Autumn isn’t usually the time to compare a newly launched phone to its direct predecessor. The upgrades over a device from a year ago are typically so minimal that one should stick to their existing phone for a couple more years before considering an upgrade. But the new Pixel 10 is a little different this time around.
The Pixel 10 is getting improvements in nearly every single department, making it feel like a proper generational leap. On an individual level, these may seem like little upgrades, but together they form a package I’m tempted to invest in — even ditching the (fairly new) Pixel 9. Here’s why.
Would you upgrade from the Pixel 9 to the Pixel 10 right away? 5 votes Yep, I've already pre-ordered mine 0 % I'll decide after seeing the reviews 20 % Nah, I’ll wait another year or two 80 %
That third camera
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Pixel 10
Both Pixels and iPhones have long differentiated their Pro models from the regular ones with an additional camera lens on the back. But for the first time, the base Pixel model now also gets a third rear camera. And if I may say so, it’s the more fun camera to use.
I’m a fan of telephoto lenses — so much so that I’d pick them over an ultrawide given the choice. The Pixel 9 lacks one, and the Pixel 10 has one. That alone earns it a solid point. While I’m not thrilled with the low-res 10.8MP telephoto sensor (versus 48MP on the Pro), it still counts as an upgrade over zero telephoto lenses.
Not just that, the Pixel 10 one-ups the standard Galaxy S25 with a better optical zoom lens: 5x compared to Samsung’s 3x. That essentially means more detail and more reach. You can zoom in on a bird without scaring it away.
The processor the rumor mill has been obsessed with for years
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
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