Google Pixel 10 review

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Introduction and specs

The Pixel 10 series is here, and the vanilla Pixel 10 is the first full review we have ready for you. It also appears to be the model that has received the most upgrades in the series this year. Besides the usual generational chipset upgrade, we also get display improvements, a new camera system, a slightly larger battery and even faster rated charging.

The new Tensor G5 chip is now based on a more efficient manufacturing process by TSMC instead of Samsung and the Mali GPU has been replaced with a PowerVR one, promising significant performance gains. The TPU, which is in charge of AI tasks, has been upgraded with a much more powerful one too.

The display upgrades, on the other hand, are more subtle as the 6.3-inch display retains its size, resolution and HDR features, but bumps up the maximum brightness a little. This helps make HDR-compatible content more enjoyable and outdoor under the sun more comfortable.

Perhaps the most interesting development is the camera system. The main and ultrawide cameras have been downgraded, but Google has added a dedicated 3x telephoto shooter, making the camera system much more versatile.

Google Pixel 10 specs at a glance:

• Body: 152.8x72.0x8.6mm, 204g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IP68 dust-tight and water-resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.30" OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak), 1080x2424px resolution, 20.2:9 aspect ratio, 422ppi.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G5 (3 nm): Octa-core (1x3.78 GHz Cortex-X4 & 5x3.05 GHz Cortex-A725 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A520); PowerVR DXT-48-1536.
• Memory: 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM.
• OS/Software: Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm, 1/3.2", dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 13 MP, 120˚, 1/3.1".
• Front camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 95˚, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 4970mAh; 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 55% in 30 minutes, 15W wireless (built-in magnets Pixelsnap), Qi2, Reverse wired, Bypass charging.
• Connectivity: LTE; eSIM; Wi-Fi 6e; BT 6.0, aptX HD; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, ultrasonic); stereo speakers; Satellite SOS service, Circle to Search.

Moving over to the battery setup, the Pixel 10 boasts a 4,970 mAh cell, a modest increase from the 4,700 mAh unit last year. The new battery also comes with an upgraded 30W fast wired charging.

Of course, in addition to the hardware upgrades, Google is introducing a host of new software features, which we will take a look at closely in this review.

Sure, the Google Pixel updates are lucrative enough, especially for people looking for a compact flagship phone, but it's hard to look at the Pixel 10 in isolation, as the competition in this price bracket is significant. Let's check them out.

Unboxing the Google Pixel 10

The handset comes in a standard retail box without the charger, just a compatible USB-C to USB-C cable for data transfer and charging.

Any PowerDelivery charger should work with the Pixel, but you'd need a 30W charger with PPS support if you want to get the maximum charging speed possible.