Google’s Pixel 10 series is off to a record-breaking start in the US. According to Counterpoint Research, Pixel sales surged 28% year-over-year in September 2025, marking Google’s best single-month performance yet. The Pixel 10 lineup, especially the Pixel 10 Pro XL, drove most of the momentum, helped by aggressive marketing focused on Gemini AI integrations and bold ads targeting iPhone users.
Record sales amid Apple’s iPhone 17 launch
Despite launching around the same time as Apple’s iPhone 17 series, Google managed to boost its premium market share in the $600+ segment to 6.1%, up from just 0.1% three years ago. Counterpoint’s data also shows Google’s strongest carrier presence yet, with Pixel’s share climbing to 6.5% at T-Mobile and 7% at Verizon, though growth at AT&T remains modest at 2.3%.
The report notes that Google’s heavy ad spend and prominent NFL placements are paying off. Its “iPhone = vanilla ice cream” campaign helped position the Pixel lineup as a more exciting, AI-powered alternative for Android and iOS users alike.
Deep Pixel 10 discounts ahead of Black Friday
Just as sales momentum is building, Google is rolling out hefty discounts on the Pixel 10 family in the US Google Store.
- Pixel 10: $200 off ($599)
- Pixel 10 Pro: $250 off ($749)
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: $300 off ($899)
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold: $300 off ($1,499)
These deals, valid until November 9, offer boosted trade-in values of up to $680 for a Pixel 9 Pro Fold or $550 for a Pixel 9 Pro XL. While Google hasn’t called this its official Black Friday sale, the timing suggests a strategic early push to sustain the sales streak through the holidays.
Power bank reality check for Pixel 10 users
Meanwhile, early adopters are learning that 10,000mAh Qi2 power banks can’t fully recharge the Pixel 10 twice, despite their advertised capacity. Android Authority’s Rita El Khoury found that popular UGREEN and Baseus 10,000mAh models barely provide one full charge over Qi2 wireless or USB-C, with efficiency losses due to voltage conversion and heat.
In short: expect real-world efficiency closer to 70–80%, meaning you’ll need a 20,000mAh battery pack to comfortably charge your Pixel 10 twice.
LineageOS 23.0 expands to Tensor Pixels
In custom ROM news, LineageOS 23.0 based on Android 16 is now officially available for most Tensor-powered Pixel devices, having initially been limited to the Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a, now covering 16 models from the Pixel 6 through Pixel 9a. The Pixel 10’s inclusion remains uncertain until Google releases its device trees; the same thing is happening with GrapheneOS. Older Pixels from the original model up to the Pixel 4 series will continue on LineageOS 22.2.
Hillary Keverenge
2445 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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