Leaked Google Pixel 10 camera specs point towards a win some, lose some situation

Details about Google’s next Pixel phones, the Pixel 10 series, are starting to emerge. Recent leaks hinted at a significant camera change for the base model, and now, a report from Android Authority sheds more light on the potential camera hardware across the lineup. If the information holds true, potential Pixel 10 buyers might face a mixed bag.

For years, Google reserved its telephoto lenses for the more expensive Pro models, leaving the standard Pixel with just wide and ultrawide cameras. The big news from the leak is that the base Pixel 10 is finally expected to gain a dedicated telephoto lens. Reports suggest it will use an 11MP Samsung 3J1 sensor, the same one found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s telephoto setup. This addition certainly brings the base model closer to its Pro siblings in terms of zoom capability.

However, this welcome upgrade appears to come with compromises. According to Android Authority’s source, the Pixel 10’s main and ultrawide cameras might actually see a downgrade compared to the Pixel 9. The leak points to the main camera using a Samsung GN8 sensor, which is noticeably smaller than the Samsung GNV used in the Pixel 9.

Similarly, the ultrawide is tipped to switch to a Sony IMX712 sensor instead of the previous IMX858. Interestingly, both the GN8 and IMX712 are the sensors reportedly used in the Pixel 9a, Google’s more budget-friendly offering. Smaller sensors generally capture less light, which could impact low-light performance, though Google’s software magic often helps compensate.

While the base Pixel 10 seems set for a significant camera shuffle, the story is different for the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL. The leak suggests these models will retain the exact same camera hardware as their Pixel 9 Pro predecessors. Any improvements here would likely rely on advancements in the new Tensor G5 chip and image processing algorithms.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold might see a minor tweak, swapping its main sensor to the Samsung GN8, aligning it with the base Pixel 10 in that regard.

Ultimately, this leak paints a picture of Google further differentiating its phone tiers. Adding a telephoto lens to the standard Pixel 10 is a win, but potentially downgrading the primary and ultrawide cameras – essentially making it a Pixel 9a with zoom – is a definite trade-off consumers will need to weigh when the phones launch later this year.

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