We had an idea of what to expect, yet still Google impressed…
If the initial tease didn’t do anything for you, last night’s Made by Google event should’ve satisfied your Pixel needs as the tech giants officially launched the new Pixel 10 series.
Google made no effort to conceal what we knew would be coming; it’s no surprise as to what will be announced as they have held an annual event in the summer of each year to showcase the latest innovation in the Pixel series.
Yet somehow, even with all the leaks and rumours that Google themselves even threw out there, they still managed to impress as they unveiled everything.
Join us as we take a look at the key highlights of the Pixel 10 series showcased at the event, with a view of how each model stands out in this AI-driven, design-forward lineup
What’s new across the Pixel 10 series
- Unified AI Powerhouse: All models run on the new Tensor G5 chip (3nm, by TSMC), offering ~34% faster CPU performance and ~60% better AI processing compared to the Tensor G4, along with the Titan M2 security coprocessor.
- Extended Software Support: Google promises a generous 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Pixel Drops across the lineup (Pixel Drops being automatic software updates that send new and upgraded features to your Pixel devices).
- Magnetic Qi2 Wireless Charging: Every phone supports PixelSnap magnetic accessories and Qi2 charging, with the Pro XL offering faster 25W wireless (Qi2.2).
- Improved Durability: All models sport IP68 water and dust resistance, a first for Google’s foldable with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
- AI Upgrades: New software tools like Magic Cue (context-aware info display) and Camera Coach (real-time shooting tips) deliver next-level intelligence.
Model-by-model breakdown
The key highlights show the strides Google have made to improve upon the previous generation, but now it’s time to look into the devices in detail and showcase what’s new with them.
Pixel 10
- Display: 6.3″ OLED, 60–120 Hz, up to 3,000 nits
- Cameras: Now includes a 5x telephoto lens (10.8 MP), plus 48 MP wide and 13 MP ultrawide
- Battery & Charging: ~4,970 mAh, 29 W wired, 15 W wireless Qi2.
- Price:
- 128GB = £799
- 256GB = £899
The base Pixel 10 introduces significant upgrades over the Pixel 9, especially for its price tier. It’s the first non-Pro Pixel to include a triple-camera system, now featuring a 10.8 MP 5x telephoto lens with optical zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom – a feature previously reserved for Pro models – though its main and ultrawide sensors are downgraded slightly to accommodate it.
Performance sees a notable leap: the new Tensor G5 chip is built on a 3 nm process (vs. Tensor G4 at 4 nm), delivering around 34% faster CPU performance and 60% faster AI processing. This allows on-device features like Magic Cue (context-aware prompts) and Camera Coach (real-time photography guidance), which weren’t available on Pixel 9.
Battery life also improves modestly. The Pixel 10 packs a 4,970 mAh cell, up from the Pixel 9’s 4,700 mAh. Charging speeds see a bump too – 30W wired compared to 27W, and the base model gains Qi2 magnetic wireless charging via Google’s new Pixelsnap system.
Pixel 10 Pro
- Display: 6.3″ LTPO OLED, 1–120 Hz, brighter (≈3,300 nits)
- Cameras: 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP telephoto, plus a 42 MP front camera
- Battery & Charging: ~4,870 mAh, ~30 W wired, 15 W wireless
- Price:
- 128GB = £999
- 256GB = £1099
- 512GB = £1219
- 1TB = £1449
The Pixel 10 Pro brings incremental improvements over the Pixel 9 Pro. Both retain the 6.3″ LTPO OLED display with adaptive 1-120 Hz refresh, but the 10 Pro boasts brighter maximum brightness and improved PWM dimming, easing eye strain for sensitive users.
Internals get the full benefits of Tensor G5, delivering faster AI-driven features like Pro Res Zoom, 8K video capture, and tools like Magic Cue and Camera Coach—none of which were part of the Pixel 9 lineup.
Battery and storage follow the trend: around 4,870 mAh, slightly bigger than before, with 30 W wired charging and Qi2 support. Storage now stretches up to 1 TB, doubling the previous max.
Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Display: 6.8″ LTPO OLED, same brightness and 120 Hz flexibility
- Battery: Largest in the lineup at ~5,200 mAh with faster wired charging (~39 W)
- Price:
- 256GB = £1199
- 512GB = £1319
- 1TB = £1549
Just like when the 9 Pro XL was introduced last year, the 10 Pro XL is basically the exact same phone as the 10 Pro, just with a 0.4” larger screen. They have identical camera setups so no need to mention that.
Let’s look at the bits that should be mentioned. The Pixel 10 Pro XL ups the ante compared to its predecessor with a giant 6.8″ LTPO OLED display – now with even better brightness, and still adaptive up to 120 Hz. It retains the potent Tensor G5 engine and premium AI features.
Battery capacity jumps to around 5,200 mAh, plus upgraded fast charging – 45 W wired and Qi2 wireless, with the Pro XL uniquely supporting 25 W Qi2.2 charging.
These enhancements make the Pro XL a compelling choice for power users who prioritize screen real estate, battery endurance, and cutting-edge charging capabilities.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Displays: Features a 6.4″ outer OLED and a larger 8″ inner OLED, both brighter and smoother than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with refresh up to 120 Hz.
- Cameras: Shares the Pro-series triple setup with a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide, and 48 MP telephoto, plus dual 10 MP selfie cameras
- Battery & Charging: Packs a 5,150 mAh battery with ~23 W wired and 15 W wireless charging, now compatible with Qi2 magnetic charging.
- Price:
- 256GB = £1749
- 512GB = £1869
- 1TB = £2099
The standout upgrade arrives with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, now featuring IP68 dust and water resistance, a first in Google’s foldable history (Pixel 9 Pro Fold was only IPX8-rated). This makes it far more durable and competitive in the foldable market.
It sports a larger outer display (6.4″) and a more immersive inner OLED (8″), both brighter than before, and powered by Tensor G5 with all its AI enhancements. Qi2 magnetic wireless charging is now standard here too, with both 15 W Qi2 and fast wired charging (30 W).
In all, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold delivers improved hardware, sustained AI features, and durability leaps over the previous generation.
Verdict: Why this launch matters
Google delivers more than incremental upgrades this time. The lineup emphasizes AI at every layer, driven by the powerful Tensor G5 and extended software support – making it a long-term investment.
Enhanced design touches like IP68 across models and magnetic Qi2 chargers show Google is committed to both durability and convenience.
That said, the base Pixel 10 makes compromises – like using stripped-down sensors – but balances it with telephoto and strong AI features.
For those seeking uncompromised performance and premium hardware, the Pro and Pro XL represent compelling options. The Pro Fold stakes claim as a more rugged, feature-rich foldable, but it commands a premium.
In short, across the lineup, Google has strengthened durability, AI, and charging, while modestly refining hardware specs. The base Pixel 10 now matches some of the Pro features of the Pixel 9 era, delivering more value, while the Pro, Pro XL, and especially Fold models now offer meaningful enhancements to justify the upgrade for demanding users.
