Google’s latest flagship, the Pixel 10, represents an incremental yet notable refinement over its predecessor. While not a radical departure in design or core functionality, the device delivers a polished experience boosted by subtle hardware tweaks and Google’s increasingly ambitious AI features—now available at a more attractive price point with a £300 Black Friday discount.
Design: Familiar Excellence
The Pixel 10 carries over the flat-edged frame and pill-shaped camera island introduced with the Pixel 9, a design that remains visually appealing and premium in execution. The soft-touch matte glass back resists fingerprints effectively, offering a tactile and durable feel. The real improvement lies in the inclusion of Qi2 magnetic charging. This long-awaited feature allows the phone to seamlessly attach to MagSafe-compatible accessories, expanding charging and mounting options for Android users. The speakers have also been upgraded, delivering richer audio through downfiring drivers, and the under-display fingerprint sensor is slightly faster and more reliable.
Performance and AI: The Promise of On-Device Intelligence
Powered by the Tensor G5 processor, the Pixel 10 prioritizes on-device AI capabilities. While raw performance remains comparable to the previous generation, the G5 chip is designed to accelerate Google’s AI features without relying heavily on cloud processing. The headline feature, Magic Cue, anticipates user needs by proactively suggesting replies based on app context (calendar, inbox, etc.). However, its current limited functionality—working only within Google Messages—severely restricts its real-world utility for users who primarily use WhatsApp or other messaging apps. Other AI enhancements, such as the ‘At a Glance’ widget (live sports scores, Uber status), are more consistently useful, but many of these features were already available on older Pixel devices via Android 16.
Camera: Zoom Capabilities Redefined
The Pixel camera continues to be a standout feature, particularly on the Pro models. The 100x ProRes zoom, achieved through a combination of optical zoom and AI-driven detail enhancement, is a remarkable technological feat. The AI effectively generates details that the lens cannot physically resolve, creating clear long-distance shots. The standard Pixel 10 finally receives a dedicated telephoto lens, closing the hardware gap with the Pro models and making the cheaper variant a more competitive option. Overall, the Pixel 10 maintains best-in-class photo quality, delivering sharp, detailed, and perfectly processed images in various lighting conditions.
Price and Conclusion
The Pixel 10 is a refined iteration of an already excellent smartphone. The hardware improvements (Qi2 charging, better speakers) and AI features (Magic Cue, At a Glance) add value, but many enhancements are incremental or already available on previous models. The Black Friday discount of £300 makes it a compelling purchase for Android enthusiasts looking for a premium device without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the Pixel 10 doesn’t rewrite the rules of smartphone technology, but it delivers a polished, intelligent, and capable experience—and now at a more accessible price.
