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 elements. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked effectively prematurely of Google really saying something about them publicly. Solely lately did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 can 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 to be similar to final yr’s telephones.

Whereas the concept Google is simply transport 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 telephone looks as if a refinement, not a reimagining

Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been widespread because the 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 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 yr the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the following yr, the identical design, however with refinements. That could possibly be improved elements or a novel software program characteristic, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, however it by no means got here with any large adjustments to the telephone 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 concept of a two-tone end or an enormous digital camera 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 possibly can justify this by saying that Google has been taking part in catch-up, however it nonetheless signifies 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 digital camera 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 digital camera, just like the telephoto on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it will assist 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 seem to be it will be that rather more highly effective than the Tensor G4, however switching to a 3nm design signifies that it needs to 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 adjustments make the Pixel 10 really feel all that totally different from the Pixel 9? That continues to be 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 essential focus

The corporate is intent on pushing AI into each product

Gemini was an enormous a part of Google’s pitch for the Pixel 9, and has solely turn out to be an even bigger half since. The corporate has recurrently launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) because the telephone was launched, and variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The dearth of thrilling new {hardware} adjustments within the Pixel 10 might very effectively be as a result of Google goes to lean even tougher into Gemini.

Pixels have been considered 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 may be the perfect place to work together with AI, it is cheap to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a instrument for demoing Gemini in the beginning. At the very least till merchandise working Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses turn out to be accessible.

Moreover the refinements and design components of Android 16, it is arduous 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 arduous 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’d 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 might imply the Pixel 10 is extra inexpensive to provide and extra sturdy. We can’t know every little thing till Google really declares its new telephones, however even when the telephone’s {hardware} does not set the world on hearth, Gemini would possibly.

For a take 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 should you’re excited about what’s leaked concerning the Pixel 10 up to now, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features you need to care about.