Summary
Google’s new Pixel 10 series is here, and it’s powered by a new chip and a whole lot of AI. This year, the biggest updates might be with the non-Pro model. However, as usual, the big emphasis is on how these phones will change the way you interact with your device.
At the heart of the new Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL is the new Google Tensor G5 processor, which Google claims is the most significant upgrade to its custom chip for Pixel phones. The G5 processor is designed for the “Gemini era” and includes a TPU that is up to 60% more powerful than the Tensor G4. This new chip is what’s behind features like Magic Cue, Pro Res Zoom, and Auto Best Take.
Speaking of Magic Cue, this is a new feature that aims to bring more personalized intelligence to the Pixel series. It’s designed to anticipate your needs and proactively suggest relevant information and actions (sound familiar?). Google gives the example of being on a call with an airline, and Magic Cue automatically surfaces your flight details. Another example is a friend asking for your Airbnb address, and it pulls up the information for quick sharing.
AI aside, the Pixel 10 series is made from “spacecraft-grade” aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. They also have an IP68 rating, as per usual. The actual design of the hardware hasn’t changed much, but Android’s fresh “Material Expressive” design language makes up for it. Google is also promising seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates for all Pixel 10 phones.
One of the most exciting additions to the Pixel series is a new magnetic technology called “Pixelsnap.” For all intents and purposes, this is the long-awaited MagSafe for Android. It allows you to attach wireless chargers, stands, grips, and thousands of other accessories magnetically to the back of the phone. The Pixelsnap system is compatible with Qi2 wireless charging.
Google is releasing the Pixel 10 series with a handful of Pixelsnap accessories to get started. There’s a case that extends the magnetic connection, a wired charger, a stand that turns the wired charger into a dock, and a “Ring Stand” that acts as a kickstand.
Cameras are obviously a big deal for the Pixel series, and this time the non-Pro model gets the best upgrades. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are very similar to last year—50MP, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP zoom—but the Pixel 10 finally gets an optical zoom lens as well. It’s the same 5x optical zoom as the other two phones, but a smaller 10.8MP. It’s joined by a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide.
The Pro phones also have a Super Actua display that Google claims is the brightest ever on a Pixel with 3,300 nits of peak brightness. The Pixel 10 Pro comes in two sizes—a 6.3-inch and a 6.8-inch model—and both have batteries that can last for more than 30 hours (or so Google claims).
Pricing starts at $799 for the Pixel 10, then $999 for the Pixel 10 Pro, and $1199 for the Pixel 10 Pro XL with 256GB of storage. The Pixel 10 is available in Obsidian, Indigo, Frost, and Lemongrass, while the Pro models come in Obsidian, Moonstone, Porcelain, and Jade. Google did not provide a release date.
Google Pixel 10
Looking to upgrade to a Pixel but not sure if you need all the bells and whistles of the more expensive models? You won’t be disappointed with the standard Pixel 10 model. Coming in striking colors, Gemini features, and seven years of updates, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.
Google Pixel 10 Pro
The Pixel 10 Pro offers an upgrade over the base model with the powerful Google Tensor G5 chip, more RAM, and more storage (if you need it).
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Need a bigger phone? The Pixel 10 Pro XL offers just that. While you largely get the same experience as the 10 Pro, you’ll get a bigger screen and bigger battery—so you won’t be missing out on anything over the standard-sized 10 Pro.
