ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Google Pixel 10 is predicted to obtain important upgrades this yr, together with a devoted telephoto lens.
- Higher function parity with the Professional fashions, mixed with no anticipated value will increase, makes the usual Pixel an attractive possibility.
- It nonetheless will not be the best choice for energy customers, particularly in order for you probably the most succesful digital camera system from Google.
Google’s non-Professional Pixel telephone has all the time been the “protected decide.” It is the mannequin I like to recommend to most customers, as long as they’ll dwell with out the Professional options — whether or not that is an additional telephoto digital camera, extra RAM, or higher {hardware}.
Additionally: This rumored Pixel 10 feature puts Google above Samsung and OnePlus for me – here’s why
Whereas there’s little left to the creativeness so far as what the upcoming Google Pixel 10 phones will appear to be, if the leaks and rumors are true, there might be a notable shift in dynamics this yr. I will say it now: The Pixel 10, not the Pixel 10 Professional, might be each the protected decide and one of the best decide in 2025. I am not alone in that perception, and this is why.
1. A telephoto lens to zoom additional
An early have a look at marketing renders means that the base-model Pixel 10 will lastly get a devoted telephoto lens, rounding out the normal most important and ultrawide sensors. Whether or not it is pulled from final yr’s Pixel 9 Professional Fold or one other older mannequin, having a larger optical zoom vary will enable customers to seize distant topics with extra readability and element.
It is a massive win, whether or not you continuously seize images of your little one or pet working round from afar, or wish to protect the liveliness of an artist out of your nose-bleed seats.
Additionally: Google will announce its next lineup of Pixels on August 20 – Here’s what we know
There may be one notable trade-off with this design choice: Google is reportedly downgrading the primary and ultrawide sensors of the Pixel 10 to match the Pixel 9a (which had an inferior digital camera system to final yr’s Pixel 9) as a way to combine the extra telephoto sensor. Whereas I discovered the Pixel 9a’s 48MP shooter succesful sufficient for many environments, digital camera 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 would not essentially have the best track record for efficiency, mobile connectivity, and effectivity, however issues are trying 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 taking a look at a system processor that delivers snappy day-to-day efficiency whereas additionally reliably sustaining warmth and energy utilization.
Additionally: Google’s latest chip is all about reducing one huge hidden cost in AI
To be clear, I am not anticipating the Tensor G5 to set new benchmark excessive scores or compete carefully with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 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, a lot of which have landed nicely with shoppers over the previous yr. 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 another Android phone available on the market.
3. The flashiest options might be on the non-Professional mannequin
From the function parity that features magnet-based Qi2 wireless charging capabilities to an enthralling new Indigo blue color, it is seemingly that the Google Pixel 10 would be the mannequin that appeals to most individuals. It definitely has for me, very like how the ultramarine iPhone 16 caught out within the unfold of subdued, monotone Professional mannequin handsets final yr.
Additionally: The best Android phones to buy in 2025
One other {hardware} distinction between the common and Professional Pixel telephones this yr 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 telephone trying 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 through the Made by Google event 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 data.
