Google Pixel 10 Review: A Capable All-Rounder with Familiar Compromises

 


The Google Pixel 10 arrives as a testament to Google's refined vision for its smartphone line. Sitting in the competitive upper-mid-range segment, it promises a pure Android experience, capable cameras, and the power of Google's in-house Tensor chip. But in a market filled with fierce rivals, does it do enough to stand out? This in-depth review breaks down everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 10.

Google Pixel 10: At a Glance (Key Specs)

  • Performance: Google Tensor G5 Chipset with 12 GB RAM

  • Display: 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED with 120Hz Refresh Rate

  • Rear Camera: Triple Setup (48MP Main + 13MP Ultra-Wide + 10.8MP Telephoto)

  • Front Camera: 10.5 MP Ultra-Wide Lens

  • Battery: 4970 mAh with 30W Fast Charging and 15W Wireless Charging

  • Storage: 256 GB (Non-Expandable)

  • Operating System: Android v16

Design and Display: Elegant and Bright, But Not a Radical Change



A Familiar, Premium Feel

The Google Pixel 10 continues the design language of its predecessors, featuring a polished and minimalist aesthetic. With dimensions of 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm and a weight of 204 grams, it feels substantial yet comfortable in the hand. The build incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, paired with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium touch. Crucially, it retains an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability against the elements.

A Vivid Viewing Experience

The phone sports a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 1080x2424 pixel resolution (FHD+). The screen offers a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel incredibly fluid. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits and an HBM brightness of 2000 nits, the screen remains easily viewable even under harsh sunlight. The bezel-less punch-hole design maximizes the screen-to-body ratio, offering an immersive canvas for consuming content and browsing.

Performance and Software: Smooth Sailing with Long-Term Promise

Powered by Google Tensor G5

At its core, the Pixel 10 is driven by Google's custom Tensor G5 chip, built on a 3nm process for improved efficiency. The octa-core CPU configuration (a single powerful Cortex X4 core at 3.78GHz, a penta-core cluster for balanced performance, and dual-core for efficiency) is paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. In performance benchmarks like AnTuTu, it scores a respectable 1,450,416, positioning it as a capable performer, though not the absolute fastest in its class.

The Cleanest Android Experience

The biggest software advantage is the pure, bloatware-free Android 16 experience. Google guarantees 7 years of both OS and security updates, making the Pixel 10 an incredibly future-proof device. This long-term support ensures your phone stays secure and up-to-date with the latest features for years to come. The interface is clean, intuitive, and the first to receive new Google features and AI enhancements.

Camera Review: Versatile but with Room for Improvement



Triple Camera System on the Back

The rear camera setup is versatile, featuring a 48MP wide-angle primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera capable of up to 5x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom. The system is bolstered by Laser Detection and Quad Phase Detection Autofocus for quick and accurate focusing.

Image and Video Quality

In daylight, the camera produces images with pleasing colors and good dynamic range. The versatility offered by the triple-camera array is a significant strength, allowing for everything from expansive landscapes to close-up portraits with a natural bokeh effect. However, as noted in expert reviews, images can sometimes lack the fine detail and absolute clarity found in some competing flagships. Low-light performance is solid, aided by Night Mode, but again, may not best the class leaders. Video recording tops out at 4K at 60fps with excellent stabilization.

Selfie Camera Capabilities

The 10.5MP ultra-wide front camera is excellent for solo selfies and group shots. It supports 4K video recording at 30 and 60fps, making it a great tool for content creators.

Battery Life and Charging: Solid but Not Class-Leading

The Pixel 10 is equipped with a 4970 mAh battery, which provides a full day of use for the average user. However, in rigorous testing, the battery life is noted as "average" or "underwhelming" compared to some rivals with similar or larger capacities. It supports 30W wired fast charging, which can charge the phone from 20% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are convenient additions.

Storage and Connectivity

The phone comes with a single storage configuration: 256GB of fast UFS 4.0 storage. Unfortunately, there is no option to expand storage via a microSD card, so users must make do with the built-in space. For connectivity, it supports dual SIM (Nano + eSIM), 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0, and NFC.

Competitors and Alternatives

The Google Pixel 10 faces stiff competition in the Indian market.

  • OnePlus 13s (₹47,999): Offers a faster processor, higher-resolution cameras, and a lower price point.

  • vivo X200 FE (₹59,999): A strong competitor with superior benchmark scores and impressive camera hardware.

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 (₹80,999): A flagship rival with a more powerful chipset and a renowned camera system.

  • Apple iPhone 16 (₹66,900): For those invested in the iOS ecosystem, it offers robust performance and video capabilities.

Verdict: Who Should Buy the Google Pixel 10?

The Google Pixel 10 is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in key areas but stops short of being a class leader.

Choose the Google Pixel 10 if:

  • You value a clean, bloat-free Android experience with long-term update support.

  • You want a versatile and reliable camera system for everyday photography.

  • You appreciate a premium, water-resistant design and a bright, smooth display.

  • Google's AI features and ecosystem are important to you.

Look elsewhere if:

In short, the Google Pixel 10 balances capability with compromise. It’s a mature, reliable device for users who prioritize software experience and AI smarts over raw, top-tier specs, making it a solid, if not revolutionary, choice in its price bracket.

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