Google’s latest flagship, the Pixel 10, has officially landed, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling smartphones of 2025. With a new Tensor G5 chip, AI-first features, and a telephoto zoom camera that finally trickles down to the base model, Google isn’t just refining the Pixel formula, it’s redefining what a modern Android phone should be.

So, is the Pixel 10 the right upgrade for you? Let’s break it down.

Design & Display

At first glance, the Pixel 10 doesn’t stray far from the familiar Pixel design language. The camera bar is still there, but with slightly refined edges and premium materials that feel more polished in hand.

Up front, you’re looking at a 6.3-inch Actua OLED panel with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it one of the brightest screens on the market. Whether you’re outdoors on a sunny day or binge-watching late at night, visibility is no issue.

Cameras: Zoom for All

The headline upgrade this year is the inclusion of a telephoto lens on the standard Pixel 10. Equipped with a 10.8 MP telephoto camera, you get 5× optical zoom and up to 20× digital Super Res Zoom, a feature previously locked behind the Pro line.

Google’s image processing still shines, delivering sharp, balanced photos with natural colors. Combined with AI-powered features like Camera Coach (which guides you for better framing) and Ask Photos (AI-assisted photo edits and searches), the Pixel 10 makes shooting and managing photos smarter than ever.

Performance: Tensor G5 & AI Everywhere

Under the hood, the Pixel 10 debuts Google’s Tensor G5 chip, built on TSMC’s 3 nm process. The CPU is 34% faster, and the TPU (AI engine) is 60% stronger than last year’s Tensor G4. While it may not beat Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple’s A-series in raw benchmarks, the Pixel is optimized for real-world AI-driven tasks.

And AI is everywhere:

Magic Cue suggests context-aware replies and reminders during calls or chats. Live Translation can instantly translate speech into another language, using your own voice. On-device AI ensures most tasks stay private and fast.

This focus on useful intelligence makes the Pixel 10 feel more futuristic than its rivals.

Battery & Charging

With a 4,970 mAh battery, the Pixel 10 is designed to last a full day comfortably. Charging speeds aren’t groundbreaking, 30 W wired (≈55% in 30 minutes) and 15 W magnetic wireless charging via the new Pixelsnap ecosystem.

Pixelsnap is Google’s answer to Apple’s MagSafe: a built-in Qi2 magnetic system that works with chargers, wallets, and other accessories, no case required. It’s seamless, tidy, and should grow into a meaningful ecosystem over time.

Software & Longevity

The Pixel 10 launches with Android 16 and a bold promise: seven years of OS and security updates. That puts it on par with Apple’s iPhone in terms of longevity, a huge selling point for anyone tired of replacing phones every 2–3 years.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 isn’t just another Android flagship, it’s Google’s most complete Pixel yet. By bringing AI features and a telephoto zoom camera to the standard model, it delivers value that many $799 competitors simply can’t match. Add in seven years of support and a refined magnetic ecosystem, and you’ve got a phone designed to last.

If you’re someone who cares about AI productivity, future-proofing, and photography, the Pixel 10 is arguably the most exciting Android release of 2025.