Mobile Tech

Stealing the Spotlight: The Base Model Shines

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2025

The Pixel 10 marks the 10th generation of Google’s homegrown smartphone efforts. This year, alongside a new Tensor G5 chip, the company has included some upgrades that might make the base model the star of the family.

The standard Pixel 10: Now with a dedicated zoom for the first time

Aside from updated color options (obsidian, indigo, frost and lemongrass), the standard Pixel 10 doesn’t look too much different from last year’s phone. It still has a matte aluminum frame and a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. For 2025, Google has upped the brightness of its Actua display to a peak of 3,000 nits (up from 2,700 nits). Google also claims the Pixel 10’s speakers have been significantly improved, though it was hard to tell by how much during my demo.

Inside, changes to the Pixel 10’s specs are a bit more robust. The Tensor G5 features a CPU that’s 34 percent better year-over-year on top of a new TPU that’s 60 percent faster than before. Memory and storage are staying the same at 12GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, though it’s important to note that battery capacity has increased to 4,970mAh (up from 4,700mAh). That latter figure is even more than what you get from the Pixel 10 Pro (4,870mAh).

But by far, the biggest upgrade on the standard Pixel 10 is a new 10.8MP camera with a 5x optical zoom, joining the existing 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide cams. This is the first time Google has ever put a dedicated zoom lens on a base Pixel, which is a huge value add because previously anyone who wanted a telephoto camera had to pay extra for one of the premium models. And based on what I saw in person and its specs, its telephoto camera appears to be similar to what we got in last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, so even if it’s not quite as powerful as what’s available on the Pixel 10 Pros, it’s still a great addition to the base model.

Furthermore, when compared to the standard Galaxy S25, the Pixel 10 suddenly has a significant hardware advantage thanks to a bigger battery (just 4,000 mAh on the Samsung), a longer zoom (5x vs 3x) and slightly faster wired charging (up to 30 watts on the Pixel instead of just 25W). Plus, both phones come with the same seven years of Android updates and security patches.

That said, it remains to be seen if the Tensor G5 can match the general overall performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chips used in Samsung phones. That has always been a shortcoming of Google’s homegrown silicon. But for pretty much everything else, the base Pixel 10 is looking like a much more complete device and a great option for anyone looking to save some money, since its price is staying the same at $799.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL: Even better specs and some Pro-only camera tricks

As for the $999 Pixel 10 Pro and $1,199 Pro XL, like their smaller sibling, their appearance hasn’t changed too much. The easiest way to tell them apart from the base model is that the Pros have a shiny frame instead of matte and slightly different colors: obsidian, moonstone, porcelain and jade. Their 6.3- and 6.8-inch Super Actua displays have gotten a similar bump in brightness up to 3,300 nits (up from 3,000 nits), while memory and storage have received a boost as well, up to 16GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of storage. Unfortunately, even though the Pixel 10 Pro XL now supports wired charging at up to 45 watts, the 10 Pro remains capped at 30.

The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are the same size, though you can tell them apart by their frames. The Pixel 10 features a matte finish while the Pixel 10 Pro features a shinier, polished finish.

Of course, with the base Pixel 10 getting a new zoom lens, Google couldn’t forget about the Pro models. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL’s cameras have the same resolution as before: a 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide and a 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom.

Google has introduced some enhancements, such as a new ISP, improved optical image stabilization, and additional features like the ability to capture portrait mode shots in full resolution. One standout feature is Pro Res Zoom, an upgraded version of Super Res Zoom that can take long-distance shots at up to 100x using machine learning to enhance the image quality. The Pixel family also includes new software, camera, and AI features like Magic Cue, Daily Hub, Pixel Journal, on-the-fly translation, Gemini Live, and Take a Message. The Pixel 10 line now supports the C2PA standard and will feature a new Camera Coach tool. Additionally, Google has introduced Pixelsnap, which offers Qi2 wireless charging support for the entire Pixel 10 family, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL capable of charging at up to 25 watts. Google is set to release a range of Pixelsnap accessories along with the upcoming Pixel 10 line. These accessories will include a charging mount with a removable Pixelsnap puck, a magnetic ring stand, and more.

Last year, many major Android phone manufacturers neglected to incorporate Qi2 support into their flagship devices. It’s a relief that Google is finally embracing this technology, albeit later than expected. The inclusion of Qi2 support in the Pixel 10 line will enable users to access a wide array of magnetic accessories. Google’s adoption of this standard also puts pressure on other companies like Samsung to fully integrate Qi2 support rather than just being “Qi2 ready”.

Early impressions of the Pixel 10 line are positive. The base model now features a proper zoom camera, making it a more affordable option compared to the Pro versions. The matte finish on the standard Pixel 10 is preferred over the polished frame of the Pixel 10 Pro, especially in the indigo color variant reminiscent of the original Pixel from 2016.

The introduction of Pro Res Zoom is particularly appealing to photography enthusiasts, although further testing is needed to evaluate Google’s AI magnification capabilities. Discrepancies in charging speeds between the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL models are a minor concern, as consistency in specifications is expected. The performance of the Tensor G5 chip appears promising, but real-world testing will determine its actual benefits, especially in gaming scenarios. Overall, the Pixel 10 family seems to offer a well-rounded smartphone experience.

Pre-orders for the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are now available, with official sales commencing on August 27.

The upcoming Pixel 10 line will be complemented by a variety of accessories, including a charging mount and a magnetic ring stand. Google’s decision to embrace Qi2 support in its devices will not only expand the range of compatible accessories but also exert pressure on other manufacturers to fully integrate this technology.

Initial impressions of the Pixel 10 line are positive, with the base model featuring a zoom camera and a matte finish that is aesthetically pleasing. The addition of Pro Res Zoom enhances the photography capabilities of the devices, although concerns about charging speeds and chip performance remain. Overall, the Pixel 10 family promises to deliver a comprehensive smartphone experience.

Pre-orders for the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are currently available, with sales set to begin on August 27. Transform the following:

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Transformed: On the couch is where the cat is sleeping.