The Pixel 10 series is still a while away, but there is already a lot of buzz about what will distinguish this next-gen device from its predecessors.
With rumors of a brand new Tensor G5 chip and improved biometric features, expectations are rising for what could be Google’s most advanced Pixel yet. Mainly because the Pixel 9 series doesn’t quite meet users’ expectations and our thoughts on the Pixel 9 are quite mixed.
Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming Pixel 10 series.
When will the Google Pixel 10 be released?
At this early stage, there’s obviously no official release date for the Pixel 10 phones.
However, codenames for the series have been leaked (via Android Headlines), revealing four models: Pixel 10 (‘Frankel’), Pixel 10 Pro (‘Blazer’), Pixel 10 Pro XL (‘Mustang’) and Pixel 10 Pro Folding (‘Rango’). These names refer to different horse breeds.
The leak suggests that the Pixel 10 series will retain the variety of models from the Pixel 9 series, including a continuation of the Pixel 10 Pro model as a compact premium option.
In addition, the Google Pixel 9a, codenamed ‘Tegu’, has also been mentioned, although this information is not new.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Over the years, Google had a pretty regular routine when it came to hardware launches. However, recently practices have changed with the release of the Pixel 9 series.
This is when the previous core models (not ‘a’) were launched:
- Google Pixel 9 series: August 2024
- Google Pixel 8 series: October 2023
- Google Pixel 7 series: October 2022
- Google Pixel 6 series: October 2021
There is a chance that the Pixel 10 series will follow this year’s models and make its debut August 2025. However, Google could return to its normal schedule and debut the Pixel 10 series October 2025 instead of.
Learn about the history of Google Pixel phones.
How much will the Google Pixel 10 cost?
As a reminder, here are the launch prices of the Pixel 9 series:
- Google Pixel 9: £799/$799
- Google Pixel 9 Pro: £999/$999
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: £1,099/$1,099
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: £1,749/$1,799
The regular Pixel 9 is £100/$100 more expensive than the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9 Pro, on the other hand, is the same price as the Pixel 8 Pro, probably so that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can be introduced for £100. /$100 more.
Finally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold costs £1,749/$1,799, the same as the original Pixel Fold.
After a few price increases, we hope that the Pixel 10 series will be priced the same as the previous series.
What specifications and features will the Google Pixel 10 have?
Design
The design of the Pixel 10 series is still subject to speculation, but it is expected that Google will continue to use the new flatter, more industrial look introduced with the Pixel 9 series.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
While the flatter edges may be less ergonomic than previous models, it’s possible that Google could opt for a more balanced approach in the Pixel 10 series; merging the sleek flat sides with more comfortable curves.
And of course, the new camera pill will likely be with us for a while.
Display
Google will likely push the boundaries of display technology with the Pixel 10 series.
While the Pixel 9’s 3000 nits brightness is already impressive, the Pixel 10 could go even further; improving visibility and performance outdoors in direct sunlight. Also expect the adaptive refresh rates to continue from 60 to 120 Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and saving battery life when full performance isn’t needed.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
One area where improvement is eagerly awaited is PWM (Pulse Wide Modulation) dimming, which affects screen flicker and can lead to eye strain for some users.
Currently, Google’s display technology flickers at a low 240Hz, which is half the speed of the Galaxy S24 series and the iPhone 15 series. With competitors like the OnePlus 12’s 2160Hz PWM speed, the Pixel 10 series is expected to take a more eye-friendly approach. This would make it more comfortable for long-term use, especially in low light.
Additionally, the wet should continue to improve touch functionality – which was first introduced with the Pixel 9 series – allowing users to interact with their phones even when the screen is wet, improving the overall user experience.
Performance
The main performance jump for the Pixel 10 series will come from the introduction of the company’s own Tensor G5 chip.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
According to a report from Business Korea, Google would ditch Samsung and turn to TSMC to produce its own chipsets. This means the Tensor G5 may be Google’s first fully in-house design built on TSMC’s 3nm process.
Android Authority also reports that Google is testing its upcoming Pixel 10 prototypes with a MediaTek modem, specifically the as-yet-unannounced T900 model.
This marks a potential shift from Samsung Exynos modems, which have been used in recent Pixel devices due to their integration with Google’s Tensors, modified versions of Samsung chipsets.
Details about the MediaTek T900 modem remain unknown, making it difficult to predict its performance or how it might compare to Qualcomm’s offerings.
There has been speculation that Google may have chosen MediaTek due to possible lower costs, a feature often attributed to MediaTek’s flagship chipsets.
However, the actual reasoning and implications of this choice will become clearer over time.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Furthermore, a report from China Times claims that the Tensor G5 chipset has entered the “taped” stage, which means that the final version of the chip has been completed and it is ready to enter the production stage.
This chip is expected to address the performance and thermal management issues that plagued previous Tensor chips, thanks to TSMC’s superior manufacturing process. The G5 is also expected to be significantly more efficient, allowing faster processing without overheating during tasks such as gaming, video recording or multitasking.
It will likely be paired with 12GB of RAM and 128 or 256GB of storage on the regular Pixel 9. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold could be paired with 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage .
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
In AI and machine learning, Google’s Tensor processors have already distinguished themselves by excelling in these areas, and the Tensor G5 will likely expand these capabilities even further.
Expect Gemini on-device AI tasks such as voice recognition, image processing, and real-time language translation to become faster and more accurate.
For gaming, the Tensor G5 could finally overtake Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, which have outperformed Tensor chips in graphics-heavy scenarios since Tensor’s debut.
Combined with Google’s optimizations for Android 16, the Pixel 10 could become a more viable option for mobile gamers looking for smooth, powerful experiences.
Cameras
Google’s Pixel phones have always been known for their great camera performance, especially in the area of computational photography.
The Pixel 10 series will likely continue to focus on AI-driven improvements rather than just hardware upgrades. That said, a larger sensor or new lens configurations could still be on the cards. That said, the real magic will come from software developments.
New features could include improvements to Night Vision, Astrophotography and Portrait Mode, using AI to further improve image quality even in challenging lighting conditions.
Additionally, Google could improve Video Boost, which debuted in the Pixel 8 series, to provide even better video stabilization and clarity, making the Pixel 10 a favorite device for mobile videographers.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Another area of improvement could be Zoom Enhance, which uses AI to maintain image clarity at higher zoom levels without the need for huge physical camera sensors.
With Google placing increasing emphasis on AI image processing, it’s likely the Pixel 10 will go one step further, enabling higher quality zoomed shots without adding bulk to the camera system.
Finally, we can expect AI-powered features like ‘Add Me’ and ‘Reimagine’ – which debuted on the Pixel 9 series – to evolve, giving users more creative tools to edit and perfect their photos.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The recent leak from Google’s gChips division (via Android Authority) has shed more light on advanced AI and camera features.
For the Pixel 10, powered by the Tensor G5, users can expect 4K HDR video recording at 60fps, a significant upgrade over the 30fps limit on the Pixel 9, bringing Google’s devices closer to the capabilities from its competitors.
The G5 could also introduce AI-powered video editing features, including ‘Generative AI-based Intuitive Video Editing’ in Google Photos, which could function as a ‘Magic Editor’ for videos.
Additional editing tools, such as ‘Speak-to-Tweak’ for voice-activated adjustments and ‘Sketch-to-Image’ for turning sketches into photos, aim to simplify and improve the editing experience.
Additionally, the Tensor G5 could enable on-device processing for Stable Diffusion models, which should increase generative editing capabilities without the need for cloud support.
Battery and charging
Battery life is always a concern with high-performance smartphones, and the Pixel line has had mixed results in this area. With the new Tensor G5 chip, we expect better battery efficiency, which could translate into longer usage even under heavy loads.
On the charging front, while fast wired charging will likely remain between 30W and 35W, Google may improve the phone’s wireless charging capabilities. The inclusion of reverse wireless charging could also be more efficient, allowing the Pixel 10 series to quickly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Software
The Google Pixel 10 series will most likely launch with Android 16, depending on whether Google launches the phones in August or October.
Here’s everything we currently know about the Pixel 10 series. In the meantime, check out our lists of the best Android phones and the best upcoming phones in 2024.
