I often get excited when Google declares a brand new Pixel occasion. The corporate’s Pixel vary has all the time been about sensible software program, a clear strategy to Android and, let’s be sincere, among the greatest digital camera efficiency round.
However after following the most recent Pixel 10 rumours for the previous few months, I didn’t get that very same feeling when Google confirmed its plans for a Pixel occasion on 20 August earlier this week.
Why? If the leaks and rumours showing on-line over the previous few months are something to go by, the entry-level Pixel 10 would possibly really be a step backwards – and I can’t fairly perceive why.
A digital camera downgrade that might be exhausting to disregard
Let’s begin with the digital camera as a result of, for many people, that’s the core purpose to purchase a Pixel over some other flagship cellphone. Final yr’s Pixel 9 boasted a 50MP essential sensor – the identical as that within the Pixel 9 Professional – that helped it stand out from the group.
However, based on rumours, the Pixel 10 is about to drop right down to a 48MP sensor – and never simply any 48MP sensor, however the exact same one discovered within the budget-friendly Pixel 9a. That’s going to be a troublesome tablet to swallow if you happen to’re anticipating a premium, flagship expertise like that historically promised by the top-end Pixel vary.
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Google Pixel 9. Picture Credit score (Trusted Evaluations)
Nevertheless it doesn’t cease there – actually, I’d argue that essentially the most egregious rumoured downgrade issues the ultrawide digital camera. Regardless of Google upgrading the Pixel 9’s ultrawide digital camera to 48MP for the primary time, the Pixel 10’s equal is reportedly set to drop proper again right down to 12MP.
In a world the place most manufacturers are pushing for greater and higher sensors, even on budget-friendly telephones, Google appears to be stepping into the exact opposite route right here. And for an organization that’s constructed its repute on pictures, it’s a wierd transfer certainly.
A brand new telephoto lens – however at what price?
There may be, nevertheless, one new addition that’s slated to seem on the Pixel 10; the long-awaited zoom lens. Whereas current on the Professional Pixel fashions for fairly a while, it has by no means appeared on the entry-level mannequin, which featured simply essential and ultrawide snappers.
The ten.8MP 5x telephoto lens is a welcome improve on paper, particularly for anybody who’s ever tried to zoom in on a distant topic and ended up with a blurry, over-processed mess. However I can’t assist however surprise if this new lens is the rationale the opposite cameras are being downgraded fairly so closely. Is Google robbing Peter to pay Paul, so to talk?
Google Pixel 9 Professional. Picture Credit score (Trusted Evaluations)
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It’s a little bit of a head-scratcher for me. Whereas a devoted telephoto lens is undoubtedly nice for versatility – there’s a purpose why telephones just like the Galaxy S25 Extremely and Xiaomi 15 Extremely supply a number of zoom lenses in any case – I can’t assist however really feel that most individuals use the primary and ultrawide cameras much more typically.
If these on a regular basis pictures are going to undergo simply so we will get a bit nearer to the motion on the uncommon event, is that basically a trade-off value making? I’m not so certain.
It’s not simply digital camera tech both
The digital camera isn’t the one space the place the Pixel 10 appears to be taking a step again – there’s additionally the curious case of Wi-Fi 7. Final yr’s Pixel 9 had it, however this yr’s mannequin reportedly lacks the performance.
For a cellphone that’s presupposed to be future-proof, that appears like a wierd omission. It’s the form of characteristic that may not matter to everybody proper now, however as extra routers and gadgets help the faster, extra secure wi-fi customary, it’ll turn into extra noticeable.
All of this leaves me questioning what Google’s technique right here is. Are they slicing prices to maintain the value down? Absolutely a telephoto lens can’t price that a lot at scale.
Google Pixel 9
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It might be that Google’s betting that software program alone shall be sufficient to maintain Pixel followers comfortable – the upcoming vary is alleged to characteristic unique software program options like Magic Cue that’ll apparently serve shortcuts and data relying on what’s occurring on-screen – but it surely does really feel prefer it’s resting just a little an excessive amount of on its repute right here.
A dangerous gambit for 2025
I do know that specs aren’t all the pieces, and Google’s software program magic has all the time squeezed extra out of much less.
However at a time when even mid-range telephones are providing spectacular {hardware}, it’s not exhausting to really feel a bit short-changed, particularly if it matches final yr’s £799/$799 price ticket. If these rumours are true, the Pixel 10 may find yourself wanting much less like a real flagship and extra like a rebadged mid-ranger.
I’ll definitely be watching the August occasion with extra scepticism than normal, and I believe I gained’t be the one one.