The Pixel 10 does not appear thrilling as a result of Google is concentrated on software program

Google is lower than a month away from launching new smartphones, a brand new lineup that may span display screen sizes and kind components. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked nicely upfront of Google really saying something about them publicly. Solely just lately did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 might be devoted to the Pixel 10 with a teaser on its website. Primarily based on what Google has shared and what’s leaked out, you will get a transparent image of what the corporate will launch. And surprisingly, it seems to be similar to final 12 months’s telephones.

Whereas the concept that Google is simply transport a refined model of the Pixel 9 could be disappointing, it does recommend one thing that is been true for some time: {hardware} has by no means been the main focus of the Pixel, it is the software program the {hardware} can run that issues. And at this level in 2025, Gemini is the software program that issues most at Google.

The Pixel 10 is a “Pixel 9S”

The brand new cellphone looks like a refinement, not a reimagining

Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been widespread because the starting, however the concept that annually new smartphones ought to have a radical new design or paradigm-shifting characteristic is a comparatively latest concept. Most individuals had been proud of a cellphone that simply labored higher.

The early days of the iPhone, for instance, had been outlined by Apple’s “tick-tock” launch schedule. One 12 months the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the subsequent 12 months, the identical design, however with refinements. That could possibly be improved elements or a novel software program characteristic, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, but it surely by no means got here with any huge modifications to the cellphone itself. Telephones launched within the years when the {hardware} did not change got an “S” to suggest that they had been higher than the numbered launch.

Google hasn’t actually adopted the identical sample. Components of its design carry throughout telephones, like the concept of a two-tone end or an enormous digital camera bump, however every of its Pixels has been fairly completely different from the final, save for the bounce from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7. You may justify this by saying that Google has been enjoying catch-up, but it surely nonetheless signifies that the Pixel 10 is a present of restraint. The cellphone, as depicted within the firm’s teaser and the quite a few leaks, didn’t fall removed from the Pixel 9 tree.

The most important visible change Google is making is the addition of a brand new digital camera to the entry-level Pixel 10, in order that now all of its telephones have a large, ultra-wide, and telephoto choice. Leaked specs recommend it is an 11-megapixel telephoto digital camera, much like the telephoto on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it will assist the corporate’s Tremendous Res Zoom characteristic. Whereas it looks like the standard could possibly be higher, it is nice that Google is not locking the choice behind a extra premium worth.

Internally, the corporate is reportedly including a Tensor G5 chip and a brand new magnetic wi-fi charging system seemingly based mostly on Qi2. The Tensor G5 does not seem to be it will be that rather more highly effective than the Tensor G4, however switching to a 3nm design signifies that it needs to be extra power-efficient. The brand new wi-fi charging system — reportedly called “Pixelsnap” — might introduce the comfort of MagSafe to the Pixel lineup. Will any of those modifications make the Pixel 10 really feel all that completely different from the Pixel 9? That is still to be seen, however based mostly on what’s leaked and what Google has visually confirmed, the Pixel 10 looks like a Pixel 9S.

Gemini is Google’s important focus

The corporate is intent on pushing AI into each product

Gemini was a giant a part of Google’s pitch for the Pixel 9, and has solely turn out to be a much bigger half since. The corporate has usually launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) because the cellphone was launched, and variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The shortage of thrilling new {hardware} modifications within the Pixel 10 might very nicely be as a result of Google goes to lean even more durable into Gemini.

Pixels have been regarded as showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, but it surely looks like that could possibly be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones could be the perfect place to work together with AI, it is affordable to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a instrument for demoing Gemini at the beginning. At the least till merchandise working Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses turn out to be accessible.

In addition to the refinements and design parts of Android 16, it is exhausting to say what new software program options Google might need deliberate for the Pixel 10. The corporate continues to demo Project Astra, so Gemini-powered options that take motion in your behalf would make sense, but it surely’s exhausting to say if they’re prepared for prime time.

The Pixel’s {hardware} is already good

There are legitimate causes to maintain issues constant

It’d initially really feel unusual that Google does not appear to be altering Pixel {hardware} for the Pixel 10. However the firm does not have to reinvent the wheel each time, and doubtless should not. Sticking to largely the identical {hardware} setup might imply the Pixel 10 is extra reasonably priced to supply and extra sturdy. We can’t know every thing till Google really publicizes its new telephones, however even when the cellphone’s {hardware} does not set the world on hearth, Gemini would possibly.

For a have a look at the AI options Google included on the Pixel 9 Pocket-lint has protection of Pixel Screenshots and the Pixel’s image generation feature. And in case you’re curious about what’s leaked in regards to the Pixel 10 to date, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features you need to care about.