Google Pixel 10 Review: Best Android Camera

Contents Overview

• Introduction to the Google Pixel 10
• Camera Hardware and Upgrades
• Camera Software and AI Features
• Photography Performance
• Video Recording Capabilities
• Comparison with Competitors
• Other Notable Features
• Pros and Cons
• Who Should Buy the Pixel 10?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction to the Google Pixel 10

The Google Pixel 10, launched on August 20, 2025, has sparked excitement among Android enthusiasts, particularly for its camera capabilities. Google’s Pixel series has long been celebrated for delivering exceptional photography, and the Pixel 10 aims to continue this legacy. With rumors of a new Tensor G5 chipset, upgraded camera sensors, and advanced AI features, the question is whether this device truly offers the best Android camera yet. This review dives deep into the Pixel 10’s camera system, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it lives up to the hype.

Google has consistently set the bar high for smartphone photography, blending cutting-edge hardware with powerful computational photography. The Pixel 10 introduces several upgrades, including a 50MP main camera, a telephoto lens, and enhanced AI tools. Beyond the camera, it boasts a sleek design, a vibrant display, and long-term software support, making it a compelling choice for Android fans. Let’s explore what makes the Pixel 10’s camera stand out and whether it’s worth your investment.

Camera Hardware and Upgrades

The Google Pixel 10 introduces a revamped camera system designed to compete with top-tier flagships. Unlike its predecessors, it includes a telephoto lens, addressing a long-standing gap in the Pixel lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the camera hardware:

• 50MP Main Camera: Features a Samsung GN8 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharp, detailed shots.
• 13MP Ultrawide: Uses a Sony IMX712 sensor, offering a wide field of view for landscapes and group photos.
• 10.8MP Telephoto: A 5x periscope lens with a Samsung 3J1 sensor, enabling high-quality zoom up to 100x.
• 10.5MP Front Camera: Also a Samsung 3J1 sensor, delivering crisp selfies with natural colors.

Compared to the Pixel 9, the Pixel 10’s main sensor is slightly smaller (1/1.95” vs. 1/1.31”), which has raised some concerns among enthusiasts. However, the addition of a telephoto lens and improved aperture on the main camera (f/1.7) enhances low-light performance. The hardware upgrades suggest Google is aiming for versatility, catering to both casual photographers and those who demand advanced zoom capabilities.

The inclusion of a fully custom camera ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Tensor G5 chipset further optimizes image processing, reducing noise and improving dynamic range. These upgrades position the Pixel 10 as a strong contender in the Android camera space, but software plays an equally critical role.

Camera Software and AI Features

Google’s strength lies in its computational photography, and the Pixel 10 leverages the Tensor G5 chipset to deliver cutting-edge AI features. The Pixel Camera app remains intuitive, with a clean interface that makes it easy for anyone to capture stunning photos. Key software enhancements include:

• Night Sight: Improved for faster processing and sharper low-light images, rivaling dedicated night modes on other flagships.
• Super Res Zoom: Extends up to 100x, using AI to enhance details at extreme zoom levels.
• Add Me: Allows users to insert themselves into group photos seamlessly.
• Magic Editor: An AI-powered tool for advanced photo editing, such as removing objects or swapping faces in group shots.
• Best Take: Combines multiple shots to ensure everyone looks their best in group photos.

The Pixel 10 also introduces a new feature: voice-activated photo editing. Users can issue commands like “remove background object” or “enhance colors” directly to the Google Gemini assistant. This hands-free approach is a game-changer for content creators who need quick edits on the go. Additionally, the Pixel Screenshots app uses AI to organize and search screenshots, making it easier to find relevant images or information.

While these features are impressive, some users note that Google’s heavy reliance on AI can sometimes produce overly processed images, lacking the organic feel of competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro. Still, the software suite is robust, offering tools that cater to both beginners and advanced photographers.

Photography Performance

The Pixel 10’s photography performance is where it truly shines. The 50MP main camera captures vibrant colors, excellent dynamic range, and fine details, even in challenging lighting conditions. The wider f/1.7 aperture allows more light, resulting in brighter, clearer low-light shots compared to the Pixel 9. In testing, photos taken in dim environments showed minimal noise and accurate white balance, making Night Sight a standout feature.

The ultrawide lens performs well for landscapes and group shots, with a 13MP sensor that maintains consistency with the main camera’s color profile. However, some users have reported slight color inconsistencies across lenses, particularly in mixed lighting. The new macro mode, supported by the ultrawide lens, delivers stunning close-up shots with impressive detail, rivaling dedicated macro lenses on other devices.

The 5x telephoto lens is a significant addition, offering optical-quality zoom up to 10x and usable digital zoom up to 100x. While not as powerful as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 100x Space Zoom, the Pixel 10’s Super Res Zoom produces sharp, detailed images at moderate zoom levels. Portrait mode continues to excel, with accurate edge detection and natural bokeh effects, especially for human subjects.

The selfie camera is a slight downgrade from the Pixel 9 Pro’s 42MP sensor, but the 10.5MP sensor still delivers crisp, well-exposed selfies. The wider field of view is ideal for group selfies, and AI enhancements like Best Take ensure everyone looks their best.

Video Recording Capabilities

The Pixel 10 steps up its video game, offering 4K60 recording on both front and rear cameras. The addition of the telephoto lens enhances zoomed video quality, making it a versatile tool for vloggers and filmmakers. Key video features include:

• Video Boost: Enhances color and brightness in low-light videos, producing vibrant footage without excessive noise.
• 8K Recording: Available on the main camera, though limited to 30fps, offering high-resolution footage for professional use.
• Audio Magic Eraser: Removes unwanted background noise, ensuring clear audio in busy environments.

In testing, the Pixel 10’s videos showed excellent stabilization and color accuracy, even at 5x zoom. However, the lack of 10-bit HDR recording (available on competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro) is a minor drawback. For casual users, the Pixel 10’s video capabilities are more than sufficient, but professional filmmakers may prefer devices with more advanced video options.

Comparison with Competitors

How does the Pixel 10 stack up against other flagship Android cameras? Let’s compare it to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max:

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200MP main sensor offers higher resolution, but the Pixel 10’s computational photography often produces comparable or better results in real-world scenarios. The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video, with ProRes and Log recording, but the Pixel 10’s AI-driven features give it an edge for creative photography. The Pixel 10 also benefits from Google’s promise of seven years of software updates, outlasting most competitors.

Other Notable Features

Beyond its camera, the Pixel 10 offers a well-rounded experience. Key features include:

• Display: A 6.3-inch FHD+ 120Hz OLED with 3000 nits peak brightness, ideal for outdoor use.
• Performance: Powered by the Tensor G5 chipset with 16GB of RAM, handling multitasking and gaming smoothly.
• Battery: A 4970mAh battery with 29W wired and 15W wireless charging, offering all-day battery life.
• Software: Ships with Android 16, with seven years of OS and security updates guaranteed.
• Design: Features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP68 rating for durability.

The Tensor G5 chipset, built on a 3nm process, improves efficiency and reduces heat compared to previous Pixels. However, some users have noted the lack of a vapor chamber for cooling, which could impact performance during extended gaming sessions. The design is sleek, with flat edges and a premium feel, though the glossy back is prone to fingerprints.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional Camera: The 50MP main camera and 5x telephoto lens deliver stunning photos.
• AI Features: Magic Editor, Add Me, and Best Take enhance creative photography.
• Software Support: Seven years of updates ensure long-term reliability.
• Display Quality: Bright, vibrant 120Hz OLED screen.
• Battery Life: Reliable all-day performance with fast charging.

Cons

• Smaller Main Sensor: The 1/1.95” sensor is a downgrade from the Pixel 9’s 1/1.31”.
• No 10-bit HDR Video: Lags behind competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
• No Vapor Chamber: May overheat during intensive tasks.
• Glossy Back: Attracts fingerprints and smudges.

Who Should Buy the Pixel 10?

The Google Pixel 10 is ideal for:

• Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and AI-driven editing tools.
• Android Purists: Users who prefer a clean, bloat-free Android experience with long-term updates.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: While not as affordable as the Pixel 9a, it offers flagship features at a competitive price.

However, if you’re a professional videographer needing advanced video formats like ProRes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max might be a better fit. Gamers may also prefer devices with better cooling systems, such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Conclusion

So, is the Google Pixel 10 the best Android camera yet? It’s certainly a strong contender. The combination of a versatile triple-camera system, powerful AI features, and Google’s computational photography expertise makes it a top choice for mobile photography. While the smaller main sensor and lack of advanced video formats are drawbacks, the Pixel 10’s overall performance, long-term software support, and competitive pricing make it a standout.

For most users, the Pixel 10 delivers an exceptional photography experience that rivals or surpasses competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max in many scenarios. If you’re looking for a phone that balances cutting-edge camera tech with a smooth Android experience, the Pixel 10 is a fantastic choice. Its ability to capture stunning photos with minimal effort solidifies its place as one of the best Android cameras of 2025.

Written by App Jeevan

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