The Google Pixel 10 is the Android you buy when you’re sick of using an iPhone

Google’s objective with the Pixel lineup has been clear for the last couple of years. It’s not interested in putting out the most powerful phone on the market, and Google doesn’t care what enthusiasts think. It’s concerned with building a pleasant user experience, with premium hardware and easy-to-use software. It’s straight out of Apple’s playbook from 15 years ago, and it’s effective. The Pixel 9 series sold better than previous generations, and Google looks to make even more headway with the Pixel 10.

If Google’s looking to compete head-to-head with Apple on carrier store shelves, the Google Pixel 10 is the phone to do it. It’s well-built, snappy, and Google’s friendly software is ideal for first-time Android users. If you’re finally looking to jump ship from an iPhone, the Pixel 10 should be at the top of your list.

Editor’s choice

Google Pixel 10

9
/
10

SoC

Google Tensor G5

RAM

12GB

Storage

128GB / 256GB

Battery

4970mAh

This striking-looking addition to the Pixel line offers a slew of Gemini features, an 5x telephoto lens, and seven years of updates, making this a smartphone that will last you a while.

Pros & Cons

• Gorgeous display
• Excellent battery life
• Useful AI tools

• Still slow charging
• Gaming performance underwhelms

$799 at Amazon
$799 at Google Store
$799 at Best Buy

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Price, specs, and availability

The Google Pixel 10 is available through Google, Amazon, and Best Buy starting at $800. The base model includes 12GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, with a 256GB variant available for an additional $100. Google offers the Pixel 10 in four colors: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian.

The Pixel 10 is compatible with Google’s Pixelsnap lineup of accessories. I was able to test the Pixelsnap charger with a stand, and I highly recommend picking one up for $70. What’s the point of having a Qi2-compatible smartphone if you don’t enjoy it? The Google Pixel 10 only supports eSIM in the United States and is compatible with most carriers.

Not too many design changes

The Pixel 10 is still premium and sleek

You either loved or hated the Pixel 9 design. Google backed away from its traditional quirkiness with last year’s device, releasing a polished smartphone with premium materials. The Pixel 10 is more of the same, running back the same look and feel as its predecessor. That’s not a negative, and while I still enjoy my Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 10 is a well-built phone, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, as well as an aluminum frame.

If you were hoping for a lighter or thinner Pixel 10 this year, you’ll be disappointed, but with its relatively compact design and 6.3-inch display, it’s not a cumbersome phone to carry around. It’s also IP68-rated, but that’s table stakes for a flagship device in 2025. I wish Google used the same matte glass finish on the Pixel 10 as it does on its other flagship devices, but that’s easily addressed with a case.

I’ve used Actua displays on several Pixel devices over the last couple of years. I can’t say I don’t notice a difference in screen quality when I move from my Pixel 10 to my Pixel 10 Pro XLbecause I do. Still, that doesn’t mean the Pixel 10 has a substandard panel — far from it. It’s a vibrant 6.3-inch 1080p OLED refreshing at 120Hz.

Google has increased the maximum brightness for the Pixel 10, and I can tell. We’ve had some bright summer days in the last week, and I’ve had no issues seeing the Pixel 10 outdoors. I crank up the brightness all the way, and I can use my phone even in direct sunlight.

Software takes center stage

Google wants you focused on Gemini

Although the external design of the Pixel 10 may not have changed, its software experience has undergone a complete overhaul. The phone ships with Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive out of the box. Google’s new Android skin is gorgeous, and it meshes well with the entire user interface. You’ll immediately notice little touches that add up to a big impact, from media controls to the redesigned weather app.

It’s a matter of personal preference, but Material 3 Expressive is the best Android skin among major manufacturers, including Samsung. It’s friendly, intuitive, and colorful — precisely what you expect from a Pixel.

Google has also made multiple improvements to Gemini. It’s a complete change in philosophy, and Google has made sure to highlight that it doesn’t want users to have to know which AI tool to use — it just wants AI to work. That’s exactly the approach the company needs to have if it wants casual users to pick up on Gemini functionality. It’s incredibly frustrating to have to know which app to use or which prompt to put in to get what I need. With Google’s new approach to Gemini on smartphones, AI is constantly in the background, waiting to assist.

Magic Cue works well. I had a friend ask me if we could make plans, and Magic Cue prompted me to bring up my Google Calendar, without requiring me to leave the app or provide any input on my end. Camera Coach will help me analyze a scene I want to photograph, offering suggestions on how to compose the shot. I enjoyed natural language photo editing. I could type or speak the changes I wanted to an image, and Gemini would generate options for me. It’s a fantastic feeling not having to decide which editing tool to use. It just works.

It all runs smoothly, but more importantly, it’s not intrusive. Gemini now feels like an extension of what I’m already doing. There if I need it, mostly invisible when I don’t. It’s the implementation of AI I’ve been waiting for, and Google’s gotten there first with the Pixel 10 series. As expected, the Pixel 10 is slated for seven years of software support and Pixel feature drops.

The Tensor G5 is exactly what I thought it would be

TSMC wasn’t going to magically make it more powerful

I’m increasingly frustrated when I see people talk about the Tensor G5 chipset. Benchmarks aren’t everything, and they hardly ever reflect real-world usage. Complaining about the Tensor G5’s benchmarks is like criticizing Google for not winning a race it wasn’t running. Google could make a more powerful chipset, but it chooses not to. It’s not part of the company’s plan for Pixel devices, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Yes, I would’ve liked slightly better gaming performance on the Pixel 10. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a flagship device. Google was tight-lipped about any GPU improvements this year, and I don’t see many in usage. Games like Genshin Impact still default to medium settings, and it’s not a device I’d recommend if you spend your days on Call of Duty Mobile.

That’s not to say the Pixel 10 can’t game. Genshin Impact was smooth and enjoyable to play on medium settings. Pokémon Go ran without a hitch. It’s a phone I’d recommend for when gaming is part of your smartphone experience, and not your entire smartphone experience. The Pixel 10 is a well-balanced phone and an excellent value, pound for pound, but it’s not a gaming beast.

Otherwise, the Tensor G5 is everything I’d want from a chipset. I never experienced any slowdowns or lag, and Google’s gotten overheating in line. Even after gaming or using more intense apps, the device didn’t warm up beyond a reasonable level. Google’s focused on the user experience with its Tensor chipsets, and it’s hard to complain when it delivers an excellent one. Google has paired the Tensor G5 with 12GB of RAM. It’s a solid combination, especially in an $800 phone.

The Pixel 10 has quality sound

Improved speakers for this year’s phone

Google highlighted the improved speakers in the Pixel 10, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The speakers get loud without distortion, and the volume was high enough for my daughter to enjoy bopping along to her favorite tunes while out on our deck. Google made the speakers a point of emphasis this year, and I can tell the difference.

All-day battery life and then some

Real magnets, too

Google didn’t reduce the weight or thickness of the Pixel 10, but it added some features that justify it remaining at its old size. The phone features a larger 4,970mAh battery cell this year, a notable increase from the Pixel 9.

The resulting battery life has been fantastic, and I rarely feel the need to charge my Pixel 10 before the end of the second day of use. If you haven’t used a Google smartphone since the Pixel 7, you’ll be amazed at how well the devices do on battery life. I’m disappointed the Pixel 10 didn’t get the faster 45W wired charging of the most expensive Pixel 10 Pro. 30W is borderline pathetic in 2025, and Google needs to do better.

I’ve never been a fan of wireless charging. I don’t have wireless charging pads all over my office, and I’m never bothered when a device doesn’t support it — until now. Qi2 compatibility, real Qi2 compatibility, has made me a believer. I love setting my Pixel 10 on the Pixelsnap charging stand at night. I select my desired screen saver, and I get to enjoy my phone while it charges.

The magnets are strong, and I look forward to a whole range of car mounts and accessories. Once you’ve experienced Qi2 on a smartphone, you won’t settle for the Qi2-ready nonsense you get from other manufacturers.

Google added a lens to the Pixel 10

The entry-level Pixel gets a telephoto

Of course, no Pixel discussion is complete without mentioning the camera. In addition to its 48MP primary lens and 13MP ultrawide sensor, the Pixel 10 picks up a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens this year. It really adds a versatility that was missing in Google’s entry-level flagship, and I’m glad the company decided to include one.

Overall, the Pixel 10 camera is precisely what you’ve come to expect from the company. The photos are sharp and detailed, with good color reproduction. Night Sight still produces some of the best low-light photography on smartphones. I wish Google would maintain more color saturation in its photos, as I’ve come to prefer the warmer tones of Samsung’s photos, but that’s a matter of personal preference.

I’d still recommend the Pixel 10 for most shutterbugs, and over the course of 100 point-and-shoot photos, you’ll be most pleased with Google’s imagery over the competition.

Should you buy a Google Pixel 10?

This is the third year I’ve been pleased with a Google launch. The Pixel 8 was solid, the Pixel 9 was refined, and the Pixel 10 is the complete package. The Pixel 10 Pro XL’s price tag is steep, and not everyone wants to pay $1,200 for a smartphone. If you’re looking for a premium experience, with easy-to-use software, and a more attainable price tag, the Pixel 10 is the phone you should look at, especially if you’re tired of looking at the same iPhone every year.

Editor’s choice

Google Pixel 10

9
/
10

SoC

Google Tensor G5

RAM

12GB

Storage

128GB / 256GB

Battery

4970mAh

The Google Pixel 10 is an outstanding value, boasting a 6.3-inch OLED display and a powerful Tensor G5 chipset. It’ll never benchmark as well as some other flagships, but it doesn’t need to. The Pixel 10 features several Gemini upgrades, with Magic Cue and Camera Coach, and it’s a worthy entry-level flagship.

$799 at Amazon
$799 at Google Store
$799 at Best Buy

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