Abstract
- Google’s Pixel 10 looks like extra of a refined Pixel 9.
- A brand new telephoto digital camera is likely to be the one new change, which suggests the main focus is on software program.
- Google may very well be on the point of concentrate on new Gemini options slightly than {hardware} ones.
Google is lower than a month away from launching new smartphones, a brand new lineup that may span display sizes and type elements. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked effectively upfront of Google really saying something about them publicly. Solely just lately did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 shall be devoted to the Pixel 10 with a teaser on its web site. Based mostly on what Google has shared and what’s leaked out, you will get a transparent image of what the corporate will launch. And surprisingly, it appears to be like similar to final 12 months’s telephones.
Whereas the concept that Google is simply transport a refined model of the Pixel 9 is likely to be disappointing, it does counsel one thing that is been true for some time: {hardware} has by no means been the main focus of the Pixel, it is the software program the {hardware} can run that issues. And at this level in 2025, Gemini is the software program that issues most at Google.
Associated
4 strikes which may assist the Pixel 10 beat the iPhone 17
The launch of the Pixel 10 is quick approaching, and listed here are the steps Google ought to take to make sure it stands out.
The Pixel 10 is a “Pixel 9S”
The brand new cellphone looks like a refinement, not a reimagining
Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been frequent for the reason that starting, however the concept that every year new smartphones ought to have a radical new design or paradigm-shifting characteristic is a comparatively current thought. Most individuals have been pleased with a cellphone that simply labored higher.
The early days of the iPhone, for instance, have been outlined by Apple’s “tick-tock” launch schedule. One 12 months the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the subsequent 12 months, the identical design, however with refinements. That may very well be improved parts or a novel software program characteristic, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, but it surely by no means got here with any huge adjustments to the cellphone itself. Telephones launched within the years when the {hardware} did not change got an “S” to suggest that they have been higher than the numbered launch.
The cellphone, as depicted within the firm’s teaser and the quite a few leaks, didn’t fall removed from the Pixel 9 tree.
Google hasn’t actually adopted the identical sample. Parts of its design carry throughout telephones, like the thought of a two-tone end or an enormous digital camera bump, however every of its Pixels has been fairly totally different from the final, save for the leap from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7. You possibly can justify this by saying that Google has been enjoying catch-up, but it surely nonetheless implies that the Pixel 10 is a present of restraint. The cellphone, as depicted within the firm’s teaser and the quite a few leaks, didn’t fall removed from the Pixel 9 tree.
The most important visible change Google is making is the addition of a brand new digital camera to the entry-level Pixel 10, in order that now all of its telephones have a large, ultra-wide, and telephoto choice. Leaked specs counsel it is an 11-megapixel telephoto digital camera, just like the telephoto on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, and it will help the corporate’s Tremendous Res Zoom characteristic. Whereas it looks like the standard may very well be higher, it is nice that Google is not locking the choice behind a extra premium worth.
Internally, the corporate is reportedly including a Tensor G5 chip and a brand new magnetic wi-fi charging system seemingly based mostly on Qi2. The Tensor G5 would not look like it will be that rather more highly effective than the Tensor G4, however switching to a 3nm design implies that it ought to be extra power-efficient. The brand new wi-fi charging system — reportedly known as “Pixelsnap” — may introduce the comfort of MagSafe to the Pixel lineup. Will any of those adjustments make the Pixel 10 really feel all that totally different from the Pixel 9? That continues to be to be seen, however based mostly on what’s leaked and what Google has visually confirmed, the Pixel 10 looks like a Pixel 9S.
Gemini is Google’s essential focus
The corporate is intent on pushing AI into each product
Gemini was an enormous a part of Google’s pitch for the Pixel 9, and has solely turn into an even bigger half since. The corporate has commonly launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) for the reason that cellphone was launched, and a very good variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The shortage of thrilling new {hardware} adjustments within the Pixel 10 may very effectively be as a result of Google goes to lean even more durable into Gemini.
Pixels have been regarded as showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, but it surely looks like that may very well be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones is likely to be one of the best place to work together with AI, it is cheap to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a device for demoing Gemini firstly. No less than till merchandise working Android XR or Google’s personal good glasses turn into out there.
Google typically bundles a trial of Gemini Superior with the acquisition of a Pixel, however you need to pay for the subscription to entry all the AI assistant’s options.
Apart from the refinements and design parts of Android 16, it is onerous to say what new software program options Google might need deliberate for the Pixel 10. The corporate continues to demo Venture Astra, so Gemini-powered options that take motion in your behalf would make sense, but it surely’s onerous to say if they’re prepared for prime time.
The Pixel’s {hardware} is already good
There are legitimate causes to maintain issues constant
It’d initially really feel unusual that Google would not appear to be altering Pixel {hardware} for the Pixel 10. However the firm would not must reinvent the wheel each time, and possibly should not. Sticking to largely the identical {hardware} setup may imply the Pixel 10 is extra inexpensive to supply and extra sturdy. We cannot know all the things till Google really pronounces its new telephones, however even when the cellphone’s {hardware} would not set the world on fireplace, Gemini may.
For a take a look at the AI options Google included on the Pixel 9 Pocket-lint has protection of Pixel Screenshots and the Pixel’s picture technology characteristic. And for those who’re focused on what’s leaked concerning the Pixel 10 up to now, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all of the options it is best to care about.
