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 type components. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked properly upfront of Google really saying something about them publicly. Solely not too long ago did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 might be devoted to the Pixel 10 with a teaser on its website. Based mostly on what Google has shared and what’s leaked out, you may get a transparent image of what the corporate will launch. And surprisingly, it seems to be similar to final yr’s telephones.

Whereas the concept Google is simply delivery a refined model of the Pixel 9 may be 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 cellphone looks like a refinement, not a reimagining

Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been widespread 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 thought. Most individuals had been pleased with 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 yr the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the subsequent yr, the identical design, however with refinements. That might 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 large 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 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, 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 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 possibility. 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 like the standard might 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 doubtless based mostly on Qi2. The Tensor G5 does not appear to be it will be that rather more highly effective than the Tensor G4, however switching to a 3nm design signifies that it must 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 totally 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 foremost 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 change into an even bigger half since. The corporate has commonly launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) for the reason that cellphone was launched, and a superb variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The dearth of thrilling new {hardware} modifications within the Pixel 10 might very properly 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 might be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones may be the very best place to work together with AI, it is cheap to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a device for demoing Gemini in the beginning. At the least till merchandise working Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses change into accessible.

In addition to the refinements and design components of Android 16, it is onerous 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, but it surely’s onerous 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 must reinvent the wheel each time, and possibly should not. Sticking to largely the identical {hardware} setup might imply the Pixel 10 is extra reasonably priced to provide and extra sturdy. We cannot know all the pieces till Google really pronounces its new telephones, however even when the cellphone’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 if you happen to’re fascinated with what’s leaked in regards to the Pixel 10 thus far, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features you must care about.