Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro: Expected differences
Intro
August 2025 is right around the corner, and Google is gearing up to unveil the highly anticipated Pixel 10 lineup. This year marks a significant milestone for Google as the Pixel brand celebrates its tenth anniversary. Naturally, expectations are high for both the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro.
Both phones will be rocking Google's all-new Tensor G5 chipset—the company's first fully in-house processor built by TSMC.
Both phones will be rocking Google's all-new Tensor G5 chipset—the company's first fully in-house processor built by TSMC.
However, this year the standard Pixel 10 is said to get a telephoto camera of its own, which has the potential to blur the line between it and the Pro models. This change alone makes comparing these two upcoming Pixel phones particularly intriguing.
Of course, we can't forget to mention the potential for a $100 price hike, which would make the base Pixel 10 $899 and the base Pixel 10 Pro $1,099. We have our fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
In this preliminary comparison, we'll dive deeper into how the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro will differ, speculating whether the Pro's higher price will still carry enough to justify it, or if the Pixel 10 will be the smarter choice.
Of course, we can't forget to mention the potential for a $100 price hike, which would make the base Pixel 10 $899 and the base Pixel 10 Pro $1,099. We have our fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
| Pixel 10 * | Pixel 10 Pro * |
|---|---|
| Adds telephoto camera but smaller sensors overall | Superior camera hardware with larger and better sensors |
| Slightly lower display resolution | Sharper display |
| Lower display brightness | Higher peak brightness |
| 128 GB/256 GB storage options | Up to 1 TB |
| 12 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| 4,970 mAh battery | 4,870 mAh battery |
| 29W wired 25W Qi2 magnetic wireless | 29W wired 25W Qi2 magnetic wireless |
| Potentially $999 | Potentially $1099 |
*rumored
Design and Size
Familiar form, but now thicker and heavier
An official teaser image of the Pixel 10, which is should now have a very similar design to the Pixel Pro as it will also come with a triple camera layot. | Image credit — Google"
Both the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro will retain Google's familiar design, featuring the horizontal camera bar and rounded edges. But this year, they're also getting slightly thicker and heavier across the board.
The Pixel 10 is now expected to measure 152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm and weigh 204g, up from 198g on the Pixel 9. The Pixel 10 Pro shares the same dimensions, but weighs 207g, a 10g bump over the previous generation.
These increases in weight and thickness are minor, but likely meaningful. While the battery capacity is said to have gone up only modestly, the added heft hints at another upgrade: built-in Qi2 magnetic charging support. Several reports, along with Google's own “Pixelsnap” accessories, suggest that magnets may be integrated directly into the phones this year — similar to Apple’s MagSafe system.
These increases in weight and thickness are minor, but likely meaningful. While the battery capacity is said to have gone up only modestly, the added heft hints at another upgrade: built-in Qi2 magnetic charging support. Several reports, along with Google's own “Pixelsnap” accessories, suggest that magnets may be integrated directly into the phones this year — similar to Apple’s MagSafe system.
IP68 dust and water resistance is anticipated for both models, although no crazy IP69 like we've seen recently from companies like OnePlus and Motorola. Google’s standard button layout (power and volume buttons on the right) and a USB-C charging port at the bottom are expected to remain unchanged.
As for colors, The standard Pixel 10 will likely come in vibrant options, whereas the Pixel 10 Pro will stick to more classic shades like black, white, and grey. In-box contents should be minimal as usual: the phone, a USB-C cable, a SIM tool, and documentation, with no included charger.
Display Differences
Both phones will sport 6.3-inch OLED panels with dynamic refresh rates (1-120Hz), just like last year. The Pixel 10 Pro will probably keep its higher resolution (1280 x 2856, ~495 PPI) compared to the Pixel 10’s (1080 x 2424, ~420 PPI), and higher peak brightness (potentially over 3,000 nits), making outdoor viewing easier.
Bezels will remain slim on both, with the Pro possibly having slightly thinner ones.
Google is expected to upgrade to the ultrasonic fingerprint sensors is expected on both models, so they should be faster and more accurate than before. Face recognition may be included as a secondary unlock method, though likely still not as secure as fingerprint scanning.
Google is expected to upgrade to the ultrasonic fingerprint sensors is expected on both models, so they should be faster and more accurate than before. Face recognition may be included as a secondary unlock method, though likely still not as secure as fingerprint scanning.
Performance and Software
A fully custom chip powers the Pixel’s AI push
Both the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro will feature Google's all-new Tensor G5 chipset, marking a significant departure from previous Tensor processors.
Unlike earlier versions, which were modified Exynos-based designs made by Samsung, the Tensor G5 is Google’s first completely custom silicon built from the ground up, said to be produced by TSMC using their advanced second-generation 3nm manufacturing process.
The shift from Samsung’s 4nm process to TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm node means the Tensor G5 could potentially deliver substantial gains in both performance and efficiency. The 3nm architecture allows more transistors to fit onto the chip, enabling improved computational power, reduced heat generation, and increased battery efficiency.
The shift from Samsung’s 4nm process to TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm node means the Tensor G5 could potentially deliver substantial gains in both performance and efficiency. The 3nm architecture allows more transistors to fit onto the chip, enabling improved computational power, reduced heat generation, and increased battery efficiency.
However, early leaks temper expectations somewhat, suggesting the initial performance jump may not be as dramatic as the process improvements might imply, with performance possibly closer to the previous Tensor G4 than the latest Snapdragon chips.
The Pixel 10 Pro, however, might have an advantage over the Pixel 10 in real-world scenarios due to having more RAM. Google's Pixel 10 is expected to include 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
The Pixel 10 Pro, however, might have an advantage over the Pixel 10 in real-world scenarios due to having more RAM. Google's Pixel 10 is expected to include 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
In comparison, the Pixel 10 Pro is expected to ship with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, providing extra breathing room that could lead to better long-term performance stability, especially when running demanding applications, heavy multitasking, and leveraging advanced AI and machine learning features.
GPU improvements and gaming performance
The more critical upgrade is expected in the GPU department: the Tensor G5 will reportedly use an Imagination Technologies DXT GPU, marking a notable shift from the ARM Mali GPU used previously.
This new GPU architecture promises enhanced rendering power, improved gaming performance, and optimized battery consumption during intensive graphical tasks.
Although both phones would benefit from the improved GPU, the Pixel 10 Pro, with its additional RAM and possibly better thermal management, may offer slightly more consistent performance in long gaming sessions.
Software and AI advancements: Pixel Sense debuts
As for the software, Both devices will launch with Android 16. We also expect the company to continue promising up to 7 years of software updates, making these phones highly attractive for long-term buyers.
A major software highlight debuting with the Pixel 10 series is Pixel Sense, Google's next-generation smart assistant. Pixel Sense (previously known by the codename "Pixie") is designed to surpass the capabilities of Google Assistant by offering deeply personalized, context-aware interactions directly on-device.
Pixel Sense is said to achieve this by tapping into Google's extensive services ecosystem—integrating data from Gmail, Calendar, Maps, and more—to offer proactive and intelligent suggestions that better fit users' lifestyles. Essentially what every other major phone manufacturer has been promising — maybe Google will be the first to actually deliver on that promise.
Camera
A surprise telephoto on the base Pixel
The Pixel lineup traditionally excels with its cameras. As mentioned earlier, the Pixel 10 is expected to introduce a new telephoto camera this year, although it will reportedly use smaller, more budget-conscious sensors for the whole camera system compared to its Pro counterpart.
Here's a breakdown:
*rumored
| Camera | Pixel 10 * | Pixel 10 Pro * |
|---|---|---|
| Main | 50 MP Samsung GN8 (smaller sensor than Pixel 9) | 50 MP Samsung GNV (larger sensor) |
| Ultra-wide | 13 MP Sony IMX712 (downgrade from Pixel 9) | 48 MP Sony IMX858 |
| Zoom | 11 MP Samsung 3J1 telephoto | 48 MP Sony IMX858 periscope telephoto |
| Selfie | Likely standard ~12 MP | 42 MP high-res autofocus selfie camera |
The main camera on the Pixel 10 Pro is expected to deliver sharper, brighter, and more detailed photos due to a larger sensor. It's ultra-wide should also be capable of clearer and better low-light photos, while the telephoto will probably hive higher detail.
The good news is that the Video Boost feature might come to the regular Pixel this year.
Battery Life and Charging
Larger batteries and magnetic wireless charging come to both phones
The Pixel 10 is now expected to pack a 4,970 mAh battery, up from 4,700 mAh in the Pixel 9. The Pixel 10 Pro will reportedly feature a 4,870 mAh cell, slightly larger than last year’s 4,700 mAh capacity.
But it’s not just about the milliamp-hours. The increase in size and weight this year points to a bigger change: support for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging — a first for the Pixel series and for Android phones in general.
While Qi2 doesn’t require magnets, Google seems to be going all-in. Evidence is mounting that both the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro will include built-in magnets, enabling not just better-aligned wireless charging, but also compatibility with the upcoming Pixelsnap accessory ecosystem, which includes a magnetic charger, a ring stand, and a stand charger.
This could mark a huge usability improvement, especially for wireless charging fans who’ve had to deal with finicky coil alignment on previous Pixel phones.
Charging speeds are expected to be:
But it’s not just about the milliamp-hours. The increase in size and weight this year points to a bigger change: support for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging — a first for the Pixel series and for Android phones in general.
While Qi2 doesn’t require magnets, Google seems to be going all-in. Evidence is mounting that both the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro will include built-in magnets, enabling not just better-aligned wireless charging, but also compatibility with the upcoming Pixelsnap accessory ecosystem, which includes a magnetic charger, a ring stand, and a stand charger.
This could mark a huge usability improvement, especially for wireless charging fans who’ve had to deal with finicky coil alignment on previous Pixel phones.
Charging speeds are expected to be:
- 29W wired
- 25W wireless (Qi2 magnetic alignment)
- Both devices will retain USB-C ports, with Google likely continuing to omit a charger in the box.
Specs Comparison
Let's take a quick look at the expected Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro specs:
| Pixel 10 * | Pixel 10 Pro * |
|---|---|
| Size, weight ~152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm ~198 g | Size, weight ~152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm ~199 g |
| Screen 6.3" OLED 120Hz | Screen 6.3" OLED 120Hz |
| Processor Google Tensor G5 3nm | Processor Google Tensor G5 3nm |
| Versions: 12/128GB 12/256GB - - LPDDR5X | Versions: 16/128GB 16/256GB 16/512GB 16/1TB LPDDR5X |
| Cameras: 50 MP main 13 MP ultra 11 MP telephoto 10.5 MP front | Cameras: 50 MP main 48 MP ultra 48 MP 5X zoom 42 MP front |
| Battery: 4,700 mAh | Battery: 4,700 mAh |
| Charging: USB-C 29W wired 25W wireless | Charging: USB-C 29W wired 25W wireless |
*rumored
Summary
Choosing between the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro might be more straightforward this year, largely because of the rumored addition of a telephoto camera on the base model. That single change gives the standard Pixel 10 a major boost in versatility, reducing one of the biggest gaps between it and the Pro line.
Still, the Pro isn’t without its advantages. It’s expected to offer better camera sensors overall, more RAM, higher storage options, and potentially faster charging speeds. These extras could make a difference for power users or those looking to future-proof their purchase.
But for most people, the Pixel 10 might hit the sweet spot. With core features like the new Tensor G5 chip, Pixel Sense AI assistant, a high-refresh display, and now a telephoto lens, it may deliver most of what makes the Pixel experience great—without crossing the $1,000 mark.
Still, the Pro isn’t without its advantages. It’s expected to offer better camera sensors overall, more RAM, higher storage options, and potentially faster charging speeds. These extras could make a difference for power users or those looking to future-proof their purchase.
But for most people, the Pixel 10 might hit the sweet spot. With core features like the new Tensor G5 chip, Pixel Sense AI assistant, a high-refresh display, and now a telephoto lens, it may deliver most of what makes the Pixel experience great—without crossing the $1,000 mark.
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