Google Pixel 10 Review: First Impressions and Key Upgrades

The Google Pixel 10 has finally landed, and first impressions suggest that Google’s standard model might be the smarter buy this year. Our unit, the Indigo version, is one of the most striking colors we’ve seen on a Pixel device.

Packaging remains minimalist with a recycled box and just a USB-C cable inside.

What sets the Pixel 10 apart is the camera setup. For the first time, Google has added a dedicated zoom lens to the base model – a 10.8MP telephoto camera offering 5x optical zoom. While it doesn’t match the 48MP telephoto on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL, it’s a welcome addition for everyday users. The main shooter is a 48MP 25mm f/1.7 sensor, slightly smaller than the Pro’s 50MP 1/1.31-inch camera but still promising excellent results. The only real downgrade is the ultrawide lens, which drops to 13MP compared to the Pixel 9’s 48MP ultrawide, though phase detection autofocus remains intact.

The display has been improved with brighter output – up to 3,000 nits peak – but still lacks LTPO adaptive refresh technology, which remains exclusive to the Pro line. The 120Hz OLED screen is smooth and vivid, with Google reserving extras like Always-on display wallpaper for its premium models.

Under the hood, the Pixel 10 is powered by the same 3nm Tensor G5 processor found in the Pro versions, but paired with 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB. Performance should still be strong, though multitasking and future-proofing might favor the Pro editions.

On paper, the differences between the Pixel 10, its predecessor the Pixel 9, and the higher-end Pixel 10 Pro are significant. But in the hand, the Pixel 10 feels just as premium. In fact, its more colorful finish may appeal to buyers who want personality without paying Pro prices. And with that new telephoto camera on board, the Pixel 10 could be the sweet spot for most users – delivering high-end features at a lower cost.

The Pixel 10 5G starts at €899 / £799 for the 128GB + 12GB RAM model, and €999 / £899 for the 256GB storage variant. It may just be the most balanced Pixel Google has made in years.