If you've ever thought that Google always knew what they were doing, it's time to think again. Recent leaks of specs for the upcoming Google Pixel 10 show that Google has thoroughly "optimized" its basic version of the phone's camera - how should we call it? Unfortunately, in the wrong direction. Especially if you've ever thought that Pixel is synonymous with photographic excellence.
Let's recall: in previous Google Pixel 10 details that leaked from the depths of the web, the main camera still looked very solid – a 50 MP sensor with a size of 1/1.95 inches, supported by a 13 MP ultrawide camera and an 11 MP telephoto lens. Not exactly top-notch, but enough for good Instagrams and spontaneous pet photo shoots. With the help of Ai, and right there because we testify from Google.
But apparently Google decided that this kind of pampering of the Google Pixel 10 is not appropriate for the basic model. The latest leaked data reveals a slightly smaller, more modest (read: poorer) configuration. The main sensor will now have “only” 48 MP and will most likely be identical to the one in the Pixel 9a (the sensor size is thus reduced to 1/2.0 inch). Ultra-wide-angle shots will now be created on a 12 MP sensor (ouch!), and the telephoto lens will apparently be borrowed from the foldable “giants” Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which means a rather tiny sensor of 1/3.2 inches.
Of course, anyone who has known Pixel for a long time is hoping that Google's computational photography will perform another miracle or two. But the fact that some key photo functionality will be reserved only for the Pro models promises additional frustration for users of the basic version.
But… is there good news too? Google Pixel 10
Thankfully, like any drama worthy of a Netflix series, this story has some positive twists. Under the hood of the upcoming Pixel 10 will be the Tensor G5, manufactured by TSMC with ultra-thin 3-nanometer transistors, accompanied by a hefty 12 GB of RAM and a choice of 128 or 256 GB of storage.
We can also expect much more from the screen, as the 6.3-inch FHD+ screen with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection is said to offer higher brightness. The so-called High Brightness Mode will jump from the already impressive 1,800 nits to a truly dazzling 2,000 nits, and the peak brightness will reach a record 3,000 nits. In short, if you've always wanted a phone that can signal a helicopter on a distant mountaintop on a sunny day, this is your chance.
The battery will also be a bit bigger – Google is bumping it up from 4,700 mAh to 4,970 mAh on the Google Pixel 10, which should satisfy users who use their phone more actively (or those who simply forget their charger over the weekend). Fast wired charging will still be more subdued at a maximum of 29 W, while wireless Qi2 will be able to handle a maximum of 15 W.
Unfortunately for tech enthusiasts, the Pixel 10 lacks Wi-Fi 7 and advanced vapor chamber cooling. Perhaps Google thinks the phone will be cool enough given its lukewarm reception from photography enthusiasts.
| Property | Specifications / Goo |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 16 (up to 7 major upgrades) |
| Screen | 6.3″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2424 px (421 ppi) |
| Luminosity | 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) |
| Processor | Google Tensor G5 (4 nm), 8-core |
| Graphics (GPU) | Mali-G715 MC7 |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1), no microSD |
| Main camera | 48 MP (wide), 10.8 MP (5x telephoto), 12 MP (ultra-wide) |
| Video (rear camera) | up to 4K@60fps, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, ultrawide |
| Video (selfie camera) | up to 4K@60fps |
| Battery | 4970 mAh, wired charging 29 W |
| Wireless charging | 15W Pixel Stand, 12W Qi, reverse wireless |
| Housing | Gorilla Glass Victus 2, aluminum frame |
| Protection | IP68/IP69 (up to 1.5 m, 30 min) |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C 3.2 |
| Additional features | Ultrasonic fingerprint reader under the screen, SOS via satellite |
| Colors | Pink, other colors |
So is the entry-level Google Pixel 10 worth buying?
In short: it depends. If you've been a fan of premium photography, you might want to wait for the Pixel 10 Pro. But if you're happy with decent photos, a superior screen, and good battery life—assuming the price is lower—then the Pixel 10 could be an acceptable compromise.
Google will have to be careful, as users have more and more choices in this price range. Whether this was a deliberate move or just desperate cost-cutting will be seen in the fall, when the new Pixel officially sees the light of day. Until then, we can only look forward, slightly ironically, to an improved screen that will shine with a brightness that Google's engineers unfortunately did not show this time.
