Google Pixel 10/Pro/Fold Impressions: Magnets!

Summary

In this hands-on review of the 10th-generation Google Pixel phones, Marques Brownlee covers the impressive updates, including new designs, triple cameras, and the innovative Pixelsnap wireless charging system with Qi2. The base Pixel 10 and Pro versions bring similar features with slight differences in display and performance, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold showcases a refined design and hinge improvements. The standout software features like Magic Cues and Conversational Editing bring new conveniences. With Tensor G5 powering the devices, the Pixel 10 series shines with AI and software prowess, making it the smartest phone in the room.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new Google Pixel 10 series includes the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
• 😀 The Pixel 10 design features a triple-camera setup in the base model, with a 48MP primary, 13MP ultra-wide, and 10MP 5x telephoto lens.
• 😀 Pixelsnap is a new feature with Qi2 wireless charging using magnets, compatible with iPhone MagSafe accessories.
• 😀 The Pixel 10 Pro has a higher resolution display, more RAM, and better cameras compared to the base Pixel 10.
• 😀 The Pixel 10 Pro XL offers a larger battery (5,200mAh) and faster 45W charging, with a Qi2.2 for 25W wireless charging.
• 😀 The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a new, smaller gearless hinge, a 6.4-inch outer display, and a larger 8-inch inner display.
• 😀 The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first foldable with IP68 dust and water resistance.
• 😀 Google’s Tensor G5 chip powers all the Pixel 10 devices, focusing on AI, TPU, and image processing rather than raw performance.
• 😀 Magic Cues uses Google’s ecosystem to surface helpful information, such as flight details or restaurant reservations, within apps like Google Messages.
• 😀 Conversational Editing allows users to edit photos through simple voice commands, with AI handling tasks like removing objects or changing backgrounds.

Q & A

What are the key design upgrades in the Pixel 10 series?

The Pixel 10 series has several key design upgrades, including a more flagship-level build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a brighter 3,000-nit display, and an upgraded top speaker. The camera bar remains iconic, and the phones come in four new colors: Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, and Lemongrass.

What is Pixelsnap and why is it important for the Pixel 10?

Pixelsnap is Google's branding for Qi2 wireless charging with magnets built into the phone. It enables 15-watt wireless charging and supports a range of magnetic accessories. The feature also works with iPhone MagSafe accessories, offering a broader ecosystem of compatible accessories.

How does the Pixel 10 Pro differ from the base Pixel 10?

The Pixel 10 Pro offers a slightly higher resolution and brighter display with an LTPO panel that supports a 1-to-120Hz variable refresh rate (compared to 60-to-120Hz on the base model). It also features more RAM, higher storage options, and improved cameras with a 50-megapixel main sensor, 48-megapixel ultra-wide, and 48-megapixel 5x telephoto.

What are the key differences between the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 10 Pro?

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a larger display, a bigger 5,200 mAh battery, and double the starting storage. It charges faster (up to 45 watts) and supports Qi2.2 for 25-watt wireless charging. The price for the XL model is the same as the Pixel 10 Pro.

How does the Pixel 10 Pro Fold improve on previous foldable designs?

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a new, smaller gearless hinge, which results in a more compact and sleek design. The outer display is 6.4 inches, and the phone is now IP68 dust- and water-resistant. While the crease is still visible, the foldable now feels more polished and offers a better overall user experience.

What is the significance of the Tensor G5 chip in the Pixel 10 series?

The Tensor G5 chip is a 3-nanometer processor that focuses on improving AI, TPU, and on-device models, particularly for image processing. While it may not compete with high-performance chips like Snapdragon 8 Elite, it is designed for a seamless user experience with software-centric features.

How does Magic Cues work, and what makes it unique to Google?

Magic Cues uses data from across a user's Google account, like Gmail and Calendar, to surface useful information in real-time. For example, if someone asks about a dinner reservation, the phone can pull that info from Gmail and offer it as a quick reply in messages. It leverages Google’s vast ecosystem to provide super useful, context-aware suggestions.

What is Conversational Editing, and how does it change photo editing?

Conversational Editing allows users to edit photos simply by speaking commands. For example, you can ask your phone to remove an object from a picture, and the AI will process and modify it accordingly. This feature is powered by Google’s advanced image processing models and works across Google Photos for all users, not just Pixel 10 owners.

What are the new camera improvements in the Pixel 10 series?

The Pixel 10 series introduces triple cameras across all models, including a 48-megapixel primary sensor, 13-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 10-megapixel 5x telephoto on the base model. The Pro model has a higher-resolution 50-megapixel main camera and supports up to 100x zoom with AI-enhanced Pro Res Zoom.

What’s the main appeal of the Pixel 10 series over other smartphones?

The main appeal of the Pixel 10 series lies in its software and AI capabilities rather than raw hardware specs. Features like Magic Cues, Conversational Editing, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem make it a smart, intuitive phone that’s perfect for users who value functionality and ease of use over cutting-edge specs.