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Google’s brand-new Pixel phones are much better, however just a little.
Delegated right: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Delegated right: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
After 10 generations of Pixels, Google’s phones have actually never ever been more like the iPhone, and we indicate that both as a compliment and a mild criticism. For individuals who miss out on the days of affordable, tinkering-friendly Nexus phones, Google’s vision is moving ever even more far from that, however the attention to information and total polish of the Pixel experience continue with the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL. These are objectively excellent phones with perhaps the very best video cameras on the marketplace, and they’re likewise a bit more effective, however the looks are relatively locked down.
Google made a huge style modification in 2015 with the Pixel 9 series, and it’s not transforming the wheel in 2025. The Pixel 10 series keeps the exact same formula, making restricted improvements, not all of which will be favored. Google took out all the stops and included a lots of brand-new AI functions you might not appreciate, and it eliminated the SIM card slot. Even if Apple does something does not imply Google needs to, however here we are. If you’re still holding on to your physical SIM card or similar to your Pixel 9, there’s no factor to hurry out to update.
A fantastic however not so bold style
If you liked the Pixel 9’s style, you’ll like the Pixel 10, since it’s a really somewhat much better variation of the very same hardware. All 3 phones are made from aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (no titanium alternative here). The base design has a matte surface on the metal frame with a shiny rear panel, and it’s the opposite on the Pro phones. This makes the more costly phones a little less safe and secure in the hand– those polished edges are slippery. The buttons on the Pixel 9 frequently felt a bit loose, however the buttons on all our Pixel 10 systems are tight and clicky.
Delegated right: Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Delegated right: Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Specifications at a glimpse: Google Pixel 10 series
Focus, F/1.7, 1/2-inch sensing unit; 13 MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 1/3.1 -inch sensing unit;
10.8 MP 5x telephoto, f/3.1, 1/3.2- inch sensing unit; 10.5 MP selfie, f/2.2
Focus, F/1.68, 1/1.3- inch sensing unit; 48 MP ultrawide, f/1.7, 1/2.55 -inch sensing unit;
48 MP 5x telephoto, f/2.8, 1/2.55- inch sensing unit; 42 MP selfie, f/2.2
Focus, F/1.68, 1/1.3- inch sensing unit; 48 MP ultrawide, f/1.7, 1/2.55- inch sensing unit;
48 MP 5x telephoto, f/2.8, 1/2.55- inch sensing unit; 42 MP selfie, f/2.2
10.8 MP 5x telephoto, f/3.1, 1/3.2 -inch sensing unit; 10.5 MP selfie, f/2.2 (external and inner)
Frost
Lemongrass
Obsidian
Jade
Porcelain
Obsidian
Jade
Porcelain
Obsidian
Jade
The rounded corners and smooth shifts in between metal and glass make the phones comfy to hold, even for the massive 6.8-inch Pixel 10 Pro XL. This phone is quite large at 232 g, however– that’s even much heavier than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. I’m happy that Google kept the smaller sized premium phone in 2025, providing the majority of the abilities and video camera specifications of the XL in a more relaxing kind aspect. It’s not as heavy, and the screen is a fantastic size for folks with typical or smaller sized hands.
The Pixel 10 Pro is an excellent size.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel 10 Pro is an excellent size.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
On the back, you’ll still see the monolithic video camera bar near the top. I like this style visually, however it’s likewise practical. When you set a Pixel 10 down on a table or desk, it stays steady and simple to utilize, without any irritating wobble. While this component looks the same at a look, it in fact uses up a bit more area on the back of the phone. Yes, that indicates none of your Pixel 9 cases will fit on the 10.
The Pixel 10’s body has actually less disruptions compared to the previous design, too. Google has actually gotten rid of the unpleasant mmWave window on the top of the phone, and the bottom now has 2 in proportion grilles for the mic and speaker. What you will not see is a SIM card slot (a minimum of in the United States). Like Apple, Google has actually gone all-in with eSIM, so if you’ve been holding on to that small scrap of plastic, you’ll need to provide it approximately utilize a Pixel 10.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL has actually polished sides that make it a bit slippery.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel 10 Pro XL has actually polished sides that make it a bit slippery.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Fortunately is that eSIMs are less aggravating than they utilized to be. All current Android gadgets have the capability to move most eSIMs straight without handling the provider. We’ve moved a T-Mobile eSIM in between Pixels and Samsung gadgets a couple of times without problem, however you will require Wi-Fi connection, which is an irritating caution.
Show sizes have not altered this year, however they all look flawless. The base design and smaller sized Pro phone sport 6.3-inch OLEDs, and the Pro XL’s is at 6.8 inches. The Pixel 10 has the most affordable resolution at 1080p, and the refresh rate just goes from 60– 120 Hz. The 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL get higher-resolution screens with LTPO innovation that permits them to go as low as 1Hz to conserve power. The Pro phones likewise get somewhat brighter however all have peak brightness of 3,000 nits or greater, which is plenty to make them legible outdoors.
The addition of Qi2 makes many MagSafe devices suitable with the brand-new Pixels.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The addition of Qi2 makes many MagSafe devices suitable with the brand-new Pixels.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The greatest style modification this year isn’t noticeable on the exterior. The Pixel 10 phones are amongst the very first Android gadgets with complete assistance for the Qi2 charging requirement. Keep in mind, this isn’t simply “Qi2 Ready” like the Galaxy S25. Google’s phones have the Apple-style magnets within, permitting you to utilize a number of the battery chargers, installs, wallets, and other Apple-specific devices that have actually appeared over the previous couple of years. Google likewise has its own “Pixelsnap” devices, like battery chargers and rings. And yes, the main Pixel 10 cases work with magnetic accessories. Including something Apple has actually had for years isn’t precisely ingenious, however Qi2 is truly beneficial, and you will not get it from other Android phones.
Meaningful software application
Google revealed its Material 3 Expressive overhaul previously this year, however it wasn’t consisted of in the preliminary release of Android 16. The Pixel 10 line will deliver with this upgrade, marking the most significant modification to Google’s Android skin in years. The Pixel line has actually now moved rather far from the “stock Android” visual that utilized to be the business’s trademark. The Pixel construct of Android is now simply as personalized as Samsung’s One UI or OnePlus’ OxygenOS, if not more so.
Product 3 Expressive includes more adjustable fast settings.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Product 3 Expressive includes more personalized fast settings.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The bright side is that Material 3 looks really good. It’s more vibrant and spirited however not self-important. A few of the app principles flaunted throughout the statement were a bit much, however the production app upgrades Google has actually presented ever since aren’t as heavy-handed. The Material colors are utilized more freely throughout the UI, and specific UI components will be bigger and more friendly. I’ll take Material 3 Expressive over Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign any day.
I’ve been utilizing a pre-production variation of the brand-new software application, however even for early Pixel software application, there have actually been more small UI drawbacks than anticipated. Numerous times, I’ve seen status bar icons vanish, app screen problems, and image modifies ending up being garbled. There are no showstopping bugs, however the brand-new software application might do with a little cleansing up.
The OS modifications are more than skin-deep– Google has actually packed the Pixel 10 series with a lots of brand-new AI tricks targeted at altering the experience (and validating the business’s massive AI costs). With the more effective Tensor G5 to run bigger Gemini Nano on-device designs, Google has actually woven AI into a lot more parts of the OS. Google’s efforts aren’t as disruptive or intrusive as what we’ve seen from other Android phone makers, however that does not indicate the additions work.
It would be reasonable to state Magic Cue is Google’s flagship AI addition this year. The pitch sounds engaging– utilize regional AI to crunch your individual information into contextual recommendations in Maps, Messages, call, and more. It can trigger you to place material into a text message based on other messages or e-mails.
In spite of having a mountain of individual information in Gmail, Keep, and other Google apps, I’ve seen valuable couple of tips of Magic Cue. It as soon as recommended a search in Google Maps, and on another celebration, it triggered an address in Messages. If you do not utilize Google’s default apps, you may not see Magic Cue at all. More than ever in the past, getting the most out of the Pixel implies utilizing Google’s first-party apps, easily other significant smart device platform.
Google is looking for more methods to take advantage of generative AI.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Google is looking for more methods to utilize generative AI.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Google states it can take about a day after you established the Pixel 10 before Magic Cue will be done consuming your individual information– it takes that long since it’s all occurring on your gadget rather of in the cloud. I value Google’s dedication to personal privacy in mobile AI since it does have access to a substantial quantity of user information. It appears like all that information must be doing more. And I hope that, in time, it does. An AI assistant that expects your requirements is something that might really work, however I’m not yet encouraged that Magic Cue is it.
It’s a comparable story with Daily Hub, an ever-evolving absorb of your day comparable to Samsung’s Now Brief. You will discover Daily Hub at the top of the Google Discover feed. It’s expected to keep you abreast of calendar visits, crucial e-mails, and so on. This ought to work, however I hardly ever discovered it worth opening. It provided little bit more than YouTube and AI search tips.
Pixel Journal works as promoted– it’s simply not something the majority of individuals will desire to utilize. This one resembles Nothing’s Essential Space, a safe and secure location to discard all your ideas and concepts throughout the day. This enables Gemini Nano to create insights and emoji-based state of mind tracking. Cool? Perhaps this will influence some individuals to tape more of their ideas and concepts, however it’s not a game-changing AI function.
If there’s a standout AI function on the Pixel 10, it’s Voice Translate. It utilizes Gemini Nano to run real-time translation in between English and a little collection of other languages, like Spanish, French, German, and Hindi. The equated voice seem like the speaker (mainly), and the hold-up is bearable. Beyond this, however, much of Google’s brand-new Pixel AI includes seem like an outgrowth of the business’s required to things AI into whatever possible. Pixel Screenshots may still be the most beneficial application of generative AI on the Pixels.
Similar to all current Pixel phones, Google ensures 7 years of OS and security updates. That matches Samsung and far surpasses OEMs like OnePlus and Motorola. And unlike Samsung, Google phone updates show up without hold-up. You’ll get brand-new variations of Android initially, and the business’s Pixel Drops include brand-new functions every couple of months.
Modest efficiency upgrade
The Pixel 10 brings Google’s long-awaited Tensor G5 upgrade. This is the very first customized Google mobile processor produced by TSMC instead of Samsung, utilizing the current 3 nm procedure node. The core setup is a bit various, with a 3.78 GHz Cortex X4 at the helm. It’s backed by 5 high-power Cortex-A725s at 3.05 GHz and 2 low-power Cortex-A520 cores at 2.25 GHz. Google likewise states the NPU has actually gotten a lot more effective, enabling it to run the Gemini designs for its raft of brand-new AI functions.
The Pixel 10 series keeps a familiar style.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel 10 series keeps a familiar style.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
If you were intending to see Google reach Qualcomm with the G5, you’ll be dissatisfied. In basic, Google does not appear worried about benchmark numbers. And in fairness, the Pixels carry out extremely well in everyday usage. These phones feel quickly, and the animations are completely smooth. While phones like the Galaxy S25 are quicker on paper, we’ve seen less lag and less downturns on Google’s phones.
That stated, the Tensor G5 does carry out much better in our screening compared to the G4. The CPU speed is up about 30 percent, right in line with Google’s claims. The GPU is quicker by 20– 30 percent in high-performance circumstances, which is a healthy boost for one year. It’s running method behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite we see in other flagship Android phones.
You may see the slower Pixel GPU if you’re playing Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at a high level, however it will be more than quickly adequate for the majority of the mobile video games individuals play. That efficiency space will narrow throughout extended video gaming, too. Qualcomm’s flagship chip gets extremely warm in phones like the Galaxy S25, decreasing by nearly half. The Pixel 10, on the other hand, loses less than 20 percent of its speed to thermal throttling.
State what you will about generative AI– Google’s fascination with including more on-device intelligence stimulated it to increase the quantity of RAM in this year’s Pro phones. You now get 16GB in the 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL. The base design continues to muddle together with 12GB. This might make the Pro phones more future-proof as extra functions are included Pixel Drop updates. We have yet to observe the Pro phones holding onto apps in memory longer than the base design.
The Pixel 10 series gets little battery capability increases throughout the board, however it’s most likely inadequate that you’ll see. The XL, for example, has actually gone from 5,060 mAh to 5,200 mAh. It seems like the boosts truly simply balance out the increased background AI processing, due to the fact that the durability is the same from in 2015. You’ll have no difficulty making it through a day with any of the Pixel phones, even if you clock a great deal of screen time.
With lighter use, you can nearly make it through 2 days. You’ll most likely desire to plug in every night. Google has actually an updated always-on screen mode on the Pixel 10 phones that reveals your background completely color however considerably dimmed. We discovered this was unworthy the battery life hit, however it’s there if you wish to allow it.
Charging speed has actually gotten a little much better this time around, however like the processor, it’s not going to top the charts. The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro can strike an optimum of 30 W with a USB-C PPS-enabled battery charger, getting a 50 percent charge in about 30 minutes. The Pixel 10 Pro XL’s wired charging can reach around 45 W for a 70 percent charge in half an hour. This would be slow compared to the competitors in a lot of Asian markets, however it’s typical to reasonably quick stateside. Google does not have much factor to do much better here, however we want it would attempt.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL (left) looks nearly similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL (best).
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel 10 Pro XL (left) looks practically similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL (ideal).
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Wireless charging is likewise a bit much faster, however the nature of charging is rather various with assistance for Qi2. You can get 15 W of cordless power with a Qi2 battery charger on the smaller sized phones, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL can strike 25 W with a Qi2.2 adapter. There are lots of Qi2 magnetic battery chargers out there that can manage 15 W, however 25 W assistance is presently a lot more unusual.
Post-truth cams
Google has actually made some modifications to its cam setup this year, consisting of the addition of a 3rd electronic camera to the base Pixel 10. That likewise comes with a downgrade for the other 2 video cameras. The Pixel 10 sports a 48 MP main, a 13 MP ultra broad, and a 10.8 MP 5x telephoto– this setup is most comparable to Google’s collapsible phone. The 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL have a somewhat much better 50 MP main, a 48 MP ultrawide, and a 48 MP 5x telephoto. The Pixel 10 is likewise restricted to 20x upscaled zoom, however the Pro phones can go all the method to 100x.
The Pixel 10 gets a 3rd video camera, however the setup isn’t as great as on the Pro phones.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel 10 gets a 3rd electronic camera, however the setup isn’t as excellent as on the Pro phones.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The most recent Pixel phones continue Google’s custom of outstanding mobile photography, which must come as not a surprise. And there’s an even higher concentrate on AI, which must likewise come as not a surprise. Do not be too fast to evaluate– Google’s usage of AI innovations, even before the age of generative systems, has actually made its video cameras amongst the finest you can get.
The Pixel 10 series continues to be excellent for fast pictures. You can pop open the video camera and simply begin taking pictures in nearly any lighting to get strong outcomes. Google’s HDR image processing draws out information in light and dark locations, produces precise complexion, and hones information without developing an “oil painting” result when you focus. The phones are even respectable at recording movement, favoring quicker direct exposures while still accomplishing precise colors and great brightness.
Pro phone samples:
Outside light.
Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel 10 cam modifications are a variety. The addition of a telephoto lens for Google’s least expensive design is valued, permitting you to get closer to your topic and take higher benefit of Google’s digital zoom processing if 5x isn’t enough. The downgrade of the other sensing units is visible if you’re pixel peeping, however it’s not an enormous distinction. Compared to the Pro phones, the base design does not have rather as much vibrant variety, and pictures in difficult light will trend a bit dimmer. You’ll observe the distinction most in Night Sight shots.
The video camera experience has a healthy dosage of Gemini Nano AI this year. The Pro designs’ Pro Res Zoom runs a customized diffusion design to improve images. This can make a huge distinction, however it can likewise be incorrect, like any other generative system. Google chose to broaden its usage of C2PA labeling to mark such images as being AI-edited. You may take an image anticipating to record truth, however the electronic camera app will instantly identify it as an AI image. This might have implications if you’re attempting to record something essential. The AI labeling will likewise appear on pictures produced utilizing functions like Add Me, which continues to be really helpful for group shots.
Non-Pro samples:
Intense outside light.
Ryan Whitwam
Google has actually likewise utilized AI to power its brand-new Camera Coach function. When triggered in the cam viewfinder, it examines your existing framing and makes recommendations. These normally quantity to “subject goes in center, zoom in, take picture.” Honestly, you do not require AI for this if you have actually ever provided any believed to how to frame an image– it’s quite commonsense things.
The most Google-y a phone can get
Google is certainly taking its mobile phone efforts more seriously nowadays, however the experience is likewise more laser-focused on Google’s services and products. The Pixel 10 is an Android phone, however you ‘d never ever understand it from Google’s marketing. It hardly discusses Android as a platform– the word just appears when on the item pages, and it’s in the FAQs at the bottom. Google chooses to wax philosophical about the Pixel experience, which has actually been improved throughout 10 generations. For all intents and functions, this is Google’s iPhone. For $799, the base-model Pixel is an excellent way to take pleasure in the very best of Google in your pocket, however the $999 Pixel 10 Pro is our favorite of the lot.
The Pixel 10 series maintains the Pixel 9 shape.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel 10 series keeps the Pixel 9 shape.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The style, while practically similar to in 2015’s, is improved and stylish, and the electronic camera is difficult to beat, even with more intricate hardware from business like Samsung. Google’s Material 3 Expressive UI overhaul is likewise forming up to be a much-needed breath of fresh air, and Google’s technique to the software application implies you will not need to eliminate a lots sponsored apps and video game demonstrations after unpacking the phone. We value Google’s long upgrade dedication, too, however you’ll require a minimum of one battery swap to have any hope of utilizing this phone for the complete assistance duration. Google will likewise decrease battery capability dynamically as the cell ages, which might be aggravating, however a minimum of there will not be any abrupt nasty surprises down the roadway.
These phones are more than quickly adequate with the brand-new Tensor G5 chip, and if mobile AI is ever going to have a favorable effect, you’ll see it initially on a Pixel. While practically all Android phone purchasers will enjoy with the Pixel 10, there are a couple of cautions. If high-end mobile video gaming is a huge part of your smart device use, it may make good sense to get a Samsung or OnePlus phone, with their faster Qualcomm chips. There’s likewise the forced migration to eSIM. If you need to switch SIMs often, you might wish to wait a bit longer to move to eSIM.
The Pixel style is still slick.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
The Pixel style is still slick.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Purchasing a Pixel 10 is likewise something of a dedication to Google as the incorporated web of services and products it is today. The brand-new Pixel phones are coming at a time when Google’s status as an everlasting tech leviathan remains in doubt. Soon, the business might discover itself divided into pieces as an outcome of pending antitrust actions, so this sort of combined Google vision for a smart device experience may not exist in the future. The software application operating on the Pixel 10 7 years thus might be really various– there might be a lot more AI or a lot less Google.
Today, the Pixel 10 is generally the best Google phone.
The excellent
- Terrific style rollovered from Pixel 9
- Great cams, brand-new optical zoom for base design
- Product 3 redesign is a win
- Long upgrade assistance
- Consists of Qi2 with magnetic accessory
- Runs AI on-device for much better personal privacy
The bad
- Tensor G5 does not reach Qualcomm
- A lot of perfunctory AI functions
- Pixel 10’s main and ultrawide sensing units are a minor downgrade from Pixel 9
- eSIM-only in the United States
Ryan Whitwam is a senior innovation press reporter at Ars Technica, covering the methods Google, AI, and mobile innovation continue to alter the world. Over his 20-year profession, he’s composed for Android Police, ExtremeTech, Wirecutter, NY Times, and more. He has actually evaluated more phones than the majority of people will ever own. You can follow him on Bluesky, where you will see pictures of his lots of mechanical keyboards.
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