8 issues I wish to see on the Pixel 10 sequence

Given the rumored earlier launch date of August this 12 months, the Pixel 10 sequence is correct across the nook. As is customary with each Google product, the leaks are actually beginning to ramp up as we get nearer to the discharge. Thus far, all of the tidbits of information we’ve seen are pointing to an iterative replace with no significant modifications to the design, besides maybe a barely greater digital camera bar on the again.

Whereas they may not look that totally different from their predecessors, we count on the brand new units to enhance upon the Pixel 9 lineup in just a few key areas. Let’s check out a few of the possible (and maybe some extra hopeful) upgrades we would see when Google takes the wraps off the Pixel 10.

A lot has been fabricated from the swap from Samsung to TSMC for the fabrication of the SoC that may energy the Pixel 10 sequence. The Taiwanese chip maker is the most effective within the enterprise, so it’s not unreasonable to imagine that the partnership will push Google’s customized silicon to the subsequent stage.

Stated to be manufactured on TSMC’s 3nm course of, the Tensor G5 is anticipated to convey an honest increase to efficiency and graphics, plus a modestly quicker TPU for improved AI performance. Identical to earlier generations, the Tensor G5 will embody a mix of Google-designed and off-the-shelf IP. The hope is that through the use of TSMC to construct the chips, the tip consequence will likely be a Pixel 10 sequence with quicker baseline efficiency that requires much less throttling to maintain issues cool. Higher effectivity and longer battery life could possibly be one other benefit — let’s preserve our fingers crossed for this one.

I’ve used just about each Pixel Google has launched, and one of the crucial irritating points of this product line, no less than lately, has been the biometrics. Pixels 1 by means of 5 had quick and handy rear-mounted fingerprint sensors, with the notable exception of the Pixel 4 (extra on that in a second). Because the massive redesign that got here with the Pixel 6, Google has gone all in with under-display fingerprint scanners (with blended outcomes) and, extra lately, face unlocking.

Not like the Pixel 4, which had a full 3D face unlocking system, latest Pixels decide your identification utilizing a single, 2D selfie digital camera. Whereas that is now deemed safe sufficient for cellphone unlocking and even banking apps, it’s nonetheless not a patch on the iPhone’s Face ID and is ineffective in low-light conditions. The Pixel 4 is the one Google cellphone that has come near the pace and comfort of Apple’s resolution, and it was arguably even higher on the time, because it additionally used the Soli radar chip to proactively fireplace up face unlocking for a speedy response.

I’ve longed for a return of correct IR face unlocking in a Pixel cellphone ever since. The excellent news is that this does appear to be in Google’s plans. The unhealthy information is that it may not be prepared till the Pixel 11, which is rumored to function an under-display IR digital camera system. Higher late than by no means, I suppose.

It took till final 12 months’s Pixel 9 sequence for Google to lastly give us symmetrical bezels on all 4 sides of the show, however the borders are nonetheless somewhat chunky in comparison with different flagship telephones. That is particularly obvious when considered subsequent to an iPhone 16 Professional/Professional Max (picture above), as Apple slimmed the bezels all the way down to an unimaginable 1.3-1.4mm (relying on the mannequin). The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely has equally minute display screen borders. By comparability, the Pixel 9 Professional appears to be like dated and simply that little bit much less premium than its rivals.

Sadly, judging by the lately leaked prototype of the Pixel 10 Professional, we would not be getting any noticeable enchancment on this space. Assuming it’s fairly near the ultimate design that Google will unveil in August, it appears to be like just like the bezels will stay unchanged. If that’s the case, we’ll must hope {that a} extra substantial redesign arrives with the Pixel 11 sequence.

One of the crucial widespread complaints about Pixel telephones lately has been concerning the substandard battery life. And it appears that evidently Google is nicely conscious that longevity has been a core concern because it launched customized Tensor processors. We’re hopeful that the TSMC-made Tensor G5 will enhance battery life no less than slightly bit, however Google shouldn’t put all of its eggs in that basket. Optimistically, the corporate can be engaged on software program optimizations that may assist to eke a bit extra longevity from the Pixel 10’s cell.

Google’s most up-to-date launch, the midrange Pixel 9a, outperformed the Pixel 9 in sure battery life exams. You’ll hope so, because it options the identical processor together with a much bigger battery and a usually much less demanding spec sheet. The beneficial properties weren’t as important as you may count on, although, so it’s clear Google nonetheless has loads of work to do if it’s to ship really spectacular battery life throughout the Pixel 10 sequence.

One other sore level amongst Pixel 9 homeowners is the shortage of magnetic wi-fi charging. MagSafe tech makes charging an iPhone extremely handy, and this has been standardised by the Wi-fi Energy Consortium and made obtainable to extra producers. Apple customers have been in a position to get pleasure from it since 2020’s iPhone 12, however Android cellphone makers have been sluggish to leap on board after Qi2 integrated the identical magnetic charging tech in 2023.

Samsung described its Galaxy S25 sequence as “Qi2 prepared”, which means you get the minimal 15W charging speeds however with out the safe attachment. The scenario with the Pixel 9 lineup is even worse, because it doesn’t help Qi2 in any respect. Outdoors of magnetic charging, Qi2 provides help for a variety of magnetic equipment comparable to grips, stands, tripods, wallets, docks, and bike mounts.

There’s a workaround for the magnets on the Pixel 9 — you simply have to purchase a case that features them — however Google actually must step it up and provide the total magnetic Qi2 wi-fi charging expertise for the Pixel 10 sequence out of the field. Fortunately, it feels like this is perhaps precisely what we’re getting. A latest rumor factors to a “Pixelsnap” ecosystem of magnetic Qi2.2 equipment arriving alongside the Pixel 10, together with a charger, ring stand, and a charging stand. The iPhone 17 is rumored to help as much as 45W charging with a brand new Qi2.2 MagSafe charger, so quicker wi-fi charging speeds is also coming to the Pixel 10.

The entire base fashions within the Pixel 9 sequence launched with a measly 128GB of storage. With apps and media taking on increasingly area as time goes by, this paltry quantity simply isn’t adequate for a flagship cellphone in 2025. When Google launched the Pixel 9 within the UK, it provided the 256GB mannequin for a similar worth because the 128GB model as a pre-order bonus. This felt like a tacit admission that this could have been the bottom storage quantity throughout the board.

I feel it’s truthful to argue that 128GB remains to be acceptable for a less expensive gadget just like the Pixel 9a, however Google must do higher relating to its premium merchandise. The bottom Pixel 10 Professional fashions should have 256GB of storage, and it could be nice if this utilized to the usual Pixel 10 as nicely. Greater storage choices for the common Pixel 10 would even be welcome, because the Pixel 9 at the moment tops out at 256GB, with 512GB/1TB choices reserved for the Professional fashions solely.

I’ve used an iPhone simply as soon as in my life, and that was the iPhone 13 from 2021. Despite the fact that I returned to Android (and the Pixel 8) after this temporary dalliance with Apple, there was nonetheless a lot I favored concerning the iPhone. Not least was the texture within the hand — the small dimension and the pleasingly curved corners made for wonderful ergonomics, and it was additionally fairly gentle.

Once I realized that Google would provide a smaller Pixel Professional mannequin, beginning with the Pixel 9 Professional, I believed this was a terrific thought. Nonetheless, it’s fairly a bit bigger than the iPhone 13 that I so loved utilizing. And although the smaller iPhone fashions have crept up in dimension over the previous few years (particularly the Professionals), the Pixel 9 Professional remains to be just a few centimeters taller and a smidge wider than the iPhone 16 Professional that got here out on the identical time. Because the Pixel additionally has greater bezels, this dimension distinction is much more noticeable whenever you examine the telephones side-by-side.

I nonetheless commend Google for squeezing all the identical tech from the XL mannequin into the Pixel 9 Professional, however I’d adore it if the Pixel 10 could possibly be shrunk down just a bit bit additional. If not all the way in which all the way down to the scale of the iPhone 13, no less than sufficient to match the scale of the most recent iPhone Professional. Together with smaller bezels, this could possibly be the right physique and display screen dimension for most individuals, particularly these of us preferring to maintain issues compact. Google has already improved the consolation of latest Pixels a terrific deal by step by step growing the radius of the corners and flattening the edges — lowering the general footprint can be the cherry on the cake for me.

Loads of cellphone makers have toyed with including a further button to their telephones, however as is so typically the case, it was Apple that basically made it modern. The iPhone 15 Professional fashions did away with the mute swap in favor of a customizable Motion button, and this has confirmed to be a reasonably fashionable inclusion (though Apple might definitely do extra with it). With the iPhone 16, Apple went one step additional and added yet one more button — Digital camera Management — to a extra blended reception.

Amongst Android OEMs, OnePlus is known for its alert slider, but it surely didn’t take lengthy to leap aboard the Motion button prepare with the OnePlus 13T and its Shortcut Key. To not be outdone, Carl Pei’s present firm, Nothing, lately launched its Important Key. That is used to avoid wasting content material to the AI group software Important House on the Telephone 3a or Telephone 3a Professional, which is fairly nifty however it could be higher if this button have been remappable.

Now, I’m not suggesting that Google straight up copy Apple and add two new buttons to the Pixel 10. However together with one further button that could possibly be assigned to virtually any operate can be a welcome addition. The facility button double-press gesture that opens the digital camera (or pockets) has lengthy been a preferred Pixel function, so I’m positive Google might do one thing nice with one other tactile key.

The Pixel 10 sequence is slated for an August 20 reveal, so we don’t have too lengthy to attend till we see which of those options Google brings us. Tell us what different options you’re hoping to see within the feedback, and don’t neglect to vote within the ballot under!