Google Pixel 10 Review: Changed but not (much) Improved

The Google Pixel 10 doesn’t pull any major innovations out of the hat, but performs well for an entry-level model.

At the launch of the new Google Pixels, the Pixel 10 positions itself as the entry-level model alongside the two flagship devices Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 XL, which our editorial team has already reviewed. The Pixel 10 is the successor to the Pixel 9, which received praise last year.

This generation is largely a copy with some minor improvements, such as the display and the new Tensor chip. While Google Pixels often emerge as camera champions, the Pixel 10’s camera takes a step back compared to the Pixel 9. The Google Pixel 10 is priced at €899 including VAT.

Duplicate?

For the description of the Pixel 10, we can immediately refer to our review of the Pixel 10 Pro. When you place both devices side by side, there’s almost no difference in terms of housing. Only on the back do we see a difference. The Pixel 10 Pro gets a sensor next to its camera to measure your body temperature or that of objects, although the reviewer didn’t miss this during testing of the Pixel 10. Even when we look back a generation to the Pixel 9, many similarities can be noted.

Beautiful Display

We don’t mind that the Pixel 10 reminds us of the Pixel 9 in many ways. The Pixel 9 already has an excellent screen, for example. The AMOLED display (1,080 x 2,424 pixels) of the Pixel 10 is virtually the same, but with higher maximum brightness, although you won’t quickly notice that difference with the naked eye. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth, fluid images.

The 6.3-inch display is rather compact, making it fit perfectly in your palm. If you prefer larger Pixel formats, take a look at the 6.8-inch Pixel 10 Pro XL.

In-house Design

The internals of the Pixel 10 series are identical. Google chose its own Tensor G5 processor, made possible in part by TSMC. The Google Pixel 10 is equipped with 10 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The processor works properly and performs well for everyday tasks, without hiccups.

According to benchmarks, Google still has a long way to go if it wants to compete against Samsung and OnePlus flagships, which received a Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite chip.

Notable GPU Choice

The GPU choice fell on the DXT-48-1536 from Imagination Technologies, for the entire Pixel 10 series. While most smartphone manufacturers choose Qualcomm or MediaTek, Google takes a completely different path here.

The benchmark test shows that this isn’t Google’s best choice. The Pixels lag behind with mediocre performance. Lighter games should just work, but for heavier 3D apps or graphics applications, you can’t count on the Pixel 10.

Cameras

Pixel is known for its excellent cameras. The Pixel 10 ensures this image is maintained, but you shouldn’t expect major innovations. The device is equipped with a 48 MP main camera and creates clear images with accurate color reproduction.

The 13 MP (f/2.2) wide-angle lens represents a major step backward compared to the Pixel 9, which got a 48 MP camera. The wide-angle lens sensor on the Pixel 10 is smaller than the Pixel 9, making photos in the dark more difficult.

At the front, we have to make do with a 10.5 MP camera (f/2.2) for selfies and video calls, which is identical to the Pixel 9. Where the Pixel 10 does clearly take steps forward compared to its predecessor is the new zoom camera that can zoom up to 5x optical and 20x digital. For this, Google places trust in generative AI with its new Super Res Zoom, which is included in all Pixel 10 models.

Battery

The Pixel 10 is equipped with a 4,970 mAh battery. With this, you can easily get through the day. This differs from the Pixel 9, which has a slightly smaller battery on board (4,700 mAh). Battery life has therefore improved, although for us it could have been a bit more for this price.

The battery life per charge cycle comes to 49 hours 23 minutes. This falls just under the symbolic 50-minute threshold, which is needed among other things to get the A eco-label stamp. The Pixel 10 has to make do with a B eco-label, just like the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Patient Charging

It’s certainly not a charging sprinter. With 30 watts wired and 15 watts wireless, you need a dose of patience until the battery is fully charged. The device needs 29 minutes to reach 50 percent, and 53 minutes to hit 80 percent. The Pixel Pro XL is the only one in the Pixel 10 series that does better with 21 and 41 minutes respectively.

What the Pixel 10 devices do have in common regarding charging is that they are equipped with the new Pixelsnap charging technology, based on the Qi2 standard for wireless charging.

Solid Entry-Level Device

The Pixel 10 is a solid entry-level model even though it doesn’t show many innovations compared to its predecessor. Camera qualities are maintained, the screen shines like never before, and the battery takes baby steps forward. In terms of graphics capabilities, there’s still work to be done for Google.

The Pixel 10 is priced at €899 including VAT, gets 7 years of OS updates and 7 years of security updates.