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 kind elements. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked effectively prematurely of Google really saying something about them publicly. Solely not too long ago did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 shall 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 may get a transparent image of what the corporate will launch. And surprisingly, it seems to be similar to final 12 months’s telephones.

Whereas the concept Google is simply delivery a refined model of the Pixel 9 may be disappointing, it does recommend one thing that is been true for some time: {hardware} has by no means been the main target 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 as if 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 latest 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 12 months the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the following 12 months, 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, but it surely by no means got here with any huge modifications to the cellphone 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. Parts of its design carry throughout telephones, like the thought of a two-tone end or an enormous digital camera bump, however every of its Pixels has been fairly completely different from the final, save for the bounce from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7. You may justify this by saying that Google has been enjoying catch-up, but it surely nonetheless implies 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 most important 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 possibility. Leaked specs recommend it is an 11-megapixel telephoto digital camera, much 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 seem to be it’s going to be that rather more highly effective than the Tensor G4, however switching to a 3nm design implies 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 completely 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 a giant a part of Google’s pitch for the Pixel 9, and has solely grow to be an even bigger half since. The corporate has frequently launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) for the reason that cellphone was launched, and an excellent variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The dearth of thrilling new {hardware} modifications within the Pixel 10 might very effectively be as a result of Google goes to lean even more durable into Gemini.

Pixels have been considered showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, but it surely looks as if that could possibly be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones may be the very best place to work together with AI, it is affordable to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a device for demoing Gemini at first. At the very least till merchandise operating Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses grow to be obtainable.

Moreover the refinements and design parts of Android 16, it is onerous to say what new software program options Google might 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 have to reinvent the wheel each time, and possibly should not. Sticking to largely the identical {hardware} setup might imply the Pixel 10 is extra inexpensive to supply and extra sturdy. We can’t know all the pieces till Google really proclaims its new telephones, however even when the cellphone’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 for those who’re concerned about what’s leaked concerning the Pixel 10 to date, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features it’s best to care about.