5 impressive phones I’d recommend over the Pixel 10 right now

The new Pixel 10 lineup looks impressive. While the Pixel 10 Pro models may have taken most of the spotlight, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold becoming the first foldable smartphone to feature IP68 dust resistance and the Pixel 10 Pro XL offering 25W Qi2 wireless charging, the base Pixel 10 also features several serious upgrades.

Google has finally added a telephoto zoom sensor to the baseline model, along with the much-improved Tensor G5 chipset, Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, and several useful AI features. However, even at a competitive $799, the Pixel 10 may not be the best smartphone your money can buy.

If you are considering the Pixel 10, here are a few alternatives that might be a better fit.

iPhone 17

Apple fixed two of its biggest drawbacks

After much anticipation, Apple finally unveiled the iPhone 17 series at its “Awe Dropping” event. While the spotlight is on the iPhone 17 Pro models for their new design and 8x zoom camera, and the iPhone Air for its slim design, one of the most underrated options this year is the baseline iPhone 17 — and it stands as one of the best alternatives to the Pixel 10.

Priced at $799, the iPhone 17 ships with the same display as the Pro models. You get the same 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, identical brightness, and matching slim bezels.

Although it lacks a telephoto lens like the Pixel 10, Apple upgraded the ultra-wide camera to 48-megapixels, delivering sharper wide-angle shots, and improved the selfie camera, which now supports horizontal selfies even when holding the phone vertically.

Although Google may have shifted to TSMC for the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10, it still can’t match the performance and efficiency of Apple’s A19 chip, especially for gaming. Not only that, but storage is another advantage with the iPhone 17, which includes 256GB even on the base model, whereas the $799 Pixel 10 only offers 128GB.

So if you are not particularly interested in the Pixel 10’s AI features and just want a reliable everyday smartphone, the iPhone 17 should be high on your list.

Brand

Apple

SoC

A19

Display

6.3-inch 2622 x 1206 pixel resolution Super Retina XDR

Storage

256GB, 512GB

Ports

USB-C

Operating System

iOS 26

The iPhone 17 features a brighter OLED display, a faster A19 chip, and improved ultra-wide and selfie cameras with better low‑light performance. It supports faster wired charging compared to the predecessor. A key change this year is the inclusion of 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and Ceramic Shield 2 protective glass.

Samsung Galaxy S25

Compact flagship with powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite

If you prefer to stay in the Android ecosystem but still want a compact yet powerful flagship beyond the Pixel 10, the next option to consider is the Samsung Galaxy S25.

It may lack Qi2 magnets like the Pixel 10, meaning you will need third-party cases to use MagSafe accessories, and it does not have the largest battery, but it’s still a solid smartphone. The Galaxy S25 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which remains the best-performing processor in the Android world. For gaming or heavy multitasking, the Galaxy S25 is an excellent fit.

Beyond performance, the Galaxy S25 also offers a telephoto zoom camera similar to the Pixel 10, but in a lighter and thinner build. On top of that, it brings Samsung’s own AI features, which are on par with — if not better than — what you get on the Pixel 10.

Brand

Samsung

SoC

Snapdragon 8 Elite

Display

6.2-inch

RAM

12GB

Storage

128GB, 256GB

The Samsung Galaxy S25 comes with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 6.2-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display. Samsung has baked in updated Galaxy AI tools built into One UI this time around.

OnePlus 13R

Brings flagship performance without the premium price tag

At $799, the Pixel 10 may seem like a solid entry-level flagship smartphone, but if you want true value for money, the OnePlus 13R is arguably the best Pixel 10 alternative on this list.

The OnePlus 13R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and even though it’s been roughly two years since that chipset was released, it’s still more capable than the Tensor G5 you will find inside the Pixel 10.

On top of that, the phone pairs a 6,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast wired charging. This combination easily lasts a full day under heavy use, and the phone can charge from 0-100% in under an hour.

Yes, the OnePlus 13R lacks Qi2 magnets and a telephoto sensor, but it retails for $200 less than the Pixel 10. Considering the improved performance and battery life, the trade-offs feel fair. If you want the best possible value, the OnePlus 13R should not be overlooked.

Moto Razr 2025

Flip foldable smartphone that doesn’t break the bank

While foldable smartphones are usually seen as expensive investments, you can actually buy a flip-style foldable at the same price as the Google Pixel 10.

It’s been a few months since Motorola introduced the new Razr (2025), and it is already available for about $150 less than the Pixel 10. Like other Motorola foldables, the Razr (2025) features a large 3.6-inch outer AMOLED display that runs all apps. Unfolded, the Razr (2025) unveils a big 6.9-inch main display with HDR10+ support and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Razr (2025) is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7400X chipset. While it is not the most powerful processor available, it still offers strong competition to the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5.

And even though the Razr (2025) lacks a telephoto zoom sensor, it makes up for it by letting you use the 50-megapixel primary camera for selfies via the cover display. Other perks include 256GB of storage, a 4,500mAh battery, and 30W fast charging.

If you want to try a new form factor without breaking the bank, the Razr (2025) is an excellent Pixel 10 competitor.

Brand

Motorola

SoC

MediaTek Dimensity 7400X

Display

6.9-inch foldable OLED (120 Hz, 2640 x 1080 pixel resolution), 3.6-inch external (90 Hz)

RAM

8GB

Storage

256GB

If you want a foldable smartphone under the price of $800, the Moto Razr 2025 is probably the best choice out there. It features a 6.9‑inch foldable LTPO OLED display and a large 3.6-inch outer display that supports full apps. It’s powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7400X processor and packs a 4,500mAh battery.

Pixel 10 Pro

Offers more RAM, zoom, and a brighter display

Yes, you read that right. One of the best Google Pixel 10 alternatives you can buy right now is none other than Google’s slightly higher-priced Pixel 10 Pro.

The Pixel 10 Pro starts at $999, just $200 more than the Pixel 10, yet the upgrades you get make it well worth considering. While it is impressive that Google has added a telephoto sensor to the base Pixel 10 this year, the Pixel 10 Pro features a superior 48-megapixel telephoto lens with up to 100x Pro Res zoom, while the base Pixel 10 maxes out at 20x.

Not only that, but the Pixel 10 Pro also includes a 48-megapixel ultra-wide sensor for sharper wide-angle shots.

There are other advantages too. Google is positioning the Pixel 10 series as long-term devices with up to seven years of OS updates, but the base Pixel 10 ships with only 12GB of RAM, while the Pixel 10 Pro gets 16GB. This may not matter much now, but in the long run, that extra memory helps the Pixel 10 Pro age better and handle on-device AI tasks far more smoothly.

All things considered, if you want a better camera, a brighter display, and long-term support without worrying about performance slowing down, the extra $200 for the Pixel 10 Pro is absolutely worth it.

Brand

Google

SoC

Tensor G5

Display

6.3-inch Super Actua display 1280 x 2856 pixel resolution OLED (1-120Hz)

RAM

16GB

Storage

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Battery

4,870mAh, 30+ hours of battery life

The Pixel 10 Pro features Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage. The smartphone’s overall design looks very similar to its predecessor, including its sprawling camera bump.