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 properly upfront of Google really saying something about them publicly. Solely just lately did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 will probably be devoted to the Pixel 10 with a teaser on its website. Based mostly 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 appears similar to final 12 months’s telephones.

Whereas the concept that Google is simply delivery a refined model of the Pixel 9 could 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 like a refinement, not a reimagining

Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been frequent for the reason that starting, however the concept that every year new smartphones ought to have a radical new design or paradigm-shifting function is a comparatively latest 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 12 months the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the following 12 months, the identical design, however with refinements. That may very well be improved elements or a novel software program function, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, but it surely by no means got here with any huge modifications 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 thought of a two-tone end or an enormous digicam 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 possibly can justify this by saying that Google has been taking part in catch-up, but it surely 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 most important visible change Google is making is the addition of a brand new digicam to the entry-level Pixel 10, in order that now all of its telephones have a large, ultra-wide, and telephoto possibility. Leaked specs counsel it is an 11-megapixel telephoto digicam, much like the telephoto on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it will help the corporate’s Tremendous Res Zoom function. Whereas it looks like the standard may very well be higher, it is nice that Google is not locking the choice behind a extra premium worth.

Internally, the corporate is reportedly including a Tensor G5 chip and a brand new magnetic wi-fi charging system doubtless 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 signifies 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 like a Pixel 9S.

Gemini is Google’s principal 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 turn into a much bigger half since. The corporate has commonly launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) for the reason that telephone was launched, and variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The dearth of thrilling new {hardware} modifications within the Pixel 10 might very properly be as a result of Google goes to lean even tougher into Gemini.

Pixels have been regarded as showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, but it surely looks like that may very well be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones could be the very best place to work together with AI, it is cheap to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a device for demoing Gemini before everything. A minimum of till merchandise working Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses turn into accessible.

Moreover the refinements and design parts of Android 16, it is onerous 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, 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 must 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 cannot know all the things till Google really broadcasts its new telephones, however even when the telephone’s {hardware} does not set the world on fireplace, Gemini would possibly.

For a have 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 considering what’s leaked in regards to the Pixel 10 up to now, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features you need to care about.