Summary
- Pixel 10 leans on AI even more than the Pixel 9.
- Some of the features Google chose to upgrade, like the camera system, aren’t necessarily improvements.
- Many of the device’s exclusive software features will likely come to older Pixels via a software update.
- Buying a new phone means you’ll miss out on discounts on the last generation model.
More so than ever, Google is leaning on AI to make its Pixel phones standout. The Pixel 10 lineup is nearly indistinguishable from the Pixel 9 phones Google released last year, with a few important exceptions, like new colors and the presence of a telephoto lens on the cheaper model. All the biggest announcements about Google’s new phones were focused on AI features, like the helpful Magic Cue or the AI overhaul that the company’s given the Camera app.
While Qi2 charging and magnetic Pixelsnap accessories are great, after looking at what’s actually different about the Pixel 10, it’s not clear everyone should rush out and upgrade, especially if you already own a Pixel 9. Last year’s models offered major improvements in design and performance, and those haven’t exactly faded in the last 365 days. With that in mind, here are three reasons why I’m sticking with my Pixel 9 rather than upgrading to the Pixel 10.
The camera upgrades aren’t necessarily better
Three lenses should be better than one, but not in this case
On paper, the Pixel 10’s cameras are a big upgrade over the Pixel 9. Where the Pixel 9 has just two camera options, a wide and an ultrawide, the Pixel 10 has three: A wide, ultrawide, and telephoto. The three-lens setup has long been a privilege of buying a “Pro” phone, since the Pixel 6 Pro. On iPhones, it’s still one of the major differences between Apple’s entry-level and premium devices. By adding the extra lens, Google seems like it’s being generous and offering more value for the same $799, but the idea isn’t as cut and dry as it appears.
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- Front camera
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f/2.2 10.5-megapixel
- Rear camera
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f/1.68 50-megapixel wide, f/1.7 48-megapixel ultrawide
- Brand
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Google
- Display
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6.3-inch 120HZ OLED, 1080 x 2424 pixel resolution, HDR10+
- RAM
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12GB
- Storage
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128GB, 256GB
Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch display and a familiar design. It supports the addition of a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens to its rear camera array alongside Google Gemini and AI features.
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- Front camera
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f/2.2 10.5-megapixel
- Rear camera
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f/1.7 48-megapixel wide, f/2.2 13-megapixel ultrawide, f/3.1 10.8-megapixel telephoto
- Brand
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Google
- Display
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6.3-inch Actua Display 1080 x 2424 pixel resolution OLED (60-120Hz)
- RAM
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12GB
- Storage
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128GB/256GB
Google’s Pixel 10 features the tech giant’s new Tensor G5 chip and a three-camera setup for the first time that includes a 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera.
If you look at the details of each phone’s camera setup, the Pixel 10 is notably worse in some respects. The Pixel 9 has a 50-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.68 aperture and a 48-megapixel ultrawide with an f/1.7 aperture. The Pixel 10’s wide camera is only 48-megapixel, and it has a narrower f/1.70 aperture. The ultrawide on the new phone is an even smaller 13-megapixel and has an f/2.2 aperture. That means the Pixel 10 captures less detail than the Pixel 9 in some cases, and less light across the board. In practice, this difference won’t always be noticeable, based on reviews. If you want to capture the best photos possible on a budget, though? It seems harder to recommend.
The telephoto camera is even weirder. The Pixel 10’s 10.8-megapixel telephoto has an f/3.1 aperture, nearly the same specs as last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The major difference between the two cameras is greater Super Res Zoom options on the Pixel 10 and optical image stabilization. Even with the telephoto, jumping from the Pixel 9 to a Pixel 10 is not a clear-cut camera upgrade. If anything, it’s evidence that Google is trying to bring the base Pixel 10 closer to the Pixel 9a it released earlier this year.
Software features aren’t exclusive for long
Google has a history of bringing new software to older Pixels
The most exciting features on the Pixel 10 are primarily software-based, and all reliant on AI in one way or another. This has been true of Google’s smartphones since the beginning, but it’s especially true of the Pixel 10, where Google is presenting a more unified vision for what AI will do on smartphones. In this case, it’s there to provide contextual information when you need it, help you take and edit photos, and translate phone calls, texts, and any other audio on your phone.
With Magic Cue, the Pixel 10 can process information from Gmail, Google Messages, Pixel Screenshots, and Google Calendar, and provide it when you need it. Google’s examples include prompting you to share an address with a friend from an event in your calendar or your travel itinerary from Gmail while on a call. It’s meant to be helpful without you doing any extra work. Magic Cue is supposed to understand the context and deliver information where appropriate. In the Camera app, Camera Coach understands the context of what your phone is pointed at and guides you in taking a great photo. Voice Translate is even wilder, live translating calls and simulating your voice in real time.
Odds are good that some of the Pixel 10’s exclusive features make the jump to older Tensor devices.
Google largely credits these features to the increased performance provided by the Tensor G5 and an updated on-device Gemini Nano model. Google partnered with TSMC to create the G5 and moved to a new 3nm process that should produce a more power-efficient chip. Some aspects of the Pixel 10’s software suite could require that extra oomph, but historically, new Pixel software has come to older Pixels one way or another.
Magic Editor photo editing features introduced on the Pixel 9, like Reimagine and Auto Frame, eventually came to older Pixels. Things like Gemini and Circle to Search percolated through at least the Pixel 6. At the very least, devices that use Google’s Tensor chips seem like they’ll receive software support and new features for longer than the company’s older phones. Odds are good that some of the Pixel 10’s exclusive features make the jump to older Tensor devices. That means a Pixel 9 with a Tensor G4 could be useful for at least a little while longer.
A new phone means discounts on the last generation
Deals on a new Pixel 9 are undoubtedly on the way
Google’s currently selling the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 10 for the same $799 price. That wasn’t the case leading up to the launch of the new phone, and it likely won’t be the case for long. At some point, Google and other retailers are going to want to make room for new phones, whether it’s the Pixel 10a or something else. To do that, they’ll have to get rid of their inventory of older devices.
That means you’ll likely be able to find the Pixel 9 at a healthy discount not long from now. If you’re patient, it’ll be worth it. If you don’t want to wait, though, you might be able to find a used Pixel 9 at a great price right now. If not, the Pixel 9a offers a similar set of features — and a similar camera array to the Pixel 10 — for a solid price. Odds are good that the Pixel 9a gets Pixel 10 features via a Pixel Drop update in the future, too.
Google doesn’t have a set schedule for when it releases Pixel Drops, but the company tends to roll them out every few months.
The Pixel 10 is great, but not essential
Don’t let new phone excitement cloud your judgment
Google continues to get better and better at making phones. That makes each of the company’s new releases that much more exciting, but you don’t need the latest and greatest to have a good experience or experience cutting-edge AI. An older phone, like last year’s perfectly great Pixel 9, might be all you need.
For more information on the new features of the Pixel 10 lineup, you can read Pocket-lint’s coverage of the launch or review of the Pixel 10 Pro. If you’re considering what’s happening on the other side of the fence, Apple has an event planned for September 9 where it’s likely to introduce the iPhone 17 lineup and a whole new, ultra-thin form factor.
