The right Android different to the iPhone

Google’s goal with the Pixel lineup has been clear for the final couple of years. It’s not focused on placing out essentially the most highly effective cellphone in the marketplace, and Google doesn’t care what fanatics assume. It’s involved with constructing a nice person expertise, with premium {hardware} and easy-to-use software program. It’s straight out of Apple’s playbook from 15 years in the past, and it’s efficient. The Pixel 9 sequence bought higher than earlier generations, and Google seems to be to make much more headway with the Pixel 10.

If Google’s trying to compete head-to-head with Apple on provider retailer cabinets, the Google Pixel 10 is the cellphone to do it. It’s well-built, snappy, and Google’s pleasant software program is right for first-time Android customers. In case you’re lastly trying to leap ship from an iPhone, the Pixel 10 must be on the high of your checklist.

Worth, specs, and availability

The Google Pixel 10 is on the market by means of Google, Amazon, and Finest Purchase beginning at $800. The bottom mannequin consists of 12GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, with a 256GB variant obtainable for a further $100. Google affords the Pixel 10 in 4 colours: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian.

The Pixel 10 is suitable with Google’s Pixelsnap lineup of equipment. I used to be in a position to check the Pixelsnap charger with a stand, and I extremely advocate selecting one up for $70. What’s the purpose of getting a Qi2-compatible smartphone if you happen to don’t get pleasure from it? The Google Pixel 10 solely helps eSIM in the USA and is suitable with most carriers.

Not too many design modifications

The Pixel 10 remains to be premium and glossy

You both beloved or hated the Pixel 9 design. Google backed away from its conventional quirkiness with final yr’s gadget, releasing a cultured smartphone with premium supplies. The Pixel 10 is extra of the identical, operating again the identical feel and appear as its predecessor. That’s not a detrimental, and whereas I nonetheless get pleasure from my Pixel 8 Professional, the Pixel 10 is a well-built cellphone, that includes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on each the back and front, in addition to an aluminum body.

In case you had been hoping for a lighter or thinner Pixel 10 this yr, you’ll be dissatisfied, however with its comparatively compact design and 6.3-inch show, it’s not a cumbersome cellphone to hold round. It’s additionally IP68-rated, however that’s desk stakes for a flagship gadget in 2025. I want Google used the identical matte glass end on the Pixel 10 because it does on its different flagship gadgets, however that’s simply addressed with a case.

I’ve used Actua shows on a number of Pixel gadgets over the past couple of years. I can’t say I don’t discover a distinction in display screen high quality once I transfer from my Pixel 10 to my Pixel 10 Professional XLas a result of I do. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply the Pixel 10 has a substandard panel — removed from it. It’s a vibrant 6.3-inch 1080p OLED refreshing at 120Hz.

Google has elevated the utmost brightness for the Pixel 10, and I can inform. We’ve had some shiny summer season days within the final week, and I’ve had no points seeing the Pixel 10 outdoor. I crank up the brightness all the best way, and I can use my cellphone even in direct daylight.

Software program takes middle stage

Google desires you centered on Gemini

Though the exterior design of the Pixel 10 might not have modified, its software program expertise has undergone an entire overhaul. The cellphone ships with Android 16 and Materials 3 Expressive out of the field. Google’s new Android pores and skin is beautiful, and it meshes nicely with all the person interface. You’ll instantly discover little touches that add as much as a big effect, from media controls to the redesigned climate app.

It’s a matter of non-public desire, however Materials 3 Expressive is the most effective Android pores and skin amongst main producers, together with Samsung. It’s pleasant, intuitive, and colourful — exactly what you anticipate from a Pixel.

Google has additionally made a number of enhancements to Gemini. It’s an entire change in philosophy, and Google has made certain to focus on that it doesn’t need customers to should know which AI instrument to make use of — it simply desires AI to work. That’s precisely the strategy the corporate must have if it desires informal customers to select up on Gemini performance. It’s extremely irritating to should know which app to make use of or which immediate to place in to get what I would like. With Google’s new strategy to Gemini on smartphones, AI is consistently within the background, ready to help.

Magic Cue works nicely. I had a good friend ask me if we may make plans, and Magic Cue prompted me to convey up my Google Calendar, with out requiring me to depart the app or present any enter on my finish. Digital camera Coach will assist me analyze a scene I wish to {photograph}, providing ideas on compose the shot. I loved pure language photograph enhancing. I may sort or communicate the modifications I wished to a picture, and Gemini would generate choices for me. It is a incredible feeling not having to determine which enhancing instrument to make use of. It simply works.

All of it runs easily, however extra importantly, it’s not intrusive. Gemini now seems like an extension of what I’m already doing. There if I would like it, largely invisible once I don’t. It’s the implementation of AI I’ve been ready for, and Google’s gotten there first with the Pixel 10 sequence. As anticipated, the Pixel 10 is slated for seven years of software program assist and Pixel function drops.

The Tensor G5 is precisely what I believed it could be

TSMC wasn’t going to magically make it extra highly effective

I’m more and more annoyed once I see individuals discuss in regards to the Tensor G5 chipset. Benchmarks aren’t every little thing, they usually rarely replicate real-world utilization. Complaining in regards to the Tensor G5’s benchmarks is like criticizing Google for not profitable a race it wasn’t operating. Google may make a extra highly effective chipset, nevertheless it chooses to not. It’s not a part of the corporate’s plan for Pixel gadgets, and I don’t see that altering anytime quickly.

Sure, I’d’ve favored barely higher gaming efficiency on the Pixel 10. I don’t assume it’s unreasonable to ask for a flagship gadget. Google was tight-lipped about any GPU enhancements this yr, and I don’t see many in utilization. Video games like Genshin Impression nonetheless default to medium settings, and it’s not a tool I’d advocate if you happen to spend your days on Name of Obligation Cellular.

That’s to not say the Pixel 10 can’t recreation. Genshin Impression was clean and fulfilling to play on medium settings. Pokémon Go ran with out a hitch. It’s a cellphone I’d advocate for when gaming is a part of your smartphone expertise, and never your complete smartphone expertise. The Pixel 10 is a well-balanced cellphone and a very good worth, pound for pound, nevertheless it’s not a gaming beast.

In any other case, the Tensor G5 is every little thing I’d need from a chipset. I by no means skilled any slowdowns or lag, and Google’s gotten overheating in line. Even after gaming or utilizing extra intense apps, the gadget didn’t heat up past an inexpensive degree. Google’s centered on the person expertise with its Tensor chipsets, and it’s exhausting to complain when it delivers a wonderful one. Google has paired the Tensor G5 with 12GB of RAM. It’s a strong mixture, particularly in an $800 cellphone.

The Pixel 10 has high quality sound

Improved audio system for this yr’s cellphone

Google highlighted the improved audio system within the Pixel 10, and I’ve been pleasantly shocked. The audio system get loud with out distortion, and the quantity was excessive sufficient for my daughter to get pleasure from bopping alongside to her favourite tunes whereas out on our deck. Google made the audio system a degree of emphasis this yr, and I can inform the distinction.

All-day battery life after which some

Actual magnets, too

Google didn’t scale back the burden or thickness of the Pixel 10, nevertheless it added some options that justify it remaining at its previous measurement. The cellphone incorporates a bigger 4,970mAh battery cell this yr, a notable improve from the Pixel 9.

The ensuing battery life has been incredible, and I not often really feel the necessity to cost my Pixel 10 earlier than the tip of the second day of use. In case you haven’t used a Google smartphone because the Pixel 7, you’ll be amazed at how nicely the gadgets do on battery life. I’m dissatisfied the Pixel 10 didn’t get the sooner 45W wired charging of the costliest Pixel 10 Professional. 30W is borderline pathetic in 2025, and Google must do higher.

I’ve by no means been a fan of wi-fi charging. I don’t have wi-fi charging pads throughout my workplace, and I’m by no means bothered when a tool doesn’t assist it — till now. Qi2 compatibility, actual Qi2 compatibility, has made me a believer. I like setting my Pixel 10 on the Pixelsnap charging stand at night time. I choose my desired display screen saver, and I get to get pleasure from my cellphone whereas it prices.

The magnets are robust, and I stay up for a complete vary of automotive mounts and equipment. When you’ve skilled Qi2 on a smartphone, you received’t accept the Qi2-ready nonsense you get from different producers.

Google added a lens to the Pixel 10

The entry-level Pixel will get a telephoto

In fact, no Pixel dialogue is full with out mentioning the digital camera. Along with its 48MP major lens and 13MP ultrawide sensor, the Pixel 10 picks up a ten.8MP 5x telephoto lens this yr. It actually provides a versatility that was lacking in Google’s entry-level flagship, and I’m glad the corporate determined to incorporate one.

General, the Pixel 10 digital camera is exactly what you’ve come to anticipate from the corporate. The photographs are sharp and detailed, with good coloration replica. Evening Sight nonetheless produces among the greatest low-light pictures on smartphones. I want Google would keep extra coloration saturation in its photographs, as I’ve come to want the hotter tones of Samsung’s photographs, however that’s a matter of non-public desire.

I’d nonetheless advocate the Pixel 10 for many shutterbugs, and over the course of 100 point-and-shoot photographs, you’ll be most happy with Google’s imagery over the competitors.

Do you have to purchase a Google Pixel 10?

That is the third yr I’ve been happy with a Google launch. The Pixel 8 was strong, the Pixel 9 was refined, and the Pixel 10 is the whole bundle. The Pixel 10 Professional XL’s price ticket is steep, and never everybody desires to pay $1,200 for a smartphone. In case you’re in search of a premium expertise, with easy-to-use software program, and a extra attainable price ticket, the Pixel 10 is the cellphone you must take a look at, particularly if you happen to’re uninterested in trying on the similar iPhone yearly.