It is hard to believe that there was 10 generations of pixel phonesBut here we are. The Google Pixel 10 series was finally launched, and these are the most front phones we saw.
The trip of the phones (not to mention the Pixel 10 Pro Fold) can be considered refined versions of the Pixel 9 series, but in the best possible way. Of course, some specifications have become unchanged, and one or two have even been demoted, but there is a band of improvements that make the Pixel 10 series an attractive offer.
Why should you buy a pixel 10
Each model comes with larger batteries, but Google is also the first Android OEM to launch a flagship smartphone with integrated Qi2 magnets. Previously, the only Android phone with this feature was the 2024 HMD Skyline, so we are happy that it finally arrives on more traditional phones with Pixelsnap.
Qi2 may not seem to be a huge affair, but this is the case. It adds a ton of convenience to the wireless load, ensuring that the alignment is always correct. In addition, other Magsafe accessories such as popcays, phone supports and wallets make phones more versatile without the need for a case, as on the Galaxy S25 series.
Then there is the new G5 tensor, which is made by TSMC. He is a switch compared to the previous fleas manufactured by Samsung, and this would provide impressive performance and efficiency gains. Beyond that, the Tensor G5 allows tons of new AI capabilities for the Pixel 10 series, transforming these phones into smartphones truly IA-STS.
For example, Magic Cue is a feature that presents useful and contextual information when you need it most, avoiding having to dig. The voice translation of calls is also a practical feature that helps to break down the barriers of the language by translating your voice in real time into one of the languages. The best part is that these features are treated on disk.
The new Tensor chip also brings improvements and capacity for a welcome camera. I was not too impressed by the basic images of Pixel 9, so I am delighted to test this by myself on the basic pixel 10, but features like Auto Best Take and Camera Coach help to facilitate the capture of better images, even if you are not exactly the best photographer.
And have I mentioned that the basic pixel 10 has a triple camera system with a 5x telephoto lens? For the same price as the model of last year, the Pixel 10 is now almost equal with its brothers and sisters.
Why you shouldn’t buy a pixel 10
The Pixel 10 series seems impressive on paper, but no phone is perfect. We only had a short, but with the Pixel 10 series, we already have reservations based on our limited experience.
First, Tensor G5 can be an upgrading of his predecessor, but he probably turns out to Snapdragon 8 Elite found in competing phones. This does not even count the next Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (or whatever its call), so if you are looking for absolute power, the Pixel 10 is probably not the phone you want for 2026.
We are happy that Google has finally improved the display of all users sensitive to PWM. However, in our limited tests of this new accessibility functionality, the Pixel 10 Pro doubles only its PWM level at 480 Hz, which is well below the recommended rate.
In addition, the Pixel 10 base does not have this feature, so you need to spend more money to protect your eyes.
There is also Esim’s question. The Pixel 10 (minus the fold) follows the example of Apple by removing the physical slot of the SIM card, which means that the exchange of phones will be more secure, but it will not be as easy. We have struggled with Esim in the past, and even if the technology is not new, it seems that the systems in place are simply not fully equipped to make the process transparent, especially because it moves control of transporters and OEMs.
Fortunately, these are only American models that are only ESIM, but if you do not want to face the potential headaches that this could bring, the Pixel 10 may not be for you.
Which should and should not buy the pixel 10
Given the similarities between Pixel 10 and its predecessor, I would not really recommend these phones for anyone with a Pixel 9. If you Really Curred by Qi2 or some of the new AI features activated by Tensor G5, so there may be reasons to upgrade or buy a Pixel 10 on a Pixel 9.
However, if you have an older Pixel phone, Pixel 10 is a more interesting upgrade. Otherwise, you can give up some of the new AI features and buy an older model to save money. After all, the Pixel 8 still has five years of software updates to go.
Things become a little more muddy when you compare the Pixel 10 series to other phones like the Galaxy S25 series, which are known to prioritize power and performance. If that’s what you’re looking for, then a phone powered by Snapdragon can be more your speed.
The Pixel 10 series is positioned as a-first phones that want to make everything easy and accessible. If you like it, the Pixel 10 is for you. The next step is to decide which Pixel 10 model you should buy.
