Google just unveiled the Pixel 10, and at first glance, it looks nearly identical to the Pixel 9. The same size, the same design, even the same starting price of $799. But underneath that familiar shell are some meaningful changes that make this year’s base model a more compelling upgrade than it first appears.
Pixelsnap makes life easier
The biggest lifestyle upgrade is Pixelsnap, Google’s MagSafe-style magnetic ring. It lets you snap wallets, battery packs, or car mounts directly to the Pixel 10 without fuss. No more fiddling with alignment on a wireless charger or clunky clamps in the car, the magnets make it seamless and reliable. Over time, this convenience may be the Pixel 10’s sleeper hit.
Pixel 10 finally gets a telephoto camera
Photography fans will spot another major shift: a dedicated telephoto lens has finally arrived on the standard Pixel model. This addition means sharper zoom shots and better portrait framing, something the Pixel 9 lacked. The trade-off is smaller sensors for the main and ultrawide cameras, though Google’s Tensor G5 chip is designed to offset that with smarter image processing. Real-world testing will tell whether the Pixel 10 keeps pace.
Key spec differences
On paper, the two phones share plenty of OLED screens, 120Hz refresh rates, seven years of updates, and IP68 durability. But there are some notable changes worth noting:
- Pixel 10 adds dual eSIM support, while Pixel 9 relied on a nano SIM plus eSIM.
- The Pixel 10 weighs slightly more at 204 grams.
- Charging speed actually drops from 45W to 30W, though battery capacity increases.
- Connectivity shifts: Pixel 9 supported Wi-Fi 7, but Pixel 10 uses Wi-Fi 6E.
AI and software upgrades
Google is leaning hard into AI, and Pixel 10 debuts Magic Cue, a proactive assistant that anticipates what you’ll need before you ask. Combined with existing tools like Night Sight, Face Unblur, and Camera Coach, it pushes the phone further as an AI-first device.
Is the Pixel 10 upgrade worth it?
It doesn’t reinvent the lineup, but it smartly refines it. Between Pixelsnap, a new telephoto lens, and Google’s latest AI features, it quietly outpaces the Pixel 9 in meaningful ways. For Pixel 9 owners, the decision may hinge on whether those magnets and camera tweaks are worth the jump.
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