4 Minutes
Google unveils Pixel 10 — flagship features trickle down
Google has officially introduced the Pixel 10 family at its Made by Google event in Brooklyn, confirming months of leaks. The lineup comprises the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Notably, the base Pixel 10 receives a major camera upgrade: for the first time in the series, the standard model ships with a dedicated telephoto lens.
Key camera and design updates
Externally, the Pixel 10 resembles its predecessor, but its rear pill-shaped camera island now accommodates three sensors instead of two. The rear setup pairs a 48 MP main sensor with a 13 MP ultrawide and a 10.8 MP telephoto offering 5x optical zoom. For selfies, Google includes a 10.5 MP autofocus front camera. While the addition of a telephoto camera is a decisive win for mobile photography, the ultrawide has been dialed back compared with the Pixel 9.
Performance: Tensor G5 and security
Under the hood, the Pixel 10 runs on Google’s new Tensor G5 SoC, built on TSMC’s 3nm process, paired with the Titan M2 security chip. Memory and storage options include 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The combination of the 3nm Tensor G5 and Titan M2 aims to accelerate AI-driven features, improve power efficiency and strengthen on-device security.
.avif)
Display, biometrics and durability
The phone sports a 6.3-inch Actua LTPS display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Because it uses LTPS technology, refresh rate adaptation ranges between 60 and 120 Hz. Google claims the screen can hit up to 2,000 nits in peak brightness mode and continues to use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection. The Pixel 10 also upgrades its ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and maintains an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.
Battery, charging and software longevity
Battery capacity grows slightly to 4,970 mAh. Charging options include 29W wired and 15W Qi2 wireless charging, and the phone is compatible with Google’s new Qi2 Pixelsnap accessories showcased at the event. The Pixel 10 runs Android 16 out of the box and, in line with Google’s recent policy, will receive seven years of OS and security updates—an important factor for long-term ownership.
Colors, pricing and availability
The Pixel 10 arrives in Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass and Obsidian finishes. Pre-orders are open now, with the 128 GB model starting at $799 and the 256 GB version at $899.
Comparisons, use cases and market relevance
Compared with last year’s Pixel 9, the Pixel 10 narrows the gap to premium rivals by adding telephoto hardware to the base model and upgrading core silicon to a 3nm Tensor G5. Photographers and mobile content creators will appreciate the new 5x optical telephoto for portrait and medium-tele focal lengths, while everyday users benefit from longer software support and improved AI features. The brighter Actua display supports outdoor legibility, and the larger battery combined with the efficient 3nm chipset should yield better all-day endurance for power users.
Advantages and trade-offs
Advantages: stronger optical zoom, flagship-class SoC, longer software support, brighter display and improved security. Trade-offs: lowered ultrawide resolution versus the Pixel 9 and LTPS display limiting dynamic refresh rate below 60 Hz–to–120 Hz ranges available on some OLED LTPO competitors.
Bottom line
The Pixel 10 pushes Google’s mainstream handset closer to true flagship territory by adding a dedicated telephoto lens and upgrading to the 3nm Tensor G5. With competitive pricing, extended update coverage and focused camera improvements, the Pixel 10 is positioned as an attractive choice for Android enthusiasts and professionals who value computational photography and long-term software support.
Comments