Google has released a slew of new products this year, including the Pixel Watch 4, Pixel Buds, and a completely redesigned Pixel lineup. This year, there has been a noticeable shift in focus: Google’s AI is now the main event, along with some pretty useful camera upgrades. I had the opportunity to experience the most recent Google product in person a few weeks ago in Paris. As is typical with pre-release hardware, I was unable to get past the login screens, but I did spend enough time playing with the devices and watching Google’s demonstrations to gather some initial thoughts. In addition, there is a lot to discuss despite the lack of fireworks in the design department. A Quick Overview Similar, but more pronounced at the edges If you were hoping for a radical rethink in design, you might want to sit down.
The Pixel 10 series firmly adheres to its predecessors’ visual cues. However, the brand-new Material 3 design language is largely to blame for this year’s enhanced premium feel. This redesign, which was first teased in May, primarily consists of new color tones, animations, and software interfaces that can be customized. It is unmistakably representative of Google’s overall style, which they have developed over the past decade, and it is definitely subtle but also quite refined. Despite the uniformity, each device has a polished appearance that suggests Google isn’t content with simply producing hardware for the sake of producing hardware. Additionally, there is a remarkable degree of consistency throughout the entire range. You will receive the same fundamental experience, which includes Google’s brand-new Tensor G5 chip (which boasts impressive AI capabilities), all-new Qi2 wireless charging, MagSafe-compatible Pixel Snap, and a commitment to seven years of updates.
That’s a welcome one
From what I can tell, Pixel Snap, Google’s answer to Apple’s MagSafe, performs similarly. Additionally, it is compatible with all MagSafe accessories, giving the Pixel 10 a new dynamic edge. a meager engine in the base model Although the standard Pixel 10 is considered to be the “entry-level” device, don’t let that deceive you. It has a brand-new 5x telephoto lens that can be stretched to 20x with Google’s Super Res Zoom (which is, of course, AI-enhanced). The display, which is also a first for the Pixel 10 series, has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and can be set to just 1 nit for low-light use. Even in a noisy demo room, the improvements to the audio are evident right away. In addition, it retains the same price tag as the model from last year, which is a welcome dose of sanity in the current climate of inflation and price inflation.
Where the Pixel really takes off The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL deliver the goods for those who want more RAM, more camera power, and, frankly, a bigger phone. These are your typical smartphones where you “throw the kitchen sink at it.” There is a brand-new 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto with 5x and 10x optical zoom, and an absurd 100x ProRes Zoom on both models. Because they are so distorted, I find that these super zooms don’t really mean much to me, but hey, it’s nice to have. Google claims that the 42MP front-facing camera is their best yet. Although I haven’t had a chance to test it yet, I am already a big fan of Pixel’s images, so I expect this new camera setup to deliver. At this level, displays get even brighter—up to 3,300 nits—and these devices feel faster than ever thanks to 16GB of RAM. The new 45W charger can charge the Pro XL to 70% in just 30 minutes and offers twice as much storage for the same price. All of it sounds very good, but we won’t know for sure until I put them to the test.
The fold is back. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes next. It’s possible that Google hasn’t given the Fold more attention this year, but I don’t think it needs to. This is why the Pixel Fold hasn’t gone the ultra-thin route of Samsung’s Z Fold 7, which I consider to be the best foldable ever made. The Fold from this year is the first foldable to have an IP68 rating. It has been rated for opening and closing for more than ten years. It also has slimmer bezels and a larger cover screen thanks to the gearless hinge, making it feel like a finished product. Since the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was already a very good foldable, there isn’t much the Pixel 10 Pro Fold can do better. The 48MP main camera and 5x and 10x optical-quality zoom finally give foldable fans a proper camera setup, and the internal display is brighter than any other foldable on the market.
It comes pre-installed with all of Google’s new Gemini AI features and can now be configured with up to 1TB of storage. It appears to be good. Good enough to replace my beloved Z Fold 7? Let’s see. I’ll let you know how they hold up when used side by side due to their different thicknesses! AI that you will put to use? Everyone, including myself, is sick and tired of AI being crammed into every aspect of technology these days, frequently with low levels of utility. However, it appears that Google has stayed away from gimmicks. Most of what they’ve presented here is actually helpful. Since Gemini has long been the preferred on-device AI platform, that was probably inevitable. Gemini Live, for instance, can suggest recipes when you point your camera at a number of different ingredients. Magic Cue offers context-based in-app recommendations, such as suggesting that you open your calendar while texting someone about lunch. Camera Coach offers real-time composition tips that could be helpful to some, and live call translation is obviously useful.
Ask Photos, which allows AI to edit photos with voice commands, may be the most useful thing I’ve heard in a long time. You can tell your phone to brighten a picture or get rid of the crowd behind you, and it seems to just…do it. As long as it works, that is the kind of AI I want in my pocket. Early Decision The Pixel launch this year is not spectacular. It is not intended to be. One of the best value phone lineups has been given a thoughtful, refined, and AI-focused update by Google. Importantly, it has not attempted to create a new system. There is no need to make any significant changes because I already adore the Pixel series. Will I make use of every AI feature? Most likely not. However, if I conduct proper testing, some of them might become routine items. There will be reviews soon, but based on the first impressions, I’m very curious and pleased with the hardware quality. particularly those camera enhancements. Keep an eye out soon!
