It is arduous to consider there have been 10 generations of Pixel telephones, however right here we’re. The Google Pixel 10 collection has lastly launched, and so they’re probably the most AI-forward telephones we have seen.
The journey of telephones (not counting the Pixel 10 Professional Fold) could be seen as refined variations of the Pixel 9 collection, however in the easiest way potential. Positive, some specs have gone unchanged, and one or two have even been downgraded, however there’s a swathe of enhancements that make the Pixel 10 collection an attractive providing.
So, must you purchase a Google Pixel 10? Proper now, there are many Pixel 10 preorder gives that will not final very lengthy, particularly as soon as the telephones hit retailer cabinets on August 28. Listed here are some the explanation why it’s best to and should not purchase the Pixel 10, and who ought to or should not contemplate one.
Why you can purchase a Pixel 10
There was so much to love in regards to the Pixel 9 collection, however the Pixel 10 takes issues up a notch. Design-wise, it is almost an identical, albeit with some slight variations in measurement and thickness. Sure, in a time when firms try to push the boundaries of thinness, the Pixel 10 and 10 Professional are barely thicker, however for good motive.
Every mannequin comes with bigger batteries, however Google can be the primary Android OEM to launch a flagship smartphone with built-in Qi2 magnets. Beforehand, the one Android cellphone with this characteristic was the HMD Skyline from 2024, so we’re happy that it is lastly coming round to extra mainstream telephones with Pixelsnap.
Qi2 could not appear to be an enormous deal, however it’s. It provides a ton of comfort to wi-fi charging, making certain that the alignment is at all times appropriate. Plus, different MagSafe equipment like PopSockets, cellphone stands, and wallets make the telephones extra versatile with out the necessity for a case, like on the Galaxy S25 collection.
Then there’s the brand new Tensor G5, which is made by TSMC. It is a change from the earlier Samsung-made chips, and it is stated to convey some spectacular efficiency and effectivity good points. Past that, the Tensor G5 allows tons of recent AI capabilities for the Pixel 10 collection, turning these telephones into really AI-first smartphones.
For example, Magic Cue is a characteristic that presents useful and contextual info if you most want it, saving you from having to dig for it. Voice Translation for calls can be a helpful characteristic that helps break down language boundaries by translating your voice in real-time into one in all a number of languages. The perfect half is that these options are processed on-device.
The brand new Tensor chip additionally brings welcome digicam enhancements and capabilities. I wasn’t too impressed with the bottom Pixel 9 photographs, so I am excited to check this out for myself on the bottom Pixel 10, however options like Auto Finest Take and Digital camera Coach assist make it simpler than ever to seize higher photographs, even if you happen to’re not precisely the most effective photographer.
And did I point out the bottom Pixel 10 now has a triple digicam system with a 5x telephoto lens? For a similar value as final yr’s mannequin, the Pixel 10 is now almost on par with its Professional siblings.
Why you should not purchase a Pixel 10
The Pixel 10 collection sounds spectacular on paper, however no cellphone is ideal. We have solely had a brief hands-on, however with the Pixel 10 collection, we have already got some reservations primarily based on our restricted expertise.
Firstly, Tensor G5 could also be an improve from its predecessor, however it doubtless nonetheless pales compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite present in competing telephones. That is not even counting the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (or no matter it is referred to as), so if you happen to’re searching for an absolute powerhouse, the Pixel 10 doubtless is not the cellphone you need for 2026.
We’re comfortable that Google has lastly improved the show for any PWM-sensitive customers. Nevertheless, in our restricted testing of this new accessibility characteristic, the Pixel 10 Professional solely doubles its PWM charge to 480Hz, which is properly under the advisable charge.
Moreover, the bottom Pixel 10 would not have this characteristic, so that you’d should spend extra money to guard your eyes.
There’s additionally the matter of eSIM. The Pixel 10 (minus the Fold) follows Apple‘s instance by eradicating the bodily SIM card slot, that means swapping telephones can be safer, however it will not be as simple. We have struggled with eSIM prior to now, and though the know-how is not new, it feels just like the methods in place simply aren’t absolutely outfitted to make the method seamless, particularly as a result of it shifts the management to the carriers and OEMs.
Thankfully, it is solely U.S. fashions which can be eSIM-only, however if you happen to do not wanna take care of the potential headache it may convey, then the Pixel 10 may not be for you.
Who ought to and should not purchase the Pixel 10
Given the similarities between the Pixel 10 and its predecessor, I would not actually suggest these telephones for anybody with a Pixel 9. Should you actually care about Qi2 or among the new AI options enabled by Tensor G5, then maybe there’s motive to improve or to purchase a Pixel 10 over a Pixel 9.
Nevertheless, if you happen to personal an older Pixel cellphone, the Pixel 10 is a extra worthwhile improve. In any other case, you may forgo among the newer AI options and purchase an older mannequin to avoid wasting cash. In any case, the Pixel 8 nonetheless has one other 5 years of software program updates to go.
Issues get a little bit extra muddy if you’re evaluating the Pixel 10 collection to different telephones just like the Galaxy S25 collection, that are recognized to prioritize energy and efficiency. If that is what you are searching for, then a Snapdragon-powered cellphone could also be extra your pace.
The Pixel 10 collection is positioned as AI-first telephones that need to make all the pieces simple and accessible. If that appeals to you, then the Pixel 10 is for you. The following step is to determine which Pixel 10 mannequin you can purchase.
