ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Google Pixel 10 is predicted to obtain important upgrades this 12 months, together with a devoted telephoto lens.
- Larger function parity with the Professional fashions, mixed with no anticipated worth will increase, makes the usual Pixel an attractive possibility.
- It nonetheless will not be the best choice for energy customers, particularly if you would like probably the most succesful digicam system from Google.
Google’s non-Professional Pixel cellphone has at all times been the “protected choose.” It is the mannequin I like to recommend to most customers, as long as they’ll reside with out the Professional options — whether or not that is an additional telephoto digicam, extra RAM, or higher {hardware}.
Whereas there’s little left to the creativeness so far as what the upcoming Google Pixel 10 telephones will appear to be, if the leaks and rumors are true, there can be a notable shift in dynamics this 12 months. I am going to say it now: The Pixel 10, not the Pixel 10 Professional, can be each the protected choose and one of the best choose in 2025. I am not alone in that perception, and here is why.
1. A telephoto lens to zoom additional
An early have a look at advertising renders means that the base-model Pixel 10 will lastly get a devoted telephoto lens, rounding out the standard important and ultrawide sensors. Whether or not it is pulled from final 12 months’s Pixel 9 Professional Fold or one other older mannequin, having a better optical zoom vary will permit customers to seize distant topics with extra readability and element.
It is a huge win, whether or not you continuously seize images of your baby or pet working round from afar, or need to protect the liveliness of an artist out of your nose-bleed seats.
There may be one notable trade-off with this design determination: Google is reportedly downgrading the principle and ultrawide sensors of the Pixel 10 to match the Pixel 9a (which had an inferior digicam system to final 12 months’s Pixel 9) with the intention to combine the extra telephoto sensor. Whereas I discovered the Pixel 9a’s 48MP shooter succesful sufficient for many environments, digicam buffs could also be extra drawn to the Pixel 10 Professional because of this.
2. The identical Tensor G5 chip because the Professional
Google’s in-house Tensor chipset does not essentially have one of the best observe report for efficiency, mobile connectivity, and effectivity, however issues are wanting up with the upcoming G5 mannequin. If the rumored 3nm design and TSMC-based manufacturing (versus Samsung Foundry) are to be realized, we could lastly be a system processor that delivers snappy day-to-day efficiency whereas additionally reliably sustaining warmth and energy utilization.
To be clear, I am not anticipating the Tensor G5 to set new benchmark excessive scores or compete carefully with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely or OnePlus 13; that is by no means actually been the draw of Google’s in-house silicon.
As a substitute, having the identical processor because the Professional fashions ought to give the usual Pixel 10 entry to all of Google’s newest AI instruments, lots of which have landed nicely with customers over the previous 12 months. Maybe most significantly, Google will nonetheless have full rein over the Pixel line’s software program and safety updates, permitting the units to remain extra feature-relevant than some other Android cellphone in the marketplace.
3. The flashiest options can be on the non-Professional mannequin
From the function parity that features magnet-based Qi2 wi-fi charging capabilities to a captivating new Indigo blue coloration, it is seemingly that the Google Pixel 10 would be the mannequin that appeals to most individuals. It definitely has for me, very similar to how the ultramarine iPhone 16 caught out within the unfold of subdued, monotone Professional mannequin handsets final 12 months.
One other {hardware} distinction between the common and Professional Pixel telephones this 12 months would be the textured sides, with the previous being matte-treated and the latter having a shiny end. From having examined varied handsets with varied industrial designs over time, I’ve discovered that matte-treated aspect rails are the simplest. The end resists retaining oil and fingerprint smudges, conserving the cellphone wanting cleaner.
Alas, the Pixel 10’s lower cost level, projected to nonetheless be $799 for the 128GB configuration, makes it a compelling improve for anybody coming from an older handset. We’ll be taught extra concerning the new Pixel 10 telephones throughout the Made by Google occasion on August 20, so keep tuned.
ZDNET has reached out to Google for extra particulars on the rumors and can report again with any new info.
