The Pixel 10 would 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 can span display sizes and kind components. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked properly upfront of Google truly 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. Based mostly 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 appears to be like 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 recommend 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 cellphone looks like a refinement, not a reimagining

Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been frequent because the starting, however the concept annually new smartphones ought to have a radical new design or paradigm-shifting characteristic is a comparatively current concept. 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 yr the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the following yr, the identical design, however with refinements. That might be improved parts or a novel software program characteristic, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, nevertheless it 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 suggest 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, nevertheless it 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 choice. Leaked specs recommend it is an 11-megapixel telephoto digital camera, just like the telephoto on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it will help the corporate’s Tremendous Res Zoom characteristic. Whereas it looks like the standard might 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 possible primarily based on Qi2. The Tensor G5 would not look like it will be that rather more highly effective than the Tensor G4, however switching to a 3nm design implies that it ought 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 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 fundamental 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 a much bigger half since. The corporate has usually launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) because the cellphone was launched, and a great 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 more durable into Gemini.

Pixels have been considered showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, nevertheless it looks like that might 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 the start. At the least till merchandise working Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses grow to be out there.

Apart from the refinements and design parts of Android 16, it is exhausting 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, nevertheless it’s exhausting 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 would not appear to be altering Pixel {hardware} for the Pixel 10. However the firm would 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 reasonably priced to supply and extra sturdy. We can’t know every part till Google truly proclaims its new telephones, however even when the cellphone’s {hardware} would not set the world on fireplace, 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 concerned about what’s leaked concerning the Pixel 10 to date, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features you need to care about.