Kerry Wan/ZDNET ZDNET's key takeaways The Google Pixel 10 packs the Tensor G5 chipset, a new telephoto lens, and other long-awaited hardware upgrades. On the software side, the Google Pixel 10's AI suite can predict your needs, edit photos for you, and more. While packing all of these upgrades, the Pixel 10 still retails for $799. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. As summer draws to a close and Techtember nears, Google is kicking off the transition with its Made by Google event today. One of the major releases at the event is Google's latest entry-level flagship device, the Pixel 10 -- and out of the entire Pixel 10 Series, it's the device to keep an eye on. Also: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more While the Pixel 10 is the company's baseline model, after spending hands-on time with all the new devices ahead of launch, I can confidently say it's the best fit for most users. Why? The Pixel 10 packs highly anticipated upgrades, such as a better camera, battery, and chipset (which supports a plethora of new and exciting AI features), all at the same $799 price point as its predecessor. Here are my first impressions and a round-up of what makes this phone a solid option. 1. Design Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET The traditional compact and sleek feel of the Pixel baseline models continues with the Pixel 10, which sports similar dimensions and weight (a mere 0.2 ounces heavier) as its predecessor and feels just as comfortable in the palm of your hand. With rounded corners, aluminum sides, a smooth Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back (also featured on the front), and a camera bar, the device maintains the same aesthetic as the Pixel 9 while also sporting fun new phone colors. Also: I went hands-on with every Google Pixel 10 model - and was surprised by the one I loved most While the new lineup includes the Obsidian color from prior years' releases, the phone also comes in new colors: Indigo, a bright blue color similar to Apple's Ultramarine color for the iPhone 16; Indigo, a white shade with a subtle blue undertone; and Lemongrass, a vibrant yellow-lime shade. The glassy finish provides a nice sheen on the exterior, but if you mind smudges, you may want to watch out. Like last year, the phones still feature an IP68 rating for durability against water and dust. The displays got a facelift for a better viewing experience in indoor and outdoor settings, across both productivity and entertainment activities. The 6.3-inch Actua display now supports up to 3000 nits of peak brightness (up from last year's 2700 nits), and keeps the buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate, 2424x1080 resolution, and OLED panel found on the Pixel 9. 2. Most capable camera system yet on a base Pixel Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET One of the biggest upgrades of the Pixel 10 is its camera system, which is the best on any base Pixel. The phone features a new 5x telephoto lens, which enables a wider optical zoom range, with a Super Res zoom up to 20x. In practice, this capability means that the phone is better when cropping in close on a subject, even from a distance, helping you capture crisper shots while maximizing the zoom. This feature set also closes the gap between the base and Pro phones even further. Also: Google just settled the foldable phone debate with one number -- and I hope Samsung is watching The triple camera array replaces the dual camera system, featuring a 48MP main camera, a 13MP 120-degree ultrawide, and a new 10.8MP telephoto lens. If you were hoping for an upgrade from the lower-quality front camera, you'll have to wait until the next model, as the Pixel 10 keeps last year's 10.5MP selfie camera. It's not bad, but also not the best. While the addition of a third lens meant a downgrade in the sensors' specs compared to those of the previous year's model, the camera's Imaging Signal Processor (ISP), enabled by the new Tensor G5 chipset, is set to improve the photo quality. Google promises this setup delivers Pixel's "best image and video quality yet." Also: Changing these 10 settings on my Pixel phone greatly improved the user experience When taking photos in the demo room, I was satisfied with the crispness and quality of the shots from both the front and back cameras. To truly judge how well the Pixel 10 does in different light conditions, I will have to wait for my in-depth testing. In addition to the actual camera upgrades, the photo-taking software received the bulk of AI upgrades, which will likely boost your photo-taking and editing experience, resulting in overall better picture quality. 3. Tensor G5 Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET The Pixel 10 features an expansive suite of AI features, all enabled by the new Tensor G5 chipset. The processor was designed for Gemini and is Google's most AI-optimized chipset yet, with a TPU that is up to 60% more powerful and a CPU that is 34% faster, according to Google. While we'll have to test the phone in the real world to gauge performance, the chipset supports computational enhancements on the Pixel 10, such as the ISP upgrades discussed above, a longer battery life (30 hours), and improved experiences when using AI features. Also: 7 Google Pixel phone settings you should change immediately (and how to do it) On-device processing is a win for users as it not only allows them to experience faster speeds when using AI features by avoiding cloud-based processing, but also provides privacy, as all of their information stays on the device. The Tensor G5 can run Google's Gemini Nano model on-device, a powerful model that supports the extensive suite of AI features that are sprinkled across nearly every phone function, from the camera to texts and phone calls. 4. AI features Kerry Wan/ZDNET As with every device launch from the last year, Google's new hardware is accompanied by a ton of new AI features. While most tech companies are in a race where they release similar features to keep up with their rivals, I was impressed that Google managed to include some truly original features that should add value to some users' lives. A perfect example is the new Camera Coach feature, which, as its name implies, uses AI to help you get the perfect shot. The feature gives step-by-step instructions and even generates a sample image of what you should aim for in the final picture. Some of the feedback includes correcting your angle, lighting, and more. Also: I upgraded to Android 16 - here's what I love and what's still missing Other new features include: Edit with Ask Photos, which allows you to use natural language prompts to edit something out of an image, such as removing reflection; Magic Cue, which can anticipate your needs and suggest relevant information and actions based on what you are doing on your phone; and a new Daily Hub feature, which puts all the information you need in one place, including AI-powered insights about your day. Even older features, such as Best Take and Add Me, have received a boost. Google might trickle these experiences down to older models via a software update. However, the company may choose to keep these features exclusive to the Tensor G5 chipset due to processing demands or as an incentive to upgrade. 5. Meet Pixelsnap Kerry Wan/ZDNET If you have ever looked at an iPhone user with MagSafe envy, Google has finally brought the same experience to Pixel phones via its new Pixelsnap magnetic technology. Pixelsnap allows users to attach their phones to compatible magnetic accessories, including chargers, mounts, docks, and more, unlocking new experiences with their phones. When this functionality is paired with the Qi2 wireless charging support available on the Pixel 10, users can take advantage of the full glory of fast wireless charging. Also: PixelSnap is the MagSafe for Android phones we've been waiting for - here's our first look Google also launched a Pixelsnap Charger with Stand and a Pixelsnap Ring Stand, which allow users to prop their phones up for a hands-free experience. This approach is ideal for viewing movies, scrolling on social media, video calls, and more. Even if you don't want to purchase the accessories, they work with existing MagSafe accessories, so there are thousands of products already on the market that now work with Pixel phones.