The Pixel 10 would not appear thrilling as a result of Google is concentrated on software program

Google is lower than a month away from launching new smartphones, a brand new lineup that can span display sizes and type components. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked nicely 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 can 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 similar to final yr’s telephones.

Whereas the concept that 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 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 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 that annually new smartphones ought to have a radical new design or paradigm-shifting characteristic is a comparatively latest concept. Most individuals have been pleased with a cellphone that simply labored higher.

The early days of the iPhone, for instance, have 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 may very well be improved parts or a novel software program characteristic, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, however it by no means got here with any large adjustments to the cellphone itself. Telephones launched within the years when the {hardware} did not change got an “S” to indicate that they have been higher than the numbered launch.

Google hasn’t actually adopted the identical sample. Parts of its design carry throughout telephones, like the concept 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 leap from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7. You may justify this by saying that Google has been taking part in catch-up, however 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 digicam 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 digicam, just like the telephoto on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it will assist the corporate’s Tremendous Res Zoom characteristic. 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 probably 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” — may introduce the comfort of MagSafe to the Pixel lineup. Will any of those adjustments 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 most important 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 develop into 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 shortage of thrilling new {hardware} adjustments within the Pixel 10 may very nicely be as a result of Google goes to lean even tougher into Gemini.

Pixels have been considered showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, however it looks like that may very well be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones may be the most effective place to work together with AI, it is cheap to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a instrument for demoing Gemini initially. A minimum of till merchandise operating Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses develop into out there.

Apart from 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, however it’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 would not appear to be altering Pixel {hardware} for the Pixel 10. However the firm would not must reinvent the wheel each time, and doubtless should not. Sticking to largely the identical {hardware} setup may imply the Pixel 10 is extra inexpensive to supply and extra sturdy. We cannot know the whole lot till Google truly broadcasts its new telephones, however even when the cellphone’s {hardware} would not set the world on hearth, Gemini may.

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 if you happen to’re inquisitive about what’s leaked in regards to the Pixel 10 up to now, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features it is best to care about.