5 issues concerning the Pixel 10 that impressed me the second I set it up

It has been over a few weeks since Google formally unveiled the Pixel 10 sequence, and as a Pixel 9 proprietor, I used to be excited to see how Google refined the smartphone lineup.

Whereas the Pixel 10 sequence would not look a lot totally different on the surface in comparison with the Pixel 9, Google added helpful modifications equivalent to MagSafe-like magnetic charging, the TSMC-made Tensor G5, and new AI options below the hood.

I’ve been utilizing the Pixel 10 Professional for simply over a day, and listed here are some modifications that genuinely shocked me as a Pixel 9 consumer.

5

Qi2 ‘Pixelsnap’ lastly brings MagSafe-level comfort

I can now use magnetic equipment on my Pixel with out hacks

One of many main additions to the Pixel 10 sequence this yr is Qi2 magnets on the again.

Whereas the Pixel 10 telephones could not look totally different from the Pixel 9 sequence, they now include Qi2 magnets inbuilt, which means you should use all MagSafe and Google’s Pixelsnap equipment with no third-party case or magnetic sticker.

All MagSafe equipment now connect to the again of the cellphone natively, similar to they do on the iPhone — and this has turned out to be a significant improve for me.

I can lastly use all of the MagSafe equipment I’ve collected, such because the Rokform magnetic charging stand proven above, together with different equipment like a pockets, wi-fi energy banks, and automobile mounts natively on my Pixel 10 Professional while not having third-party add-ons.

Whereas this may occasionally appear to be a small addition to some, in simply someday, I’ve already used it to cost my Pixel 10 Professional wirelessly within the automobile, for a video name at my desk, and I am planning to make use of it with the stand on my flight subsequent week.

4

The Pixel 10 show feels far brighter in outside use

Particularly in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional side-by-side

Whereas this was by no means a difficulty for me on the Pixel 9 Professional, the Pixel 10 Professional comes with a ten% brighter show than the earlier era.

The Pixel 10 Professional affords as much as 2,200 nits of peak brightness in HBM mode, whereas it goes as much as 3,300 nits when taking part in HDR content material.

I initially considered this as a minor enchancment, however I did not understand how a lot it mattered till I put the 2 telephones facet by facet open air.

You do not discover it instantly, however the Pixel 10 Professional’s textual content and show are barely brighter than the Pixel 9 Professional, making it simpler on the eyes outdoors.

It is not a make-or-break function, however this can be the type of change I worth extra the longer I exploit the cellphone.

3

Digital camera Coach might truly make me a greater photographer

It is not gimmicky — the prompts really feel sensible and genuinely helpful

As all the time, Google’s deal with the Pixel 10 sequence was extra about new software program options than the highly effective {hardware} inside.

Whereas the sequence comes with many AI options below the hood, the one I used to be most excited to strive was the Gemini-powered Digital camera Coach.

This function permits Gemini to scan the body of the topic you are about to {photograph} and, utilizing AI, present options for the perfect shot.

It will possibly suggest issues like altering the digital camera angle, switching to a different mode, zooming in, or adjusting lighting.

From my first few makes use of, it appears helpful. I’ve used Digital camera Coach to take images of crops, indoor artifacts, and members of the family, and it has confirmed useful a number of occasions.

Sure, it typically takes a second to scan the body, however I’ve discovered the options to be genuinely helpful.

This could possibly be top-of-the-line options for these uncertain about capturing the photographs or just wanting some teaching. I am going to share extra images I’ve taken utilizing Digital camera Coach in one other article quickly.

2

Professional Res 100x zoom reveals how good Google’s AI can actually be

Zoom photographs aren’t simply usable, they’re impressively sharp

Whereas Google could not have upgraded the digital camera sensors on the Pixel 10 Professional, the corporate is making full use of Gemini fashions this time to supply as much as 100x zoom photographs. For comparability, the Pixel 9 Professional provided solely as much as 30x digital zoom.

Whereas I am going to want to check this function extra, my first fast makes use of of the 100x Professional Res zoom on the Pixel 10 Professional left me pleasantly shocked.

You possibly can see the 100x zoomed shot of a flower above, with and with out Professional Res zoom, and see how clear and sharp the Gemini AI-enhanced picture is.

This may undoubtedly make it simpler (and enjoyable) for me to seize extra zoomed-in photographs with my 10 Professional.

Our in-house senior cell reporter, Andy Boxall, has already put the Professional Res zoom to the check.

1

The brand new Tensor G5 appears to be holding up surprisingly effectively

It is quick, environment friendly, and surprisingly dependable to this point

Whereas a day is not sufficient to actually check the chipset, my early impressions of the brand new Tensor G5 on the Pixel 10 Professional have left me impressed.

One of many causes Pixel telephones have not caught up with the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Extremely or OnePlus 13 is Google’s use of its personal Tensor processors.

Beforehand, Google relied on Samsung Foundry for Pixel chipsets, however this yr it switched to TSMC.

This implies the Tensor G5 ought to theoretically be extra highly effective and environment friendly than previous generations, and whereas a day’s use would not reveal every part, particularly with background processes like updates, AI mannequin downloads, and app installs, my preliminary impressions are fairly optimistic.

The Pixel 10 Professional, after two to a few hours of setup, hasn’t overheated, and the battery additionally appears to be holding up effectively.

The cellphone is not getting as sizzling because the Pixel 9 did with related utilization, so I am assuming Google has made some severe modifications below the hood.

The animations and UI nonetheless really feel a step beneath in comparison with One UI 8 and even OxygenOS 15, with issues taking their very own time to load and render, however that is extra right down to Google utilizing its personal taste of Android.

Extra time with the machine will inform the complete story.

Pixel 10 simply feels proper from the beginning

All issues stated, one thing concerning the Pixel 10 Professional feels proper from the beginning.

Whereas I needed to tweak some settings on my Pixel 10 initially, I really like what Google has performed right here: not taking a drastically totally different method from the Pixel 9 sequence and as a substitute including quality-of-life upgrades on prime.

What this implies long run, nonetheless, stays to be seen.