The Google Pixel 10 is positioned as a great, basic Android phone that offers a compelling package for its $799 price point. It builds upon the foundation of its predecessor with some notable and handy upgrades, making it a proper flagship device that is both easy to use and fairly priced, especially when compared to the $999 Pixel 10 Pro.
A Solid Performer with Key Upgrades
This year's model introduces several significant improvements that enhance the overall user experience. The most delightful addition is Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets, which allows for a seamless charging experience without the need for a special case. This feature, akin to Apple's MagSafe, makes the Pixel ecosystem a more complete alternative for users.
Under the hood, the Pixel 10 is powered by the new Tensor G5 chipset, Google's first custom chip manufactured by TSMC. Users will find it runs cooler and handles heavier workloads better than previous iterations. Paired with 12GB of RAM, it provides smooth performance for most tasks, though it may show slight stuttering on very dense web pages compared to the Pro model's 16GB.
AI That's Finally Useful
The Tensor G5 also enables a suite of on-device AI features that are beginning to show real promise. While the Pixel 10 doesn't include the Pro's generative AI-assisted camera zoom, it does feature Magic Cue. This function fetches helpful information based on your activity within supported Google apps, such as suggesting calendar events from messages or destinations in Maps from saved screenshots. While it can occasionally produce false positives, it is generally more useful than not and easy to ignore when its suggestions miss the mark.
The Camera Conundrum: A Trade-Off
The most significant change—and point of contention—in the Pixel 10 is its camera system. For the first time, the non-Pro model includes a dedicated 5x telephoto lens, which is a genuine upgrade over digital zoom. However, this addition came with a trade-off: the main and ultrawide cameras have been downgraded from the hardware used in last year's model and the current Pro.
These sensors are now similar to those found in the mid-range Pixel 9A. The main camera uses a smaller sensor than the Pro, which results in more noise, less precise subject isolation in portrait mode (especially in challenging light or with moving subjects), and generally less dynamic range. While the camera system is still "perfectly fine" and will take nice photos for the average user, it's a noticeable step down for anyone aware of the superior capability in the Pro model or previous generations.
Display and Battery Life
The Pixel 10 features a 6.3-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The screen is plenty bright for outdoor use, but it is more prone to dropping its refresh rate during scrolling, which can be slightly jarring. Some users may also notice vignetting (darkening around the edges) in bright light, a known issue that can be resolved by switching to the "natural" display color profile.
Battery life is described as just okay. It will comfortably get most users through a full day of moderate use, but intensive activities like extended gaming or using the mobile hotspot can necessitate a late-afternoon top-up. Power users will want to keep a charger or power bank handy.
Who Is The Pixel 10 For?
The Pixel 10 is an evolution of the elegant, simple, and durable model established by the Pixel 9. It retains the same price in an inflationary market while adding valuable features like Qi2 and a telephoto camera. For the average user who isn't overly picky about photographic performance and doesn't need absolute top-tier specs, the Pixel 10 is a fantastic and easy-to-recommend Android phone that will provide a smooth and integrated experience.
However, the camera downgrade is a tough pill to swallow for enthusiasts and those who know what they're missing. It ultimately represents a conscious compromise by Google to hit a price point and differentiate its Pro lineup. For everyone else, it remains a solid, well-priced flagship that gets the fundamentals right.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/reviews/772813/google-pixel-10-review
