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

Google is lower than a month away from launching new smartphones, a brand new lineup that may span display sizes and type elements. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked properly prematurely of Google truly saying something about them publicly. Solely lately did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 will probably 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 similar to final 12 months’s telephones.

Whereas the concept Google is simply delivery a refined model of the Pixel 9 is perhaps disappointing, it does counsel 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 telephone looks as if a refinement, not a reimagining

Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been frequent for the reason that starting, however the concept every year new smartphones ought to have a radical new design or paradigm-shifting characteristic is a comparatively current concept. Most individuals had been proud of a telephone 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 parts or a novel software program characteristic, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, however it by no means got here with any massive modifications to the telephone itself. Telephones launched within the years when the {hardware} did not change got an “S” to indicate 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 thought of a two-tone end or an enormous digicam bump, however every of its Pixels has been fairly totally different from the final, save for the soar from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7. You may justify this by saying that Google has been taking part in catch-up, however it nonetheless implies that the Pixel 10 is a present of restraint. The telephone, as depicted within the firm’s teaser and the quite a few leaks, didn’t fall removed from the Pixel 9 tree.

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

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

Gemini is Google’s predominant 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 develop into an even bigger half since. The corporate has recurrently launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) for the reason that telephone was launched, and a superb variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The shortage of thrilling new {hardware} modifications within the Pixel 10 may very properly be as a result of Google goes to lean even tougher into Gemini.

Pixels have been regarded as showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, however it looks as if that could possibly be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones is perhaps one of the best place to work together with AI, it is cheap to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a device for demoing Gemini at the start. Not less than till merchandise operating Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses develop into obtainable.

Apart from the refinements and design parts of Android 16, it is exhausting to say what new software program options Google may 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, however it’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 would 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 may imply the Pixel 10 is extra inexpensive to supply and extra sturdy. We can’t know all the pieces till Google truly broadcasts its new telephones, however even when the telephone’s {hardware} does not set the world on fireplace, Gemini may.

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 when you’re eager about what’s leaked concerning the Pixel 10 thus far, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features it’s best to care about.