Google's Pixel 10 series is finally here - first impressions roundup and need-to-knows

Google’s Pixel 10 series is finally here, fresh off the unveiling at the Made by Google event in Brooklyn just hours ago. The lineup includes four models: the standard Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, the beefier Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Each one builds on what fans loved about previous Pixels, like that signature camera bar and clever software tricks, while throwing in some welcome upgrades. Prices hold steady from last year, starting at $799 for the base model, $999 for the Pro, $1,199 for the Pro XL (now kicking off at 256GB storage), and $1,799 for the Fold. Preorders are live now, with devices hitting shelves on August 28.

That said, in this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these devices based on Google’s official promo materials, spec sheets, and early impressions from reviewers.

What you see and feel

Starting with what’s different at first glance. Google hasn’t radically changed the look and feel of these phones, but MKBHD summed it up as, “this build is even more flagship-y and high-quality than ever before.” The design is familiar, sticking with the camera bar and the newly toughened Gorilla Glass Victus 2. There’s are some new interesting color choices which leaks highlighted earlier: Moonstone, Frost, Indigo, and Jade. Digital Trends calls this “Google’s best color lineup… all four colors look fantastic in person”. The vibe: subtle, solid, more professional in the Pro models, flashier in the regular 10.

Here’s the complete list of colors with the respective models:

• Pixel 10: Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, Lemongrass
• Pixel 10 Pro: Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, Obsidian
• Pixel 10 Pro XL: Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, Obsidian
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Jade, Moonstone

Interestingly, Google notes that the base Pixel 10 is “twice as durable as Pixel 8.” Though Google is (deliberately?) vague about testing methods, so make of that what you may.

The camera “upgrades”?

But hidden beneath that familiar chassis, the standard Pixel 10 gets a notable camera reshuffle. The downside? It misses out on the 10 Pro’s 50MP main camera sensor. The regular 10 gets the smaller sensor from the Pixel 9a. Yes, that’s right. The same hardware as Google’s affordable mid-ranger. It’s a 48MP 1/2″ sensor, compared to the 50MP 1/1.3″ sensor you will get with the 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL. The upside is that for the first time, you’re getting a dedicated 5x telephoto lens in the base model, even if, as The Verge admits, “its 5x camera is a step down from the hardware offered on the Pro phones. Win some, lose some”.

The Pro phones tell a different story. CNET’s Andrew Lanxon spent extensive time with the 10 Pro XL in Paris and came away impressed with the camera performance. Photos from the main camera delivered bright, sharp, and vibrant results with excellent exposure handling that kept bright skies controlled while maintaining shadow detail.

Here’s the full run-down of the camera specs on these devices:

Google Pixel 10 camera specs

• Rear Cameras:
  • Main: 48 MP (Quad PD), f/1.7 aperture, 82° field of view, 1/2″ sensor size, OIS
  • Ultrawide: 13 MP (Quad PD), f/2.2 aperture, 120° field of view, 1/3.1″ sensor size
  • Telephoto: 10.8 MP (Dual PD), f/3.1 aperture, 23° field of view, 1/3.2″ sensor size, 5x optical zoom, OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 20x
• Front Camera:
  • 10.5 MP (Dual PD with autofocus), f/2.2 aperture, 95° ultrawide field of view

Google Pixel 10 Pro camera specs

• Rear Cameras:
  • Main: 50 MP (Octa PD), f/1.68 aperture, 82° field of view, 1/1.3″ sensor size
  • Ultrawide: 48 MP (Quad PD with autofocus), f/1.7 aperture, 123° field of view, 1/2.55″ sensor size
  • Telephoto: 48 MP (Quad PD), f/2.8 aperture, 22° field of view, 1/2.55″ sensor size, 5x optical zoom, OIS, Pro Res Zoom up to 100x
• Front Camera:
  • 42 MP (Dual PD with autofocus), f/2.2 aperture, 103° ultrawide field of view

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL camera specs

• Rear Cameras:
  • Main: 50 MP (Octa PD), f/1.68 aperture, 82° field of view, 1/1.3″ sensor size
  • Ultrawide: 48 MP (Quad PD with autofocus), f/1.7 aperture, 123° field of view, 1/2.55″ sensor size
  • Telephoto: 48 MP (Quad PD), f/2.8 aperture, 22° field of view, 1/2.55″ sensor size, 5x optical zoom, OIS, Pro Res Zoom up to 100x
• Front Camera:
  • 42 MP (Dual PD with autofocus), f/2.2 aperture, 103° ultrawide field of view

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold camera specs

• Rear Cameras:
  • Main: 48 MP (Quad PD), f/1.7 aperture, 82° field of view, 1/2″ sensor size
  • Ultrawide: 10.5 MP (Dual PD with autofocus), f/2.2 aperture, 127° field of view, with Macro Focus
  • Telephoto: 10.8 MP (Dual PD), f/3.1 aperture, 23° field of view, 1/3.2″ sensor size, 5x optical zoom, OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 20x
• Front Cameras:
  • Cover Display: 10 MP (Dual PD), f/2.2 aperture, 87° field of view
  • Inner Display: 10 MP (Dual PD), f/2.2 aperture, 87° field of view

AI and software features: the real focus

Much of the Pixel 10’s appeal centers on software rather than hardware improvements. Mrwhosetheboss highlighted features like Camera Coach, which analyzes scenes and subjects to guide users toward better shots, describing some new capabilities as feeling “just a little bit magical.”

However, he also pointed out a crucial concern: the software features need to be incredible because the hardware feels lacking for the price point, especially compared to previous Pixel generations.

The new Magic Cue feature stands out among competing AI offerings from Samsung and Apple. It proactively surfaces relevant information based on context, like automatically suggesting an Airbnb address when a friend texts asking for it, and pulling the information from your email without manual input. This represents a more proactive flavor of autofill that leverages local AI while promising privacy through temporary context retention.

Additional AI features include Magic Editor for text-prompt photo tweaks, live translation that mimics voices for natural-sounding calls, and a new AI-powered journaling app. Though it’s worth noting that Mrwhosetheboss noted that the live translation feature was practically useless for the most part because it fumbled a lot of the translation.

Performance and battery details

Many Pixel enthusiasts hoped that the Tensor G5 would be a big step up from previous Tensors, thanks to Google’s partnership with TSMC, but early benchmarks paint a disappointing picture. While in brief real-world tests, most reviewers noted that the performance was snappy, we’ll likely have to wait for more testing to see if there are any major improvements.

Charging capabilities vary across the lineup. Only the 10 Pro XL supports Google’s fastest wired charging at 45W, compared to 30W for the standard 10 and Pro models. The Pro XL also features a larger 5,200 mAh battery and can reach 70% charge in 30 minutes, according to Google.

For wireless charging, the regular 10 and 10 Pro support up to 15W with Qi2 chargers, while only the 10 Pro XL supports the top Qi2.2 wireless charging speed of 25W. Here are the complete specs:

• Pixel 10:
  • Battery capacity: 4,970 mAh
  • Wired charging: Up to 30W (reaches 55% in about 30 minutes)
  • Wireless charging: Up to 15W (Qi2 standard)
• Pixel 10 Pro:
  • Battery capacity: 4,870 mAh
  • Wired charging: Up to 30W (reaches 55% in about 30 minutes)
  • Wireless charging: Up to 15W (Qi2 standard)
• Pixel 10 Pro XL:
  • Battery capacity: 5,200 mAh
  • Wired charging: Up to 45W (reaches 70% in about 30 minutes)
  • Wireless charging: Up to 25W (Qi2.2 standard)
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold:
  • Battery capacity: 5,015 mAh
  • Wired charging: Up to 30W (reaches 50% in about 30 minutes)
  • Wireless charging: Up to 15W (Qi2 standard)

New features and connectivity

The new Pixelsnap system introduces magnetic accessory support, allowing attachment of various items from chargers to holders to ring grips. This represents Android’s first major magnetic accessory system at flagship scale, essentially catching up to Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem. So Pixel 10 buyers will be able to take advantage of all existing MagSafe accessories instead of having to wait for third parties to sell new stuff. That said, Google will offer its own accessories including a magnetic stand charger and a ring-type grip that doubles as a stand.

On the connectivity side of things, the eSIM rumors are true. US buyers will receive eSIM-only phones, marking the end of physical SIM trays. The devices support two active eSIMs with eight total profiles.

Final assessment

The folks over at The Verge have a pretty interesting TLDR (in my opinion) for the Pixel 10, stating – “Google has formally announced the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL, and their hardware upgrades can be summed up in two letter/number combinations: G5 and Qi2. Otherwise, there’s not much to see on the outside of the phones.” After binge-watching first-impression videos, this is almost exactly what came to my mind as well, and I’m sure there are plenty of others who think the same way.

Even CNET’s Andrew Lanxon shares a similar view, noting that the Pixel 10 Pro series isn’t a major overhaul from the previous generation, so Pixel 9 Pro owners don’t need to consider upgrading. The same likely applies to Pixel 8 Pro users. However, those with older Pixel models, other Android phones, or anyone considering a switch from Apple should seriously evaluate Google’s new offerings.

And if you’re evaluating the Pixel 10, keep a close eye on all the deals and promos available. I spotted a post from Artem Russakovskii who highlighted a special promo on AT&T that essentially gets you the Pixel 10 Pro XL for free.

So check your carrier’s website and other platforms to find the best deal. With that out of the way, feel free to share your thoughts on the Pixel 10 series and if you’ll be buying one of the four new models in the comments below.