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Google on Wednesday introduced its new Pixel 10 lineup during an event in New York – complete with a very strange keynote. In case you missed it, there are a lot of similarities across the latest Pixel models — and some key additions — including the MagSafe-style Pixelsnap, Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, and a proactive AI feature known as Magic Cue.
While Google’s Pro models come loaded with the most advanced tech, the base Pixel 10 looks like the sleeper hit. Starting at $799, it’s the most affordable of the bunch, and for the first time, it adds a telephoto lens to the standard Pixel. For anyone weighing an upgrade, the real question is how the base Pixel 10 stacks up against last year’s Pixel 9.
On the surface, they look similar and even share some of the same specs. Dig deeper, though, and you’ll find some bigger differences worth talking about. Let’s break down what’s changed, and what matters most.
To Pixelsnap or not to Pixelsnap
Perhaps the most notable difference between the Pixel 10 and its predecessor is the addition of Pixelsnap. The built-in magnets provide a seamless, convenient way to securely attach third-party and Google-made Qi2 accessories like wallets, stands, and portable battery packs to the Pixel 10. You’ll no longer have to clamp your phone in a car mount or precisely place it on a wireless charging pad. The ring of magnets provides a perfect alignment every time, eliminating the frustration of waking up to a dead phone because it was slightly misaligned.
It’s the kind of upgrade that gradually rewires your habits, making the Pixel 10 feel more integrated into your daily routine than any of its predecessors. It’s nice being able to attach and detach your favorite accessories in seconds.
The Pixel 10 gets a third camera
One of the biggest downsides of last year’s Pixel 9 is the lack of a telephoto camera. Without one, you don’t get the reach or portrait framing a telephoto camera provides. However, for the first time, Google’s Pixel 10 gets a dedicated telephoto lens, giving you crisper, more usable photos of distant subjects, whether you’re snapping a skyline or taking graduation portraits. That’s a big deal if you’ve ever tried to take a photo with digital zoom, which often results in mushy details.
But there is a trade-off. The Pixel 10’s main and ultrawide cameras are actually a bit smaller than what you’d find in the Pixel 9. The Pixel 10 uses a 48-megapixel wide camera and 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, while the 9 has a 50-megapixel wide camera and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. That said, Google’s new Tensor G5 chip promises to produce higher quality images and videos, so the 10 may keep up with the 9 just fine. We’ll have to test how the cameras compare in the real world before giving our final verdict.
Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 spec comparison Category Google Pixel 10 Google Pixel 9 Colors Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, Obsidian Dimensions (mm) 152.8 height x 72 width x 8.6 depth 152.8 height x 72 width x 8.5 depth Weight (grams) 204 grams 198 grams OS Android 16 Launched with Android 14 Display 6.3-inch OLED 6.3-inch OLED Screen resolution 1080 x 2424 (422 PPI) 1080 x 2424 (422 PPI) Refresh rate 60 to 120Hz 60 to 120Hz Processor Google Tensor G5 custom chipset Google Tensor G4 custom chipset RAM 12GB 12GB Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB Glass display Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6, 5G (mmWave + Sub 6GHz) Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (mmWave + Sub 6GHz) Ports USB-C 3.2 charging port (up to 30W) USB-C 3.2 charging port (up to 45W) Wireless charging Yes, wireless charging rates up to 15W Yes, wireless charging rates up to 15W Biometrics In-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock In-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock SIM support Dual eSIM (two active eSIMs; stores 8 or more eSIMs) Nano SIM, eSIM Water and dust protection IP68 IP68 Front camera 10.5-megapixel (f/2.2, 95-degree FOV) 10.5-megapixel (f/2.2, 95-degree FOV) Rear camera 48-megapixel main camera (f/1.7, 82-degree FOV), 13-megapixel ultrawide camera (f/2.2, 120-degree FOV), 10.8-megapixel 5x telephoto camera (f/3.1, 23-degree FOV, Super Res Zoom up to 20x) 50-megapixel main camera (f/1.68, 82-degree FOV), 48-megapixel ultrawide camera (f/1.7, 123-degree FOV) Video recording Up to 4K at 60fps Up to 4K at 60fps Photo and video modes Super Res Zoom up to 20x, Camera Coach, Add Me, Macro Focus, Night Sight, Astrophotography, Portrait Mode, Face Unblur, Auto Unblur, Long Exposure, Action Pan, Real Tone, Panorama, Auto Best Take, Photo Unblur, Frequent Faces, Top Shot, Portrait Light Super Res Zoom up to 8x, Add Me, Macro Focus, Night Sight, Astrophotography, Portrait Mode, Face Unblur, Long Exposure, Action Pan, Real Tone, Panorama, Top Shot, Frequent Faces, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Best Take, Photo Unblur, Portrait Light Battery capacity 4,970mAh 4,700mAh Emergency features Satellite SOS, Emergency SOS, Crisis Alerts, Car Crash Detection, Safety Check, Emergency Location Service, Emergency Contacts & Medical Info, Android Earthquake Alerts System, Theft Protection Satellite SOS, Emergency SOS, Crisis Alerts, Car Crash Detection, Safety Check, Emergency Location Service, Emergency Contacts & Medical Info, Android Earthquake Alerts System, Theft Protection Android OS updates Seven years Seven years Temperature sensor No No Starting price $799 $799 Availability August 28th August 22nd, 2024