Google Pixel 10 review: The new normal

Finest Costs Immediately: Google Pixel 10

The Google Pixel 10 collection of telephones has arrived, and there’s no ‘Edge’, Air’ or ‘Max’ in sight. 

As an alternative, the telephones mirror the earlier quartet and stick on the similar costs (largely) whereas bringing a choice of upgrades – one in all which can seemingly be a catalyst for the whole Android cellphone market. 

It’s nothing new because the iPhone has had MagSafe for various years, however Qi2, which is successfully the identical expertise, brings magnetic charging and equipment to an Android flagship for the primary time. 

The common Pixel 10 on evaluate right here can also be attention-grabbing in various different methods. For starters, it has at least three colourways you possibly can’t get on another Pixel 10, whereas Google has additionally now added a telephoto lens to the digicam module, providing you with optical zoom at your fingertips. 

Though I’ve just a few minor quibbles, for what appeared like a cellphone to skip within the months main as much as its launch (primarily based on early leaks), I now suppose it’s the default inexpensive Android flagship smartphone that most individuals should purchase. 

Let’s dive in… 

Design & Construct

• Similar look, new colors 
• Minor design tweaks 
• One large invisible improve

Smartphones typically undergo a cycle of retaining the identical design for 2 or three generations earlier than introducing an overhaul. The Pixel 9 collection introduced a brand new look, so it’s comprehensible that the Pixel 10 is successfully the identical. 

It’s arduous to inform the brand new cellphone other than its predecessor except you look carefully at small issues. For instance, the underside of the cellphone now appears extra pleasing with symmetrical holes on both facet of the USB port (one mic and one speaker). 

The SIM-card tray has additionally moved to the highest of the cellphone, which I discover fairly disconcerting because it’s so uncommon, but it surely’s rapidly forgotten about. This doesn’t apply within the US, the place the cellphone is now eSIM solely, matching the iPhone.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Extra essential than these small modifications is the brand new set of colourways Google has ushered in. It’s extra dramatic for this common mannequin, the place there aren’t any fewer than three new colors. 

Obsidian stays because the plain black possibility, then you’ve Frost, Indigo and Lemongrass to select from – all of that are unique to this cellphone. The Professional fashions have a extra grown-up and restrained set of hues. 

Whether or not that is good or dangerous information is determined by your style, in fact. I had my fingers crossed for an Indigo pattern, which is a throwback to the ‘Actually Blue’ of the first-gen Pixel telephones. 

Nevertheless, as you possibly can see, I acquired the quick straw with Lemongrass. Perhaps you like it (I could also be too outdated to be the goal marketplace for this), but it surely’s one of many worst cellphone colors I’ve ever seen.

Chris Martin / Foundry

One way or the other, relying on the sunshine, it’s a garish foam banana yellow or a sickly inexperienced. The steel body and digicam bar are a pale gold, which I nearly like, however the rear cowl is just too lurid for this to matter. 

The official Pixelsnap case within the matching color has a extra pastel tone attributable to its matt end, but it surely’s nonetheless removed from my cup of tea. I nonetheless want Google would make a extra diverse vary of official circumstances, together with the material ones, which have been nice. 

This yr’s model is a combined bag. It’s properly made (no marks after 2 weeks of use), makes use of 42% recycled materials and provides good safety, however the exterior is oddly slippery – way over the Pixel 9‘s. Inside is a pleasant microfibre lining and a faint circle hinting at a significant Pixel 10 improve.

Pixelsnap is way over simply the official case. It’s a complete vary of equipment, as a result of the Pixel 10 telephones have Qi2, a wi-fi charging customary which entails magnets, so you possibly can simply and precisely connect chargers and different equipment. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

It’s basically the identical factor as MagSafe on the iPhone, and you’ll even use 1000’s of MagSafe equipment with the Pixel 10 – with some caveats. 

Whereas MagSafe has been round for years, it’s been sorely lacking from the Android world. HMD launched it on the Skyline, but it surely was a cellphone nearly no person cared about or took discover of. 

Google including Qi2 to the Pixel 10 will little question be a catalyst for the Android market to comply with go well with. 

This addition is without doubt one of the causes the cellphone is barely thicker and heavier than its predecessor, however solely marginally at an additional 0.1mm and 6g, so it’s not noticeable.  

As soon as once more, it’s a cushty and balanced cellphone to carry and use. It’s additionally properly compact, although the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 beat it in that regard in alternate for barely smaller screens. 

Display screen & Audio system 

• Primarily the identical display 
• Larger brightness 
• Good high quality audio 

Talking of screens, the Pixel 10 is essentially unchanged from the Pixel 9. Which means you get what’s fairly customary for an entry-level flagship smartphone in 2025. 

It’s 6.3 inches, makes use of an OLED panel with the identical decision and 120Hz refresh charge as earlier than. In truth, all of the specs of this Actua Show are the identical other than the brightness, which has been improved. 

The Pixel 10 can now hit 1,800 nits (HDR) and as much as 2,700 nits (peak brightness), which is 200 and 300 nits higher than its predecessor, respectively. It’s hardly ever noticeable side-by-side however welcome nonetheless.

Chris Martin / Foundry

The Pixel 10 Professional telephones can go even additional at as much as 3,300 nits peak brightness, relying on which mannequin you select. However the cellphone already has wonderful visibility in brilliant environments, so there’s not a lot to achieve.

It’s one in all a reasonably lengthy checklist of issues the common Pixel 10 misses out on. The opposite key one right here is the Clean Show excessive refresh charge solely going from 60-120Hz, whereas the Professional fashions can dip to 1Hz to assist save battery when not required.

The first rate ultrasonic fingerprint scanner remains to be embedded into the display, and the Pixel 10 nonetheless has stereo audio system, as you’d count on from a flagship. They’re excellent certainly, with loads of velocity, readability and stereo separation. Issues get a bit messier at larger quantity ranges, however that’s nothing uncommon. 

Specs & Efficiency 

• Tensor G5 chipset 
• 12GB RAM 
• Two storage choices 

The Pixel 10 isn’t significantly thrilling when it comes to its core specs, one thing I think about most individuals shopping for it gained’t care that a lot anyway, so I’ll preserve it temporary. 

As with most smartphones, the Pixel 10 comes with a brand new processor. This time round, it’s Google’s personal Tensor G5, which now reaches a 3nm manufacturing course of. 

As you’ll see beneath, the cellphone doesn’t benchmark that properly in comparison with rivals in uncooked efficiency checks like Geekbench 6. Nevertheless, I’d wager Google isn’t attempting to win that Prime Trumps battle anyway and, once more, most individuals shopping for this cellphone gained’t give an iota. 

Certain, the CPU is quicker than the Tensor G4 at 34% in response to Google, but it surely’s the TPU the place AI is dealt with, which will get the most important enchancment at 60%. With the agency leaning so arduous into AI options like Gemini, it makes whole sense. 

Percentages apart, what’s essential is how the cellphone runs every day. For me, the Pixel 10 is completely easy in day-to-day utilization, simply as Pixel telephones all the time are.

As soon as once more, there’s 12GB of RAM to assist preserve every thing easy and solely two choices for storage at 128- or 256GB. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

The previous now feels small and a bit stingy for a cellphone this costly, particularly when Apple’s iPhone 17 now comes with 256GB as customary for a similar value. 

The Galaxy S25 is an identical story, however Samsung additionally provides a 512GB mannequin and at launch provides double the storage at no further value for early adopters. 

In accordance with GSMArena, the smaller capability Pixel 10 will get UFS 3.1 storage, whereas the 256GB mannequin is UFS 4.0 at nearly double the learn/write pace. Nevertheless, that is as soon as once more one thing that most individuals gained’t discover. 

If you happen to’re a possible Pixel 10 purchaser who’s a bit extra nerdy and into specs, the cellphone misses out on fairly a protracted checklist of issues that you simply get with the ten Professional fashions. 

This contains Wi-Fi 7, as you solely get 6e, and also you don’t get issues like Extremely-Wideband (UWB), Thread compatibility or a Temperature sensor on the again. However I extremely doubt that any of those can be dealbreakers.

Google Pixel 10 benchmarks

Cameras 

• New set of rear cameras 
• Together with the addition of a devoted telephoto lens
• But extra AI options 

It’s all change relating to the Pixel 10 cameras, because the cellphone not mirrors among the cameras discovered on the Professional fashions. As an alternative, the primary and ultrawide shooters seem like those discovered on the less expensive Pixel 9a. 

You get a 48Mp predominant digicam, which solely drops 2Mp on the Pixel 9, but it surely’s a smaller sensor with smaller pixels. The ultrawide drops from 48- all the way down to 13Mp with a slower aperture and barely narrower area of view, albeit with a bigger sensor.

Chris Martin / Foundry

These mid-range cameras are more likely to preserve prices down with a view to add a telephoto lens, so it’s swings and roundabouts. Usually, you want to purchase a Professional-level Pixel cellphone to get optical zoom, however not anymore. 

Anybody nitpicking over the precise specs of the cameras in all probability isn’t contemplating this cellphone anyway. Over time, Google has confirmed it might do loads with decrease megapixel cameras in comparison with rivals, with wonderful software program processing, and that’s no completely different right here. 

As soon as once more, the Pixel 10 is a top-notch point-and-shoot digicam, no matter which digicam you’re utilizing. All three rear cameras are able to capturing handsome pictures with good publicity and pure color replica. 

The selfie digicam – the one one to stay unchanged from final yr – can also be wonderful. 

The secret right here is versatility, with the primary digicam being the high-resolution go-to, however having the choice to modify to the others if you want them. 

The brand new telephoto lens provides 5x optical zoom, which is spectacular. Many are 3x and require a fourth digicam to get you zoomed in any additional. Digital zoom extends to 20x, whereas the Professional fashions can now hit a whopping 100x, though we didn’t discover it to be overly spectacular anyway. 

Yearly, Google provides new AI options to the Pixel telephones and the cameras are all the time one of many key areas. This time round, Digital camera Coach is the headline addition and goals that can assist you take higher pictures. 

When within the app, you merely faucet the icon on the high if you’re digicam is pointing on the scene or topic. The Digital camera Coach will then offer you an in depth set of directions, similar to altering the digicam lens, mode or the way in which you’re framing the shot.

Chris Martin / Foundry

It’s spectacular, if a tad patronising at occasions. It additionally takes some time to undergo the steps, so you possibly can’t use it for something time delicate, however for the suitable particular person in the suitable scenario it may make an enormous distinction. 

There are extra options, similar to Add Me for placing the photographer into group pictures and Auto Finest Take, which can now mechanically mix the most effective pictures to ensure everybody in a selfie is smiling. Ask Images introduces conversational modifying with Gemini, but it surely’s restricted to the US for now. 

Battery Life & Charging 

• Larger 4970mAh battery 
• Sooner 30W wired charging 
• Qi2 magnetic wi-fi charging 

There are a variety of modifications and enhancements for the Pixel 10 right here. For starters, the battery is sort of 300mAh larger at 4970mAh, which is partly why the cellphone is heavier this yr. It’s even larger than the 4870mAh one discovered within the 10 Professional.

Mixed with the extra environment friendly 3nm Tensor G5, this could end in higher battery life. A PCMark benchmark results of 14 hours and 55 minutes is spectacular – an enchancment of just about an hour on the Pixel 9. 

Nevertheless, in real-world testing, I nonetheless don’t discover this cellphone to be essentially the most snug in battery life. Inconsistent might be the most effective phrase, with some days faring higher than others regardless of very comparable utilization. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

I famous in my Pixel 9 evaluate that the battery saver popped up greater than earlier fashions, and I nonetheless discover it reaching this level (20%) greater than I’d like. The Pixel 10 can definitely final a day with some juice left, however different occasions it appears to vanish like a leaky bucket attempting to carry water. 

Maybe issues will enhance over time, however for now, if I’m leaving the home with the Pixel 10, I’m aiming to take a charger or energy financial institution with me simply in case. 

Transferring onto charging and issues have improved in various methods, with wired charging now hitting 30W (up 3W), which means you will get 55% in half-hour with the suitable charger. 

That’s simpler mentioned than performed with right this moment’s mess of USB charging requirements and variations. It’s not merely in regards to the wattage displayed on the facet of the charger. 

For instance, the 67W Xiaomi charger I needed to hand didn’t present quick charging on the Pixel 10, however a 125W Motorola one did. You’re primarily searching for one with USB PD (Energy Supply). 

With the Motorola, I acquired 56% in half-hour. It’s first rate, albeit properly behind the quickest charging telephones round. Key rivals similar to Samsung and Apple aren’t far forward, although.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Wi-fi charging stays at 15W, however the large information is the addition of Qi2, which brings magnets into the equation. Google has a variety of Pixelsnap equipment particularly for this, however you can even use a plethora of MagSafe equipment too (with some caveats like potential slower charging speeds). 

It’s an enormous improve for comfort and marks the primary flagship cellphone (collection) to get the characteristic. Little question, others can be way more inclined to comply with go well with. 

There are a few downsides right here to pay attention to. The Pixel 10 Professional XL is the one mannequin within the vary to get sooner Qi2.2, which is 25W, and the Pixel 10 is formally not appropriate with the Pixel Stand (both technology), although it’s going to cost slowly anyway.

Software program & AI

• Android 16 with Materials 3 Expressive
• Numerous new AI options
• Market-leading software program assist

As you’d count on, the Pixel 10 runs Google’s newest software program model, Android 16, out of the field. And you continue to get the superb promise of seven years of software program assist for each OS and safety updates. 

Though it launched months in the past, the Pixel 10 telephones embrace the long-awaited Materials 3 Expressive replace. This can be a substantial overhaul to the way in which the interface appears and works.

Chris Martin / Foundry

As a long-time Pixel tester and person, it’s taking me a while to get used to it. Whereas the intention is that buttons, sliders and the like are simpler to work together with, I can’t assist however really feel Android has gotten extra garish and child-like with this replace. 

It’s maybe an indication of my age and inclination to maintain issues the identical, however thus far, I’m not a lot of a fan. Fortunately, it doesn’t have an effect on each day utilization an excessive amount of – primarily the short settings for me – and with a while to tinker, issues can little question be improved. 

It appears not possible to cover from AI in the intervening time and the Pixel 10 may be very a lot an AI-focused gadget, with Google’s big efforts into this space lately. Gemini is in every single place now – it’s not only a substitute for the Google Assistant to ask questions and switch lights on. 

Whether or not you want AI or not, Google does a a lot better job of integrating synthetic intelligence into the expertise than its rivals. Options are usually not half-baked both, and there’s extra care into instructing customers what the cellphone can do and how one can do it. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

Aside from the digicam options talked about earlier, the Pixel 10 comes with a variety of recent AI methods, beginning with Magic Cue. This goals to do all kinds of proactive issues to make your life simpler, however I haven’t seen it pop up but so it might take a while to kick in.

It’s not one for me, however there’s additionally the brand new Journal app if that takes your fancy. It’s a spot to, properly, journal however with AI leaping in to assist with “writing inspiration and observe the way you’re feeling”. Thanks, however no thanks. 

These extra prepared to embrace AI than me may wish to take into account a Pixel 10 Professional mannequin the place you get a free yr of Google AI Professional, together with instruments like Veo 3 and NotebookLM. It prices £18.99/$19.99 monthly thereafter.

Worth & Availability

There’s no value change for the Pixel 10 vary, bar the XL mannequin now beginning at 256GB, which kind of provides it a value rise of kinds.

This implies the most cost effective mannequin on take a look at right here will set you again £799/$799 for a 128GB mannequin. 

There’s just one different possibility with 256GB priced at £899/$899. 

Regardless of Google sticking to the identical value, the Pixel 10 lags behind the Galaxy S25, which additionally has a 512GB capability. In the meantime, the iPhone 17 comes with a minimum of 256GB for a similar value. 

You should buy the Pixel 10 from the official retailer in addition to a protracted checklist of shops, together with Amazon. 

Must you purchase the Google Pixel 10? 

As entry-level all-rounder flagship telephones go, the Pixel 10 is well among the best choices in the marketplace. 

It ticks a heck of lots of packing containers, together with a beautiful design (Lemongrass colourway excluded), strong show, nice cameras and a user-friendly interface with genuinely helpful AI additions. 

The addition of a telephoto lens and Qi2 magnetic charging are each very welcome and must be the brand new regular for Android telephones going ahead. 

128GB is beginning to really feel a bit small for a flagship, and there’s higher battery life to be discovered elsewhere, however the Pixel 10 is a improbable cellphone at this value level. For individuals with £800/$800 to spend (or an identical quantity on contract), it’s my go-to advice.

Certain, you miss out on an affordable checklist of issues the Professional fashions include, however that’s comprehensible. I don’t suppose many Pixel 10 customers will discover, anyway.

Specs

• Android 16 with seven years of updates
• 6.3-inch FHD+ 120Hz OLED
• Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner
• Face Unlock
• Google Tensor G5 chipset
• 12GB RAM
• 128/256GB non-expandable storage
• 4970mAh battery
• 30W wired charging
• 15W Qi2 wi-fi charging
• Reverse wi-fi charging
• 48Mp f/1.7 predominant digicam
• 13Mp f/2.2 ultrawide digicam
• 10.8Mp f/3.1 5x telephoto digicam
• 10.5Mp f/2.2 entrance digicam
• Twin stereo audio system
• USB-C
• 5G
• NanoSIM + eSIM
• Wi-Fi 6e
• Bluetooth 6.0
• IP68
• Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back and front)
• 152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm
• 204g