The iPhone 17 is tempting, but the Pixel 10 is still the smartphone I’d buy right now

We’ve reached the part of the year when all the big smartphone launches are behind us (almost). Samsung has released both the Galaxy S25 series as well as its new Galaxy foldables, while Google released the Pixel 10 series about a month ago.

And finally, Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup earlier this month at the “Awe Dropping” event, which means we can finally start comparing which smartphone best suits your needs — and which one is worth upgrading to this year.

Surprisingly, both Apple and Google have improved the base models this year, making even the entry-level flagships great. Both Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 pack major upgrades over their predecessors, bringing them closer to their Pro counterparts.

The iPhone 17 finally has an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 10 is also a major overhaul, including a much-improved chipset and a new telephoto sensor for the first time. However, if I were in the market for a new entry-level flagship, I’d still skip the iPhone 17 and go for the Pixel 10 as my choice for an everyday smartphone.

The Pixel 10’s AI and software make the iPhone 17 and Apple Intelligence feel behind

Useful features that actually change how I use my phone

One of the main reasons I have blindly recommended iPhones over the past few years is the software experience. Apple iPhones have long been known for reliability, whether it is the apps or the OS itself. Lately, however, that feeling has started to fade.

iOS 26 is iOS’ biggest redesign in years, but it doesn’t come without issues. Even those with an iPhone 17 are complaining about minor stutters and lags just hours after setting them up. And in terms of software features, Apple is now no match for how useful the Google Pixel experience has become.

As with previous Google Pixel smartphones, Google’s focus on the Pixel 10 was again software, and the company nailed it this time. The Pixel 10 also ships with Android 16’s new design, Material 3 Expressive, with large UI elements and bold typography.

In my four weeks of use, I have only noticed one or two minor lags. Overall, the experience has been smooth, with apps and animations running reliably. Of course, gaming is still a no-go here, but my experience with the Pixel 10’s software has been butter smooth.

When it comes to new features, Google has doubled down on Gemini. The Pixel 10 ships with loads of new (and useful) features like Magic Cue, which surfaces information right when you need it, and Camera Coach that uses Gemini to help you take better shots.

Other features, such as Pixel Screenshots that save info for later, as well as small but useful additions like Now Playing and Add Me in the Camera app, are also available.

Apple, on the other hand, has overpromised and underdelivered with Apple Intelligence. There are very few useful features so far, apart from Clean Up in the Photos app, which is comparable, if not slightly better, than Google’s Magic Editor.

Telephoto zoom is a must, and Apple is still ignoring it

Having a telephoto sensor > no telephoto sensor at all

With the base Pixel 10, Google made a major change to the camera setup that instantly made it a better buy. For years, base Pixel models shipped with only a main + ultra-wide dual-camera system, but the Pixel 10 finally adds a telephoto sensor as well.

The Pixel 10 features a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. Thanks to Google’s on-device Gemini models, the phone can reach up to 20x zoom with Pro Res Zoom.

This is an area where the iPhone 17 simply can’t compete. Apple’s base model still includes only two lenses: a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide. While its ultra-wide shots may look sharper and more detailed, the lack of a telephoto lens means the iPhone 17 will always trail behind in zoom performance.

Believe it or not, once you have a telephoto sensor, you will be surprised by how often you use it. Since owning the iPhone 14 Pro Max a few years ago, I almost never take photos at 1x anymore. Moreover, a telephoto lens is invaluable for events like concerts or sports, where zoom shots make all the difference. That is something the iPhone 17 simply cannot match.

To be fair, the iPhone 17 does have a better selfie camera, which now even offers a feature wherein you can take horizontal selfies while holding the phone vertically, and its video recording is stronger. But for me, the Pixel 10’s zoom capabilities are far more important, and that is where it wins.

Qi2 on the Pixel 10 has quietly changed everything

Sometimes it’s the smallest upgrades that matter most

What makes an iPhone ‘an iPhone’ is not just the hardware Apple provides, but the ecosystem around it. Apps feel better optimized, services like iMessage and FaceTime are deeply integrated, and there is no shortage of compatible accessories.

With the Pixel 10, Google is beginning to take some of that limelight away. The phone now supports Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, which puts the Pixel 10 on par with the iPhone.

This means you can attach virtually all MagSafe accessories — wireless chargers, power banks, wallets, mounts, and more — directly to the back of your Pixel 10, without needing a third-party case or magnetic sticker.

It may sound like a small addition, but in practice, it has made a huge difference for me. Accessories I could never use with a Pixel before, like my MagSafe stand and desk mount, now work flawlessly with the Pixel 10.

On top of that, there is the added benefit of faster 15W wireless charging, but it is really the access to a broad range of accessories that has been most impactful.

iPhone 17 is close, but the Pixel 10 feels right

All things considered, the Pixel 10 feels like a complete package. Google has truly brought its base flagship to the level of the iPhone — if not beyond it — with long-term support, a better software experience, a telephoto camera, and the benefit of Qi2.

Yes, there are drawbacks, such as lower base storage and a weaker processor compared to the iPhone 17, but overall, the Pixel 10 feels like the smarter buy for me.

• 

  Brand

  Google

  SoC

  Tensor G5

  Display

  6.3-inch Actua Display 1080 x 2424 pixel resolution OLED (60-120Hz)

  RAM

  12GB

  Storage

  128GB/256GB

  Battery

  4,970mAh

  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.

  
  

• 

  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 is a major upgrade over the iPhone 16, bringing 120Hz refresh rate, anti-reflective display, a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a bigger, faster charging battery. It’s the best base model iPhone in years.