I’ve Owned Every Google Pixel, But 2025’s Model Has Me Hesitating
▼ Summary
– The Pixel 10 will feature a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling better zoom capabilities for distant photography.
– It will share the same Tensor G5 chip as the Pro model, providing access to Google’s latest AI tools and software updates.
– The base model will have greater feature parity with the Pro versions, including Qi2 wireless charging and new color options.
– Google is reportedly downgrading the main and ultrawide sensors to match the Pixel 9a to accommodate the telephoto addition.
– The Pixel 10 is expected to maintain its $799 price point, making it a compelling option for most users despite not targeting power users.
For years, Google’s standard Pixel has been the go-to recommendation for smartphone buyers seeking a balanced experience without the premium price tag. The upcoming Pixel 10 appears set to challenge that narrative with meaningful upgrades, including a dedicated telephoto lens and the same Tensor G5 chipset as its Pro counterpart. While this positions the base model as a more compelling option than ever before, some trade-offs give even longtime Pixel loyalists reason to pause.
Early marketing renders suggest the Pixel 10 will finally include a dedicated telephoto lens, rounding out the camera system with improved optical zoom. This addition is a major win for users who frequently photograph active subjects from a distance or want clearer shots at concerts and events. However, this upgrade reportedly comes with a compromise: the main and ultrawide sensors may see a downgrade to match those found in the Pixel 9a. While the 9a’s camera performed adequately in most conditions, photography enthusiasts may still lean toward the Pixel 10 Pro for its superior sensor quality.
Under the hood, the standard Pixel 10 is expected to feature the same Tensor G5 chip as the Pro model, a significant shift from previous generations. Built on a rumored 3nm process and manufactured by TSMC, this new silicon promises better efficiency, thermal management, and day-to-day responsiveness. While it may not outperform rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in raw benchmarks, the shared processor ensures the base model will support all of Google’s latest AI features and receive timely software updates, keeping it competitive within the Android ecosystem.
Beyond internal specs, the Pixel 10 is also anticipated to inherit several premium features previously reserved for Pro devices. These include Qi2 wireless charging and an attractive new Indigo blue color option, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience. The matte-textured side rails offer practical benefits as well, resisting fingerprints and maintaining a cleaner look over time. With a starting price expected to remain at $799, the Pixel 10 represents a strong value, especially for those upgrading from older devices.
Still, the device may not satisfy everyone. Power users and mobile photographers might find the camera adjustments and certain hardware limitations a step down from what they expect from a flagship experience. For them, the Pro model could remain the better choice. As more details emerge, it’s clear the Pixel 10 is shaping up to be Google’s most ambitious standard offering yet, but one that requires careful consideration based on individual needs and expectations.
(Source: ZDNET)
