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On August 20, Google unveiled four new smartphones, the Pixel Watch 4, a pair of budget-friendly earbuds and an update to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 – and of course, a whole galaxy of AI features.
The Tensor G5-powered Pixel 10 has just been announced, and it's already available for pre-order at Amazon with a sweet $100 gift card. Reserve yours before this promo expires.
Looking for a more flagship Pixel 10 experience in a compact form factor? Consider the Pixel 10 Pro instead! It's available for pre-order at Amazon with a $200 gift card!
Users after a larger screen and a serious Gemini AI prowess should consider the latest Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. The just-announced flagship is available for pre-order with a $200 Amazon Gift Card.
No price hikes are introduced and the "vanilla" Pixel 10 starts at $799, while the book style foldable keeps its $1,799 price.
The devices were unveiled at a bit unusual-toned event with lots of non-tech personalities and influencers. Here's what happened – just the most important announcements and promises:
Tensor G5 for every Pixel 10 model
Image by Google
The big news is that the Pixel 10 chipset (essentially the "brain" of a smartphone) is not made in collaboration with Samsung, like the previous four Tensor chips.
Instead, the Tensor G5 is built on TSMC's 3 nm process and Google says it's bringing a 34% faster CPU and a TPU that is up to 60% more powerful than before. It supports the new Gemini Nano model for on-device AI, running 2.6x faster and twice as efficiently compared to previous generations. The chip also introduces an upgraded image signal processor that improves low-light video, motion deblur, and zoom performance up to 100x, while enabling features like Real Tone and Content Credentials.
Despite these upgrades, there were early performance benchmark tests that were concerning, so maybe users need to adjust their expectations, as this silicon is probably behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite in terms of raw performance.
Gemini gets built into everyday apps
Image by Google
Gemini Nano, running on the new Tensor G5 chip, makes features like Magic Cue, Voice Translate, Pro Res Zoom, and the photo-to-video tool in the Gemini app faster and smoother.
Gemini Live is now built into apps such as Calendar, Keep, Tasks, and Google Maps, making it easier to check schedules, create lists, or find places through natural voice conversations, with support for Clock, Messages, and Phone coming soon.
This allows for more seamless multitasking, like finding directions while asking Gemini to call or message someone without breaking the flow of conversation. New model updates are also improving how Gemini speaks, making interactions sound more natural with better rhythm, pitch, and intonation.
In addition, Gemini Live can use the camera to give visual guidance by recognizing what’s on screen and highlighting useful details, helping with everyday decisions like comparing products or troubleshooting problems.
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Photo editing on the Pixel 10 now can be done by talking to Google Photos
Image by Google
On Pixel 10, Google Photos introduces conversational editing that lets you describe changes to an image with text or voice commands rather than adjusting sliders or choosing tools. You can request straightforward edits like removing cars from the background, fixing lighting, or restoring an old photo, and the app can process multiple changes at once.
If the first result is not quite right, you can continue refining it through follow-up instructions, making the process more flexible. The updated editor still includes one-tap suggestions and simple gestures for quick fixes, but it also supports more creative edits such as swapping backgrounds or adding extra elements to a scene.
Magic Cue is what AI assistants should be
Image by Google
Magic Cue helps you find relevant information and take action without switching between apps, connecting services like Gmail, Calendar, Screenshots, and Messages.
For example, if a friend asks about your flight, Magic Cue can pull the details from your itinerary and suggest sharing them in Messages, or show your flight info when calling the airline. It works in other situations too, like sending photos or reservation details, but stays quiet if there’s nothing useful to suggest. Magic Cue runs on the Tensor G5 chip and Gemini Nano, keeping data secure and private, Google says, and can be turned on or off at any time.
It’s also integrated into Daily Hub, which provides a personalized feed of upcoming events, recommended content, and relevant topics.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: serious battery, IP68 water and dust resistance
Image by Google
The third book style foldable from Google is not the thinnest out there, but it doesn't want to compete with Galaxy Z Fold 7. Instead, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with a 5,015 mAh battery that should result in up to 30+ hours of use, an 8-inch inner (main) OLED display, 16 GB of RAM and the same well-known design from its predecessor.
Google says the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is its most durable foldable yet, featuring a gearless hinge that’s twice as strong as the previous model and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a first for foldable devices. Its Super Actua Flex Display combines ultra-thin glass with two layers of anti-impact film, allowing the phone to withstand over 10 years of folding, Google claims (if you're folding it 50 times a day).
Pixel 10 Pro is all about photography
Image by Google
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL duo feature improved optical image stabilization with twice the range of compensation, combined with Video Boost for smoother photos and video. Their HDR+ pipeline has been refined for better color, focus, detail, and noise reduction, and they can capture 50MP high-resolution photos. Pro Res Zoom extends the zoom range up to 100x – which will be popular among many users, I guess – while Panorama Mode supports telephoto shots with up to 100MP resolution and manual focus.
Features like Camera Coach, Auto Best Take, and Guided Frame use Gemini models to guide composition, capture group shots perfectly, and provide audio and visual assistance for users with low vision. Instant View on Pixel 10 Pro Fold allows reviewing photos and videos alongside the viewfinder without interrupting your workflow.
The baseline Pixel 10 adds a dedicated telephoto snapper for the first time, but its main and ultrawide cameras actually get downgraded from the Pixel 9.
Pixel Buds 2A: Active Noise Cancellation for the first time
Image by Google
The new Pixel Buds 2A finally offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which was non-present on the original Buds A pair.
Besides that, the Pixel Buds 2A are powered by the Tensor A1 chip and enhanced with Google AI. They are smaller and lighter than previous A-series models, with a twist-to-adjust stabilizer, four eartip options for a secure fit, and an IP54 rating for sweat and water resistance.
Audio performance should be improved with a custom speaker driver, high-frequency chamber, and wind-blocking mesh for clear calls. Battery life reaches 7 hours with ANC on, 20 hours with the charging case, and the case battery is replaceable.
Pixelsnap Charger and Pixelsnap Charger are here
Image by Google
All Pixel 10 models support Qi2 wireless charging, which uses magnets for automatic alignment and compatibility with a wide range of magnetic accessories.
Pixelsnap accessories include the Pixelsnap Charger and Charger with Stand, delivering up to 25W for Pixel 10 Pro XL and 15W for other Qi2 devices, with the stand usable even when the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is unfolded.
There's also the Pixelsnap Ring Stand that provides hands-free viewing with adjustable angles, and all Pixel 10 cases are Pixelsnap-compatible for charging or attaching accessories without removal. For wired charging, the new Pixel Flex Dual Port 67W USB-C charger can power a Pixel phone and a second device simultaneously, with intelligent prioritization and a compact, portable design.
The Pixel 4 gets the real upgrade
Image by Google
While the Pixel 10 phones receive more of a refreshing update than a real, substantial upgrade, the Pixel Watch 4 is getting boosted for real.
The Pixel Watch 4 comes with a redesigned circular form, an Actua 360 display, and brighter, more visible visuals. It features a stronger haptic engine, upgraded speaker, and improved performance with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and next-gen ML co-processor.
Battery life is up to 30 hours on the 41mm and 40 hours on the 45mm, extendable with Battery Saver mode, and it charges 25% faster with the new Quick Charge Dock. For the first time, the battery and display are replaceable. Pixel Watch 4 LTE supports standalone satellite emergency communications, while health and fitness features include smarter sleep tracking, skin temperature sensing, dual-frequency GPS, real-time cycling metrics, 50+ exercise modes, and automatic workout detection.
The end of physical SIM cards
Image by Google
The new Pixel 10 models for the US market lack a SIM tray, offering only eSIM to customers. The models that lack SIM card trays in the US are:
Pixel 10
Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro XL
The only exception is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which supports both physical SIM cards and eSIM.
So if you're in the US and you absolutely need a physical SIM card tray, maybe get the Fold model.
Do you need physical SIM tray?
Yes, absolutely.
26.67%
It's nice to have.
26.67%
No, I'm on eSIM.
46.67%
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Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.
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