It is exhausting to imagine 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 essentially the most AI-forward telephones we have seen.
The journey of telephones (not counting the Pixel 10 Professional Fold) might be seen as refined variations of the Pixel 9 collection, however in one of the best ways doable. 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 affords that will not final very lengthy, particularly as soon as the telephones hit retailer cabinets on August 28. Listed here are some explanation why it’s best to and should not purchase the Pixel 10, and who ought to or should not take into account one.
Why you should purchase a Pixel 10
There was loads 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 telephone with this function 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 seem 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 right. Plus, different MagSafe equipment like PopSockets, telephone 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 positive factors. Past that, the Tensor G5 permits tons of latest AI capabilities for the Pixel 10 collection, turning these telephones into actually AI-first smartphones.
As an example, Magic Cue is a function 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 useful function that helps break down language obstacles by translating your voice in real-time into one among a number of languages. The very best 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 Digicam Coach assist make it simpler than ever to seize higher photographs, even in the event you’re not precisely one of the best photographer.
And did I point out the bottom Pixel 10 now has a triple digicam system with a 5x telephoto lens? For a similar worth 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 telephone is ideal. We have solely had a brief hands-on, however with the Pixel 10 collection, we have already got some reservations based mostly 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 in the event you’re in search of an absolute powerhouse, the Pixel 10 doubtless is not the telephone 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 function, the Pixel 10 Professional solely doubles its PWM price to 480Hz, which is nicely beneath the really helpful price.
Moreover, the bottom Pixel 10 would not have this function, so that you’d must 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, which means swapping telephones will likely be safer, however it will not be as straightforward. We have struggled with eSIM up to now, and though the know-how is not new, it feels just like the methods in place simply aren’t totally geared up to make the method seamless, particularly as a result of it shifts the management to the carriers and OEMs.
Luckily, it is solely U.S. fashions which are eSIM-only, however in the event you do not wanna cope with the potential headache it might convey, then the Pixel 10 won’t 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 advocate these telephones for anybody with a Pixel 9. When 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, in the event you personal an older Pixel telephone, the Pixel 10 is a extra worthwhile improve. In any other case, you possibly can 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 slightly 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 in search of, then a Snapdragon-powered telephone could also be extra your pace.
The Pixel 10 collection is positioned as AI-first telephones that need to make every part straightforward and accessible. If that appeals to you, then the Pixel 10 is for you. The subsequent step is to resolve which Pixel 10 mannequin you should purchase.
