The 10th series of Google Pixel phones has made its official entry in the market. I am starting with the review of Pixel 10, which is the base variant of the series. Personally, the compact phones are my favourites, and the new Pixel 10 gets this straight, and simultaneously opens up the path for comparison with the likes of OnePlus 13s and Vivo X200 FE. Starting at ₹79,999, the phone sits a bit higher in the price tag, which makes the compact flagship more interesting. That being said, when seen from the perspective of the successor of Google Pixel 9, the latest Pixel 10 features a bigger battery, a new 5x zoom telephoto camera, and almost as many AI features as the flagship Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Design
The Pixel 10 carries forward the design philosophy of the Pixel 9 but introduces subtle refinements that make it feel both familiar and fresh. The pill-shaped camera module remains the central design highlight, doubling as a practical grip when holding the phone. While the Pixel 9’s oval bar was bold, the Pixel 10’s back glass has a polished satin finish, giving it a vibrant and silky feel. The new colour options, including Indigo and Lemongrass, complement the traditional black and white shades, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch. The phone retains a compact 6.3-inch footprint, feels sturdy in hand, but does attract fingerprints more than I would like, making a case almost essential.
The body is constructed with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, framed by 100% recycled aluminium. This not only enhances durability, claimed to be twice as durable as the Pixel 8, but also aligns with Google’s sustainability efforts. The IP68 rating ensures resistance to dust and water, offering peace of mind against daily spills and accidental submersions. The placement of buttons and ports is thoughtful: power and volume buttons on the right, USB-C port, SIM tray, and speaker grille at the bottom, making navigation intuitive.
From the front, the Pixel 10 impresses with slim bezels and a small punch-hole selfie camera, giving the display a near edge-to-edge appeal. Unlike the Pixel 9a, the bezels are narrower, making content consumption more immersive. Overall, the Pixel 10 maintains Google’s minimalist, clean design language, while offering subtle upgrades in durability, texture, and colour options, making it feel more premium than its predecessor.
(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache)
Display
The Pixel 10 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display that builds upon the already impressive screens of the Pixel 9 and 9a. Resolution remains sharp at 1080×2424 pixels with a pixel density of 422 ppi, but Google has pushed peak brightness up to 3,000 nits, a modest yet noticeable improvement over the 2,700 nits on the Pixel 9. HDR content pops with greater vibrancy, and the 120 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, matching modern expectations for flagship-grade phones.
The display’s 24-bit colour depth and support for HDR10 make video streaming, gaming, and content creation more enjoyable. Compared to the Pixel 9a, which offers similar screen real estate, the Pixel 10’s higher brightness and improved contrast provide better visibility in harsh sunlight, enhancing outdoor usability. The slim bezels and minimal notch further add to a modern, immersive feel, making the screen one of the more noticeable upgrades in the Pixel 10 series.
OS and AI
Pixel 10 runs on Android 16, powered by Google’s next-gen Gemini AI, offering a seamless and intelligent experience. Compared to the Pixel 9, the AI features are more proactive and versatile. Magic Cue, a suite of AI-powered tools, provides contextual suggestions, from surfacing addresses and calendar events to assisting with photos and messaging. Camera Coach guides users in framing and composition, and the improvements in Gemini Live allow real-time visual analysis, giving users actionable insights without disrupting their workflow.
The integration of AI across the system is more advanced than the Pixel 9a, which, while capable, lacks some of the predictive capabilities of Magic Cue and Camera Coach. From instant photo enhancements to smarter real-time translations and transcription services during calls, the Pixel 10 demonstrates how AI can make daily tasks faster and more intuitive. Users looking for a device that actively assists rather than passively responds will find the Pixel 10 a major step forward in Google’s AI-first vision.
Performance
The latest Pixel 10 is powered by the Google Tensor G5 chip, which is 34% faster than the Tensor G4 found in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a. Paired with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB of storage, this combination ensures fluid multitasking, app launches, and intensive AI-driven operations. Graphically demanding games like BGMI, COD, Pokémon Go, and Asphalt ran smoothly without lag or overheating, demonstrating that, while not explicitly gaming-centric, the Pixel 10 can handle extended sessions comfortably. One highlight during testing was that even during Antutu benchmark runs, the phone did not heat up, a testament to its thermal efficiency.
In benchmark terms, the Pixel 10 scored 1841 in single-core and 5124 in multi-core Geekbench tests, with a GPU score of 2886 and an Antutu score of 1340,632. While these figures trail behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered OnePlus 13s and the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ Vivo X200 FE, the day-to-day experience remains exceptionally smooth. Users will notice responsive performance in apps, web browsing, and AI tools, with no hiccups during multitasking or extended use.
Overall, the Pixel 10 balances performance and efficiency, offering a user experience that feels polished and responsive. While raw numbers may lag behind some rivals, the integration of AI, software optimisation, and thermals provides a real-world advantage in day-to-day usability.
Camera
Pixel phones have always stood out for their camera capabilities, and the Pixel 10 continues this tradition. The rear camera setup comprises a 48 MP wide lens, a 13 MP ultrawide, and a new 10.8 MP 5x telephoto lens, offering up to 20x Super Res Zoom. Daytime photography is remarkable, with natural colour reproduction, excellent dynamic range, and minimal noise. The Pixel 10 captures real-life images without over-saturating or distorting details, a trait that continues to differentiate it from the Vivo X200 FE, which favours punchier colours and more saturation.
Pixel 10 camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
Low-light photography is equally impressive, with Night Sight ensuring well-exposed, detailed shots. Portrait shots show accurate subject separation and smooth bokeh, retaining natural skin tones even under challenging conditions. The Pixel 10’s algorithm, powered by Tensor G5 and Gemini AI, intelligently optimizes every frame, offering results that feel polished yet realistic.
Pixel 10 camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
The new 5x telephoto lens is a game-changer for the base Pixel model, surpassing rivals like the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 in optical zoom range. Details remain sharp even at longer distances, making it versatile for wildlife, landscape, or event photography.
Pixel 10 camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
Selfies, captured with the 10.5 MP front camera featuring autofocus, are sharp and naturally toned. The wider field of view allows for group selfies without distortion. Features like Add Me ensure no one is left out of the frame, maintaining Pixel’s tradition of thoughtful software-driven photography.
Overall, the Pixel 10 camera remains the star of the show. It strikes a balance between realism and vibrancy, outperforming the Vivo X200 FE in faithful reproduction, while offering more advanced zoom and compositional guidance than the OnePlus 13s. For anyone prioritizing photography, the Pixel 10 is a clear leader in the compact flagship segment.
Battery
The Pixel 10 comes with a 4,970 mAh battery, larger than the Pixel 9 (4,700 mAh). In daily use, it comfortably lasts over 24 hours, and with Extreme Battery Saver, can be stretched to 100 hours. While the raw endurance is slightly below some competitors like the Vivo X200 FE (6,500 mAh), the optimisation of Tensor G5 ensures efficient performance without excessive battery drain.
Charging is rated up to 30W wired and 15W wireless via Pixelsnap, Google’s MagSafe-style magnetic charging system. While not as fast as the 80W charging of the OnePlus 13s or the 90W Vivo X200 FE, it is adequate for most users, reaching 50% in under 30 minutes and fully charging within an hour, making it practical for day-to-day use.
Verdict
Priced a bit higher than compact flagship phones like the OnePlus 13s and Vivo X200 FE, the Pixel 10 stands out due to its unique combination of AI-driven capabilities, stellar camera performance, and seamless software experience. Its all-new 5x telephoto lens, Magic Cue and Camera Coach features, and long-term software support of seven years give it a distinctive edge. While the OnePlus 13s may excel in raw processing power and Vivo X200 FE dominates in battery size and punchy colours, the Pixel 10 redefines what a compact flagship can offer.
For users seeking a polished, AI-infused experience, with a camera that captures real life beautifully and smart features that truly assist daily tasks, the Pixel 10 is a compelling choice. It spices up the compact flagship competition and justifies its price tag through a combination of thoughtful design, powerful AI, and photography that continues Google’s legacy of excellence.
