Google has officially unveiled its latest smartphones: the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL. The standout features of these devices can be boiled down to two major specifications: the new Tensor G5 chipset and Qi2 wireless charging capability. Visually, the new models closely resemble last year’s iterations, with only minor design adjustments.
The pricing structure remains consistent with last year’s models, with the Pixel 10 priced at $799, the Pixel 10 Pro at $999, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL starting at $1,199 for the 256GB version, although the 128GB Pro XL variant has been discontinued.
These devices include the upgraded Tensor G5 chipset, which is the first to be manufactured by TSMC, following four generations of silicon produced by Samsung. Google claims that the new CPU delivers an average 34% speed enhancement over the previous Tensor G4, with a 60% increase in performance for AI tasks processed directly on the device.
The eagerly anticipated addition of Qi2 charging support has finally arrived, marking a significant development for Android devices. This feature includes a magnetic ring on the back, referred to as Pixelsnap, which is similar to Apple’s MagSafe. Google plans to offer several accessories that will complement this feature upon launch, including a magnetic stand charger with a detachable wireless charging puck and a grip that also serves as a stand. The Pixel 10 models will support charging up to 15W with Qi2 chargers, while the Pro XL model brings the maximum wireless charging speed to 25W.
For the Pixel 10, there are mixed improvements regarding its camera capabilities. Instead of utilizing the larger 50-megapixel sensor found in the Pro models, the standard model has a 48-megapixel sensor adapted from the Pixel 9A. This version includes a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, while the Pro models feature an upgraded 48-megapixel ultrawide. Notably, the Pixel 10 introduces a telephoto lens for the first time, though its specifications are less advanced than those offered by the Pro phones.
In a notable shift, the Pixel 10 will adopt an eSIM-only format for the US market, eliminating the traditional physical SIM tray. This will allow users to manage two active eSIMs simultaneously and store eight or more additional eSIM profiles.
The displays on the new models are brighter, and battery capacities have seen a modest increase as well. The Pixel 10 features a 4,970mAh battery, up from 4,700mAh in the Pixel 9. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro’s battery is slightly reduced at 4,870mAh compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro. In contrast, the Pixel 10 Pro XL boasts a 5,200mAh capacity, an increase from the previous year’s 5,060mAh.
A standout new feature in the Pixel 10 lineup is Magic Cue, which intelligently suggests text you might want to paste into apps or conversations based on contextual cues. For instance, if someone asks for the address of a shared location, Magic Cue is designed to retrieve it from your email account, providing it directly above the keyboard for seamless integration.
The Magic Cue feature integrates into first-party applications like messages, calendar, and Gmail, and is also present within Gboard, which means it could appear across many third-party applications. According to Shenaz Zack, Google’s senior director of product management, all AI processing takes place on the device for privacy, utilizing only recent activity to enhance suggestions without retaining any historical data.
Additional AI features included in the models enhance camera functionality as well, particularly in the Pro variants. AI diffusion models will augment the clarity of images taken with more than 30x zoom, employing generative AI techniques to improve details—which represents a shift in how photos are processed and perceived.
This an extinction-level “what is a photo” event
Additionally, new features for AI include a Camera Coach that guides users on composing better photographs, the Magic Editor allowing photo edits through text prompts, and a journal application that uses AI to create personalized journal prompts based on users’ entries.
Another enhancement involves an AI translator within the calling app, which mimics the voice of the person being translated for more natural-sounding results.
The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are now available for preorder, with launch set for August 28. Pricing starts at $799 for the Pixel 10 and $999 for the Pixel 10 Pro, matching last year’s offerings. The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199, the same as last year’s 256GB option, although the 128GB variant is no longer available.
Photography by Allison Johnson / Technology News
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