Google Pixel 10 review

Design

There’s no reinventing the wheel here: visually, the Pixel 10 is very much in keeping with its predecessor, the Pixel 9. After all the fuss made of the Pixel 9’s redesign in 2024, Google have stuck with the refresh, offering beautifully rounded corners, a super-thin bezel and a muted camera bar that feels far more unobtrusive than some of the Pixel’s previous iterations. Colourways available are more playful too, with deeper tones like Indigo and Lemongrass standing out against pastel-hued competitors like the iPhone17 or Samsung S25.

Durability-wise, there’s no huge updates to the excellent design first launched with the Google Pixel 9. The Pixel 10’s screen is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass, while the tactile satin finish is grippy enough to feel safe and sturdy in your hand. Meeting the standard for most quality flagships on the market today, the Google Pixel 10 also has an IP68 rating, protecting against spills and scuffs.

Display

Let’s go back to that super-thin bezel. Paired with Google’s beautiful OLED screens, the 6.3-inch display feels immersive and responsive. With a reportedly 11% brighter Actua display and 60-120Hz refresh rate, the deep visuals pop with crystal-clear clarity. This brighter screen makes using your phone in bright sunlight easier on your eyes, whether you’re squinting at Google Maps or gearing up for a midday photoshoot.

Google have long been commended for the colour tones on offer within the Pixel range, and the Pixel 10 is no different. At 3,000 nits, this is a considerably brighter phone than the Pixel 9’s 2,700 nits – and the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL go further still, offering a luminous 3,300 nits peak brightness apiece.

Unfolded, this phone delivers an immersive viewing experience that feels bigger than the cover screen would suggest; the 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X front screen offers vivid colour, dark blacks, and a 120Hz refresh rate that brings the screen to life with rich clarity and responsiveness. The thin bezels and a tall aspect ratio make the most of the already large screen, and unless you specifically search for it, the crease is practically invisible.

Performance

First introduced five years ago, the Google Tensor processor has been custom designed to offer Google users a fully optimised experience. The latest Tensor G5 has paved the way for impressive improvements across the board, with highlights including truly integrated generative AI processes, and an upgraded TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) for more responsive machine learning. 12GB RAM helps support the Tensor G5’s workload, making for a faster performance. Catching up on your favourite show, FaceTiming a friend or flicking through social media; every action you take feels smooth and lag-free, with even the most complex of AI instructions completed without a hitch.

Software and AI

Produced in-house by Google, the Tensor G5 chip also paves the way for Gemini to come into its own, with Gemini Nano in particular really taking the stage here. While this AI model was included with the Pixel 9, its level of efficiency has been taken up a notch with a range of features available offline – so you don’t need an Internet connection to experience the genuinely excellent range of time-saving tools on offer.

New to Gemini Nano is Magic Cue, which gains context from your contacts, calendar and more to predict what you’re looking for: this is an assistant that’s always one step ahead. You’ll also automatically receive Pixel Drops containing new and improved features, meaning you’ll always be able to experience the latest and greatest AI features Google has to offer.

Battery

The stats speak for themselves when it comes to battery life: the Pixel 10 can last over 24 hours with normal usage. There’s a nice upgrade from the Pixel 9’s 4,700mAh to 4,970mAh, and if you need it, Extreme Battery Saver promises up to 100+ hours of battery life by shutting down your unnecessary apps, too.

Perhaps even more exciting than the Pixel 10’s battery, however, is its brand-new Pixelsnap charging capabilities. Hot on Apple’s heels, the Pixel 10 is now Qi2 certified up to 15W. What does that mean for you? Magnetic wireless charging is finally on the cards. Helping your phone snap instantly into place, you’re now guaranteed a consistent, convenient charge.

Security

Protected by the Titan M2 security chip, Google phones are built with layers of security, with particular focus on data privacy, anti-phishing measures and personalised security dashboards to help you choose the level of protection you need. Since the launch of the Pixel 8, Google have been offering seven years of security and software updates, and the Pixel 10 continues in the same vein, with bug fixes and security enhancements included as standard.

That’s not all, though – the Pixel 10 comes with a range of built-in security tools designed to keep your data under lock and key. It’s clear to see the impact of AI here, with features like Scam Detection alerting you to messages and calls commonly associated with spam callers.

Another nice feature worth shouting about is the two-year trial of Satellite SOS included. It enables you to reach the emergency services via satellite if you can’t connect to your mobile network – a reassuring feature, particularly when paired with Google’s superb Extreme Battery Saver tool.

Cameras

Visually, the Pixel 10 doesn’t appear too different from its predecessor, with a slim camera bar to the back, and a selfie camera subtly integrated into the bezel. However, we’ve gained an extra lens, with the new 10.8MP telephoto lens helping you hone in on subjects in the distance with crystal-clear detail. You won’t get as high a resolution as on the 10 Pro models, but you’ll be able to snap beautifully lifelike shots with a range of top-quality lenses.

Once you’re in the editing suite, you’ll find a whole array of new-and-improved camera tips and tools to give your photos an extra professional feel. Taking a step further than previous handsets, Camera Coach pulls together personalised guidance and foundational skills to help you get more from your shots. It's a nice touch, and works well when paired with now much-loved AI features like Auto Best Take and Pro Res Zoom to fill in any gaps or blurs in your photos, and leave you with the best shot.

Summary

If you’re new to Pixel or you’re upgrading from an older Google handset, the Pixel 10 is a surefire smartphone to see you through the next year and beyond.

Want to explore more of the Pixel range? Browse our guide to the best Google phones of 2025.

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