelSnap is the most important improve for me on the corporate’s new telephones.
- The $799 Pixel 10 now comes with a telephoto digicam, a sizeable improve for the bottom mannequin.
- Gemini AI is way smarter and extra succesful than Siri.
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As a telephone reviewer, I can not follow a single telephone for lengthy, however I have been on the iPhone for some time now. That is due to the additional comfort I get with my Mac Mini and a bunch of MagSafe-compatible chargers, energy banks, and different journey equipment.
I at all times have second ideas about shifting to Android as a result of it will hinder my workflow and require new backpack equipment. However the Google Pixel 10 is the primary smartphone in months that I am contemplating dropping iOS for.
Additionally: Camera Coach on Pixel 10 helps you take better photos as you shoot them
For those who’ve been on the fence about switching from an iPhone, the brand new Pixel 10 telephones are the perfect alternate options you should buy proper now. The Pixel 10 looks like the right Android phone to modify to. Listed below are three options which have bought this iPhone person on the Pixel 10.
1. PixelSnap is a long-awaited addition
After I first shifted from my iPhone 16 Professional to the iPhone 16e, I assumed I would miss ProMotion essentially the most, but it surely was MagSafe that had made its mark through the years. I noticed how dependent I used to be on MagSafe once I could not use any of these equipment with Apple’s price range telephone.
I am extra assured about switching to the brand new Google Pixel 10 as a result of it is not going to make my MagSafe equipment ineffective.
Additionally: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more
The Google Pixel 10 collection features a new characteristic referred to as PixelSnap, a Qi2-based MagSafe various for Android. This implies, theoretically, I can use my new Baseus PicoGo 5,000mAh power bank, Shiftcam SnapStand Max, and extra with none points.
These are a few of my travel essentials, and I will not must buy separate on-the-go equipment simply because I bought a brand new telephone. The addition of PixelSnap is my favourite improve on the brand new Pixels.
2. Smarter voice assistant
Apple Intelligence hasn’t been on top of things, not less than for me. Whereas Visual Intelligence is helpful, I favor Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite of options on my Galaxy Z Fold 7. Furthermore, I have been utilizing Gemini Reside greater than anticipated and far more than I’ve ever used Siri on my iPhone.
Whereas Siri cannot get reminders proper or name my contacts in a single go, Gemini Reside has helped me manage my room and clear up day by day life issues. It’s now getting support for more Google apps like Hold and Maps. So, I can add my ideas to Google Hold while not having to the touch my telephone. Since I exploit Google apps in my workflow, Gemini makes issues simpler and extra intuitive.
Additionally: PixelSnap is the MagSafe for Android phones we’ve been waiting for – here’s our first look
Whereas I can entry Gemini on my iPhone with none points, Google’s new Pixel-exclusive AI options make a powerful case for switching. I am trying ahead to experiencing the brand new Magic Cue — which is meant to ship extra customized and contextual AI — and Digital camera Coach, which is touted to assist compose pictures higher.
3. Telephoto digicam on the bottom mannequin
The bottom iPhone 16 does not have a telephoto digicam, whereas the iPhone 16 Professional sports activities a relatively small 5x periscope sensor. I’ve used the latter, and it struggles in low gentle. To match, the Google Pixel 10 Professional includes a bigger sensor with 5x optical zoom, and the bottom Pixel 10 additionally will get an extra zoom lens with the identical optical zoom.
I am not anticipating distinctive zoom high quality from the Pixel 10’s telephoto digicam as a result of it’s a smaller sensor. Nonetheless, it ought to be higher than the iPhone 16’s 5x digital zoom. I like taking pictures structure photographs, and having 5x optical zoom on a $799 telephone is a welcome addition.
Additionally: Why I recommend this $400 Google Pixel over competing models from Samsung and OnePlus
Other than these three options, I am additionally trying ahead to going again to the Pixel for all of the Google extras. From enjoyable options like Add Me and Finest Take to helpful Circle to Search and Magic Eraser, all of them add to the Google Pixel expertise. Whereas I am not a fan of comparatively thicker bezels, the Pixel 10’s brighter and stronger show is one other nice-to-have addition that ought to make the expertise higher.
