Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 10 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
▼ Summary
– Google is releasing two compact flagship phones: the Pixel 10 as the entry-level model and the Pixel 10 Pro with enhanced cameras and memory configurations.
– The Pixel 10 Pro features superior camera hardware, including larger sensors and a telephoto lens, resulting in better photo and video quality, especially in low light.
– Both phones share identical dimensions, build quality, battery life, charging speeds, and the same Tensor G5 chipset, with negligible performance differences.
– The Pro model offers more RAM (16GB vs. 12GB) and larger storage options (up to 1TB), along with a slightly brighter and higher-resolution display.
– The Pixel 10 Pro costs $200/€200 more, targeting users who prioritize camera features and future-proofing, while the Pixel 10 provides a similar core experience at a lower price.
Choosing between the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro can feel like splitting hairs, as both phones deliver an outstanding Android experience with Google’s signature clean software and intelligent features. While they share the same core design, performance, and battery life, the Pro model steps ahead with superior camera hardware, a higher-resolution display, and expanded memory options. This comparison breaks down every detail to help you decide which model fits your needs and budget.
Physically, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the two apart. Both feature identical dimensions and weight, along with IP68 water and dust resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection front and back. The aluminum frame gives each a premium, durable feel.
Their displays are another area of close similarity. Each sports a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED screen, though the Pro version uses LTPO technology for better power efficiency. It also boasts a higher pixel density and slightly higher peak brightness, though in everyday use, both panels are vibrant, smooth, and easily readable outdoors.
Battery performance is nearly identical between the two. The standard Pixel 10 houses a 4,970 mAh cell, while the Pro has a 4,870 mAh battery. In real-world testing, both deliver comparable screen-on time, lasting a full day with moderate use. Charging speeds are the same too, each supports 30W wired charging, taking just over 90 minutes to reach a full charge.
Audio quality doesn’t separate them either. Both use the same hybrid stereo speaker setup, offering clear, balanced sound with decent loudness, a noticeable step up from earlier Pixel generations.
Under the hood, both phones are powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chipset, providing snappy performance and advanced AI capabilities. Benchmark results are essentially the same, with minor variations falling within normal testing margins. Where they begin to differ is in memory: the base Pixel 10 comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, while the Pixel 10 Pro starts with 16GB of RAM and offers configurations up to 1TB.
The most significant differences lie in the camera systems. The Pixel 10 Pro is equipped with more advanced sensors across the board. Its main camera uses a 50MP sensor that’s larger than the Pixel 10’s 48MP shooter, and it includes a dedicated 48MP telephoto lens, compared to the 10.8MP telephoto on the standard model. The Pro also adds a 48MP ultrawide camera versus a 13MP unit, and its front-facing camera is 42MP, much higher than the Pixel 10’s 10.5MP selfie cam.
In practice, image quality is very close in good lighting, but the Pro pulls ahead in challenging conditions. Its photos show better detail, sharper edges, and more natural color reproduction, especially at longer zoom ranges. The Pro also includes a manual Pro shooting mode and exclusive video features like 8K recording (with cloud processing), Video Boost, and Night Sight Video.
When it comes to selfies, both take great shots, but the Pro’s wider 18mm lens lets you fit more into the frame without losing sharpness. For video, the Pro generally captures cleaner, more detailed footage with better dynamic range in both daylight and low light.
So, which one should you buy? If you want the core Pixel experience without extra cost, the Pixel 10 is an excellent value. You’ll enjoy the same smooth performance, clean software, and solid battery life as the Pro. But if you’re serious about photography, want the extra RAM for future-proofing, or prefer a sharper, brighter display, the Pixel 10 Pro is worth the additional investment.
(Source: GSM Arena)
