At a look
Professional’s Ranking
Professionals
- Qi2 magnetic charging
- Premium design
- Glorious cameras
- Helpful AI options
Cons
- 128GB doesn’t really feel like sufficient
- Blended battery life
Our Verdict
Regardless of the identical worth as final yr, Google has added some massive additions, together with magnetic charging for the primary time on an Android flagship and a telephoto digicam. There are different enhancements, and other than just a few small niggles, the Pixel 10 makes for an apparent go-to choice for anybody on the lookout for an entry-level flagship telephone.
Worth When Reviewed
This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined
Finest Pricing At present
Worth When Reviewed
From $799
Finest Costs At present: Google Pixel 10
$799
The Google Pixel 10 sequence of telephones has arrived, and there’s no ‘Edge’, Air’ or ‘Max’ in sight.
As a substitute, the telephones mirror the earlier quartet and stick on the identical costs (largely) whereas bringing a number of upgrades – one in all which can doubtless be a catalyst for the whole Android telephone market.
It’s nothing new because the iPhone has had MagSafe for quite a lot of years, however Qi2, which is successfully the identical know-how, brings magnetic charging and equipment to an Android flagship for the primary time.
The common Pixel 10 on evaluate right here can be attention-grabbing in quite a lot of different methods. For starters, it has a minimum of three colourways you possibly can’t get on some other Pixel 10, whereas Google has additionally now added a telephoto lens to the digicam module, supplying you with optical zoom at your fingertips.
Though I’ve just a few minor quibbles, for what appeared like a telephone to skip within the months main as much as its launch (primarily based on early leaks), I now assume it’s the default inexpensive Android flagship smartphone that most individuals should purchase.
Let’s dive in…
Design & Construct
- Identical look, new colors
- Minor design tweaks
- One massive invisible improve
Smartphones usually undergo a cycle of preserving the identical design for 2 or three generations earlier than introducing an overhaul. The Pixel 9 sequence introduced a brand new look, so it’s comprehensible that the Pixel 10 is successfully the identical.
It’s exhausting to inform the brand new telephone aside from its predecessor except you look carefully at small issues. For instance, the underside of the telephone now seems to be 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 telephone, 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 telephone is now eSIM solely, matching the iPhone.
I bought the brief straw with Lemongrass. Perhaps you find it irresistible, but it surely’s one of many worst telephone colors I’ve ever seen
Chris Martin / Foundry
Extra essential than these small adjustments is the brand new set of colourways Google has ushered in. It’s extra dramatic for this common mannequin, the place there are not any fewer than three new colors.
Obsidian stays because the plain black choice, then you will have Frost, Indigo and Lemongrass to select from – all of that are unique to this telephone. The Professional fashions have a extra grown-up and restrained set of hues.
Whether or not that is good or dangerous information will depend on your style, after all. I had my fingers crossed for an Indigo pattern, which is a throwback to the ‘Actually Blue’ of the first-gen Pixel telephones.
Nonetheless, as you possibly can see, I bought the brief straw with Lemongrass. Perhaps you find it irresistible (I could also be too previous to be the goal marketplace for this), but it surely’s one of many worst telephone colors I’ve ever seen.
Chris Martin / Foundry
By some means, 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 simply too lurid for this to matter.
The official Pixelsnap case within the matching color has a extra pastel tone because of 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 instances, together with the material ones, which have been nice.
This yr’s model is a blended bag. It’s nicely made (no marks after 2 weeks of use), makes use of 42% recycled materials and affords good safety, however the exterior is oddly slippery – excess of the Pixel 9‘s. Inside is a pleasant microfibre lining and a faint circle hinting at a serious Pixel 10 improve.
Google including Qi2 to the Pixel 10 will little doubt be a catalyst for the Android market to observe swimsuit
Pixelsnap is excess of 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 normal which includes magnets, so you possibly can simply and precisely connect chargers and different equipment.
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 telephone nearly no one cared about or took discover of.
Google including Qi2 to the Pixel 10 will little doubt be a catalyst for the Android market to observe swimsuit.
This addition is among the causes the telephone 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 snug and balanced telephone 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
- Basically the identical display
- Larger brightness
- Good high quality audio
Talking of screens, the Pixel 10 is essentially unchanged from the Pixel 9. Meaning you get what’s fairly normal 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 fee as earlier than. In actual fact, all of the specs of this Actua Show are the identical aside from 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 not often 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 telephone already has wonderful visibility in brilliant environments, so there’s not a lot to achieve.
It’s one in all a reasonably lengthy listing of issues the common Pixel 10 misses out on. The opposite key one right here is the Easy Show excessive refresh fee solely going from 60-120Hz, whereas the Professional fashions can dip to 1Hz to assist save battery when not required.
The respectable ultrasonic fingerprint scanner remains to be embedded into the display, and the Pixel 10 nonetheless has stereo audio system, as you’ll count on from a flagship. They’re excellent certainly, with loads of velocity, readability and stereo separation. Issues get a bit messier at increased quantity ranges, however that’s nothing uncommon.
Specs & Efficiency
- Tensor G5 chipset
- 12GB RAM
- Two storage choices
The Pixel 10 isn’t significantly thrilling by way of 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 transient.
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 under, the telephone doesn’t benchmark that nicely in comparison with rivals in uncooked efficiency assessments like Geekbench 6. Nonetheless, I’d wager Google isn’t attempting to win that Prime Trumps battle anyway and, once more, most individuals shopping for this telephone gained’t give an iota.
Certain, the CPU is quicker than the Tensor G4 at 34% in keeping with 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 exhausting into AI options like Gemini, it makes whole sense.
Percentages apart, what’s essential is how the telephone runs each day. For me, the Pixel 10 is completely clean in day-to-day utilization, simply as Pixel telephones at all times are.
As soon as once more, there’s 12GB of RAM to assist preserve the whole lot clean and solely two choices for storage at 128- or 256GB.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The previous now feels small and a bit stingy for a telephone this costly, particularly when Apple’s iPhone 17 now comes with 256GB as normal for a similar worth.
The Galaxy S25 is the same story, however Samsung additionally affords a 512GB mannequin and at launch affords double the storage at no further price for early adopters.
Based on 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. Nonetheless, that is as soon as once more one thing that most individuals gained’t discover.
For me, the Pixel 10 is completely clean in day-to-day utilization, simply as Pixel telephones at all times are
For those who’re a possible Pixel 10 purchaser who’s a bit extra nerdy and into specs, the telephone misses out on fairly a protracted listing of issues that you just 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 in the case of the Pixel 10 cameras, because the telephone not mirrors a number of the cameras discovered on the Professional fashions. As a substitute, the primary and ultrawide shooters seem like those discovered on the less expensive Pixel 9a.
You get a 48Mp fundamental 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 subject of view, albeit with a bigger sensor.
Chris Martin / Foundry
These mid-range cameras are prone to preserve prices down with the intention to add a telephoto lens, so it’s swings and roundabouts. Usually, it is advisable purchase a Professional-level Pixel telephone to get optical zoom, however not anymore.
Anybody nitpicking over the precise specs of the cameras most likely isn’t contemplating this telephone anyway. Over time, Google has confirmed it may do loads with decrease megapixel cameras in comparison with rivals, with wonderful software program processing, and that’s no totally 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 be wonderful.
The secret right here is versatility, with the primary digicam being the high-resolution go-to, however having the choice to change to the others once you want them.
The brand new telephoto lens affords 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 at all times one of many key areas. This time round, Digital camera Coach is the headline addition and goals that will help you take higher pictures.
As soon as once more, the Pixel 10 is a top-notch point-and-shoot digicam, no matter which digicam you’re utilizing
When within the app, you merely faucet the icon on the high once you’re digicam is pointing on the scene or topic. The Digital camera Coach will then offer you an in depth set of directions, akin to altering the digicam lens, mode or the best way you’re framing the shot.
Chris Martin / Foundry
It’s spectacular, if a tad patronising at instances. It additionally takes some time to undergo the steps, so you possibly can’t use it for something time delicate, however for the precise individual in the precise scenario it might make an enormous distinction.
There are extra options, akin 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
- Quicker 30W wired charging
- Qi2 magnetic wi-fi charging
There are a variety of adjustments and enhancements for the Pixel 10 right here. For starters, the battery is sort of 300mAh larger at 4970mAh, which is partly why the telephone 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 virtually an hour on the Pixel 9.
Nonetheless, in real-world testing, I nonetheless don’t discover this telephone to be essentially the most comfy in battery life. Inconsistent might be the most effective phrase, with some days faring higher than others regardless of very related 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 actually final a day with some juice left, however different instances 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.
Shifting onto charging and issues have improved in quite a lot of methods, with wired charging now hitting 30W (up 3W), which means you may get 55% in half-hour with the precise charger.
The Pixel 10 can actually final a day with some juice left, however different instances it appears to vanish like a leaky bucket attempting to carry water
That’s simpler mentioned than completed with right now’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 on the lookout for one with USB PD (Energy Supply).
With the Motorola, I bought 56% in half-hour. It’s respectable, albeit nicely behind the quickest charging telephones round. Key rivals akin to Samsung and Apple aren’t far forward, although.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Wi-fi charging stays at 15W, however the massive information is the addition of Qi2, which brings magnets into the equation. Google has a spread of Pixelsnap equipment particularly for this, however you can too 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 telephone (sequence) to get the function. Little doubt, others can be much more inclined to observe swimsuit.
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 era), although it is going to cost slowly anyway.
Software program & AI
- Android 16 with Materials 3 Expressive
- Varied new AI options
- Market-leading software program help
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 wonderful promise of seven years of software program help for each OS and safety updates.
Though it launched months in the past, the Pixel 10 telephones embody the long-awaited Materials 3 Expressive replace. It is a substantial overhaul to the best way the interface seems to be and works.
Chris Martin / Foundry
As a long-time Pixel tester and consumer, 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 up to now, I’m not a lot of a fan. Fortunately, it doesn’t have an effect on day by day utilization an excessive amount of – primarily the fast settings for me – and with a while to tinker, issues can little doubt be improved.
It appears unattainable to cover from AI for the time being and the Pixel 10 could be very a lot an AI-focused gadget, with Google’s large efforts into this space in recent times. Gemini is in all places 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 significantly 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 telephone can do and learn how to do it.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Aside from the digicam options talked about earlier, the Pixel 10 comes with a spread of latest AI tips, 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.
Google does a significantly better job of integrating synthetic intelligence into the expertise than its rivals
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, nicely, journal however with AI leaping in to assist with “writing inspiration and monitor the way you’re feeling”. Thanks, however no thanks.
These extra prepared to embrace AI than me would possibly need to think about 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 per 30 days thereafter.
Worth & Availability
There’s no worth change for the Pixel 10 vary, bar the XL mannequin now beginning at 256GB, which form of provides it a worth rise of kinds.
This implies the most affordable mannequin on check right here will set you again £799/$799 for a 128GB mannequin.
There’s just one different choice with 256GB priced at £899/$899.
Regardless of Google sticking to the identical worth, 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 worth.
You should buy the Pixel 10 from the official retailer in addition to a protracted listing of outlets, together with Amazon.
Must you purchase the Google Pixel 10?
As entry-level all-rounder flagship telephones go, the Pixel 10 is definitely among the finest choices available on the market.
It ticks a heck of plenty of bins, together with a pretty 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 implausible telephone at this worth level. For individuals with £800/$800 to spend (or the same quantity on contract), it’s my go-to suggestion.
Certain, you miss out on an affordable listing of issues the Professional fashions include, however that’s comprehensible. I don’t assume 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 fundamental 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
