Google Pixel 10 Review: A Solid, Reliable Choice
▼ Summary
– The Pixel 10 is priced at $799 and includes upgrades like Qi2 charging with magnets, a dedicated telephoto lens, and improved AI features.
– Its camera system was downgraded from last year’s model, using midrange sensors for the main and ultrawide cameras, which affects image quality in challenging conditions.
– It features the new Tensor G5 chipset with 12GB of RAM, offering better performance and cooler operation, though it has occasional stuttering compared to the Pro model.
– Battery life is adequate for moderate use but may require charging by late afternoon with intensive activities like gaming or using a hotspot.
– The display is a 6.3-inch 1080p OLED with up to 120Hz refresh rate, but it has issues like vignetting in bright light and more frequent refresh rate drops than the Pro.
The Google Pixel 10 delivers a compelling blend of performance, thoughtful upgrades, and user-friendly design at a price that undercuts its Pro sibling. Priced at $799, it offers significant value with features like Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets, a dedicated telephoto lens, and meaningful AI enhancements. While it doesn’t quite reach the photographic heights of previous models or the current Pro version, it stands as a reliable and well-rounded Android flagship.
It’s hard not to want more from the Pixel 10, especially when it comes to camera performance. The rear cameras are perfectly capable for everyday use, and most users won’t find fault with them. However, those familiar with earlier Pixel models may notice a step down in sensor quality. This year, Google introduced a telephoto lens to the standard model but opted for hardware more in line with the mid-range Pixel 9A for the main and ultrawide shooters. The result is a system that works well, just don’t expect Pro-level results.
Beyond imaging, the Pixel 10 benefits from the same core upgrades as its Pro counterparts. The new Tensor G5 chipset, manufactured by TSMC, offers improved thermal management and handles demanding applications with ease. With 12GB of RAM (compared to 16GB in the Pro), the phone performs smoothly in most scenarios, though heavier web pages may cause occasional stutters. For typical users, it’s more than sufficient.
Battery life is adequate but not exceptional. A full day of moderate use is achievable, but intensive tasks like gaming or using the hotspot feature may require a top-up before evening. The integration of on-device AI likely contributes to this middling endurance. While not a dealbreaker, power users should keep a charger nearby.
AI features on the Pixel 10 show genuine progress, even if consistency varies. Magic Cue, which surfaces contextual information based on your activity, proves genuinely useful, whether suggesting calendar entries from messages or destinations in Maps. It’s not flawless, occasional irrelevant suggestions pop up, but it’s easy to dismiss when off-target. Note that the Pixel 10 lacks the generative zoom feature available on Pro models.
One of the most satisfying upgrades is the inclusion of Qi2 charging with integrated magnets. Unlike some competitors, no case is needed for secure alignment, making wireless charging more convenient than ever. Placing the phone on a compatible charger feels intuitive and reliable, enhancing the overall user experience.
The 6.3-inch OLED display offers a 1080p resolution and a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz. It’s bright enough for outdoor use, though some may notice slight vignetting in direct sunlight, a known issue remedied by switching to the “natural” color profile. While the Pro model offers a sharper screen, the standard Pixel 10’s display is more than satisfactory for daily tasks.
Camera performance reveals the most significant trade-off. The main 48MP sensor is smaller than the Pro’s, affecting dynamic range and low-light capability. Portrait mode, especially with moving subjects or in dim conditions, shows more noise and less precise edge detection. That said, the new 5x telephoto lens is a welcome addition, far superior to digital zoom. For casual photographers, the system remains more than capable.
In many ways, the Pixel 10 refines the appealing formula established by its predecessor. It retains the elegant, durable design while adding meaningful features like MagSafe-like charging and a telephoto camera, all without a price increase. For those unaware of what the Pro offers, the standard model will feel like a complete and satisfying package.
Most users won’t miss the higher-end camera hardware, and the Pixel 10 delivers where it counts: as a smooth, intelligent, and highly usable smartphone. It may not satisfy every desire, but it succeeds as a solid, reliable choice in a crowded market.
(Source: The Verge)
