Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro: Is the $200 upgrade really worth it this year?
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Google’s Pixel 10 lineup marks the brand’s tenth anniversary with some of its most meaningful upgrades yet. For the first time, the base Pixel includes a telephoto camera, a brighter OLED display, larger battery, and Google’s fully custom Tensor G5 chip.
The Pixel 10 Pro comes at the premium price tag of $999, with more RAM, a sharper QHD+ display, higher-end camera hardware, and expanded storage. But the gap between the two has never been narrower.
At $799, the Pixel 10 comes in $200 cheaper, yet the experience is surprisingly similar. After testing both phones, here’s how they stack up next to each other.
The Pixel 10 Pro comes at the premium price tag of $999, with more RAM, a sharper QHD+ display, higher-end camera hardware, and expanded storage. But the gap between the two has never been narrower.
Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro differences:
| Pixel 10 | Pixel 10 Pro |
|---|---|
| 6.3" Actua OLED 1080×2424 60–120Hz 3000‑nit peak | 6.3" Super Actua LTPO OLED 1280×2856 1–120Hz 3300‑nit peak |
| Triple camera: 48 MP wide 13 MP ultra‑wide 10.8 MP 5× telephoto Super Res Zoom 20× | Pro triple camera: 50 MP wide 48 MP ultra‑wide (AF) 48 MP 5× telephoto Pro Res Zoom 100× High‑Res Portraits |
| 10.5 MP AF selfie (95°) | 42 MP AF selfie (103°) |
| 12 GB RAM 128/256 GB | 16 GB RAM 128/256/512 GB/1 TB |
| 4,970 mAh battery 30W wired charging 15W wireless charging Qi2 magnetic support | 4,870 mAh battery 30W wired charging 15W wireless charging Qi2 magnetic support |
| Colors: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian | Colors: Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, Obsidian |
| $799 | $999 |
Table of Contents:
Design and Display Quality
Familiar bar; thicker frame; Pixelsnap magnets built in
At first glance, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro look familiar to the previous generation. Both of them keep Google’s signature horizontal camera bar.
On closer inspection, though, you might notice that some details have changed. Both phones are slightly thicker and heavier than last year’s models, all to make room for larger batteries and the new Qi2 magnetic wireless charging system. As a result, the Pixel 10 weighs 204 g, while the Pro tips the scale at 207 g.
On closer inspection, though, you might notice that some details have changed. Both phones are slightly thicker and heavier than last year’s models, all to make room for larger batteries and the new Qi2 magnetic wireless charging system. As a result, the Pixel 10 weighs 204 g, while the Pro tips the scale at 207 g.
| Pixel 10 | Pixel 10 Pro |
|---|---|
| Thickness 8.6 mm | Thickness 8.6 mm |
| Dimensions 152.8 × 72 mm | Dimensions 152.8 × 72 mm |
| Weight 204 g | Weight 207 g |
As far as durability goes, you get Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a reinforced aluminum frame, as well as IP68 dust and water resistance (aka same as last year).
The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro colors are different, of course. The Pixel 10 comes in brighter, more playful hues such as Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and a more neutral Obsidian. The Pro sticks to the classic subdued palette, with Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian again. In the box, you get the phone, a USB-C cable, and paperwork, but no charger.
Both models feature 6.3-inch OLED displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates, but there are a few differences worth mentioning. The Pixel 10 uses an FHD+ panel with 3,000 nits peak brightness, while the Pixel 10 Pro has a sharper QHD+ display and gets even brighter, reaching 3,300 nits. The truth is that both get plenty bright for outdoor use.
The difference that has a bigger impact is that the Pixel 10 can only go as low as 60Hz, while the Pixel 10 Pro can drop all the way down to 1Hz, giving the Pro an edge when it comes to battery efficiency.
Design-wise, the Pixel 10 Pro has slightly thinner bezels, although I wouldn't say it is that significant. Google has also improved the ultrasonic fingerprint sensors on both models, so they feel snappier compared to the Pixel 9 series. Of course, since the Pixel 8, you can also rely on face-unlock, which can also be used to authorize payments.
The difference that has a bigger impact is that the Pixel 10 can only go as low as 60Hz, while the Pixel 10 Pro can drop all the way down to 1Hz, giving the Pro an edge when it comes to battery efficiency.
Design-wise, the Pixel 10 Pro has slightly thinner bezels, although I wouldn't say it is that significant. Google has also improved the ultrasonic fingerprint sensors on both models, so they feel snappier compared to the Pixel 9 series. Of course, since the Pixel 8, you can also rely on face-unlock, which can also be used to authorize payments.
Display Measurements:
We were able to confirm that the Pixel 10 Pro is slightly brighter compared to the base model. The Pixel 10 reached 2,822 nits in our 20% APL test and 1,940 nits on a fully white screen. The Pixel 10 Pro went slightly higher at 2,921 nits and 2,159 nits respectively, while also offering a lower 1.8-nit minimum brightness compared to 2.1 nits on the regular model. Both also scored excellent for color accuracy. In other words, Pixels still have some of the best displays on the market.
Performance and Software
Tensor finally grows up
This year marks a major shift for Google silicon. Both phones run on the new Tensor G5, Google’s first fully custom processor, built by TSMC on a 3nm process. That alone brings noticeable improvements in efficiency and thermal management compared to the Samsung-made chips of previous generations.
But the upgrades go beyond raw CPU power. The new GPU from Imagination Technologies delivers smoother gaming and stronger graphics performance, while support for faster LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage (on the Pro) makes these the most capable Pixels to date.
| Pixel 10 | Pixel 10 Pro |
|---|---|
| Chip Google Tensor G5 | Chip Google Tensor G5 |
| Process 3nm | Process 3nm |
| RAM, Storage 12/128 GB 12/256 GB --- --- LPDDR5X RAM Zone UFS | RAM, Storage 16/128 GB 16/256 GB 16/512 GB 16/1 TB LPDDR5X RAM Zone UFS |
CPU Performance Benchmarks:
The difference in single-core performance is negligible, but the Pixel 10 Pro pulls ahead in multi-core by about 700 points, likely thanks to slightly better thermal headroom and optimization. In daily use, though, both feel equally fast.
GPU Performance
Our 3DMark test showed little difference between the two models, with the Pixel 10 hitting 3,368 points and the Pro at 3,426. Under sustained load, the Pro diped to 2,118 while the Pixel 10 dropped to 2,025, suggesting that both throttle under longer sessions, with the Pro still holding a small lead. For gamers, both will perform well, but neither of them challenges the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 series.
On the software side, both launch with Android 16 and the new Pixel Sense assistant (a major evolution of the Google Assistant) designed for context-aware, on-device intelligence. Standout features inlude Magic Cue (live meeting notes), Camera Coach (real-time shooting tips), and Auto Best Take.
Camera
The Pixel 10 finally goes triple-camera
For the first time, the base Pixel 10 is not stuck with just two cameras. It is getting a telephoto lens of its own, making this year’s lineup much more competitive. Still, Google reserves its best sensors for the Pro.
The Pixel 10 uses a smaller 50 MP Samsung GN8 main sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide, and an 11 MP telephoto. The Pixel 10 Pro gets a larger 50 MP GN2 main sensor, a high-end 48 MP ultrawide, and a 48 MP 5x periscope telephoto. The Pro can also zoom in up to 100x, while the base model tops out at 20x.
The Pixel 10 uses a smaller 50 MP Samsung GN8 main sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide, and an 11 MP telephoto. The Pixel 10 Pro gets a larger 50 MP GN2 main sensor, a high-end 48 MP ultrawide, and a 48 MP 5x periscope telephoto. The Pro can also zoom in up to 100x, while the base model tops out at 20x.
The Pixel 10 has a standard 10.5 MP selfie snapper, while the Pro jumps to a new 42 MP autofocus selfie camera.
PhoneArena Camera Score:
The Pixel 10 Pro scored 151 overall, compared to 147 on the Pixel 10. For photos, the Pro has a slight edge in Zoom and Wide categories, while selfies scored the same across both models. That may come as a surprise since the Pro has a 42 MP autofocus selfie camera versus the Pixel 10’s 10.5 MP one. That might be because Google’s processing evens out the results: the Pro’s sensor bins down images, and its wider 103° field of view can add edge softness, so under controlled test conditions the two perform nearly identically. In practice, though, the Pro offers more flexibility for group selfies, sharper crops, and higher-quality video calls.
As for video, the two are again close, with the Pro taking a narrow win (140 vs 138). The main camera performance is matched, but the Pro’s ultrawide and telephoto sensors contribute to its advantage. Overall, the Pro’s lead is consistent but small.
Main Camera
The higher detail of the Pro is even more apparent when there is not enough light. In this particular case, the base Pixel 10 has exposed the image a bit higher, revealing more in the shadows, but slightly blowing out the white are behind the curtain.
Zoom Quality
The Pro's 5x zoom delivers much a sharper image, but its colors and white balance are slightly off compared to the base model.
Ultra-wide Camera
Again, the Pixel Pro took a more detailed shot here. The one from the Pixel 10 ultrawide camera looks "mushy" and blurred in comparison.
Selfies
The Pixel 10 Pro selfie camera captures much more in the frame, as it has a wider angle, but its colors look a bit exaggerated compared to the Pixel 10.
More Camera Samples
Battery Life and Charging
Bigger batteries, faster wireless
Both phones see slight bumps in battery size this year. The Pixel 10 packs a 4,970 mAh cell, while the Pixel 10 Pro has a 4,870 mAh unit.
PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:
In our testing, the Pixel 10 lasted 7 hours 16 minutes, while the Pro managed 7 hours 17 minutes, meaning you can expect almost the same battery life from the two. The Pixel 10 was stronger in our Browsing test (21 hours vs 20 hours 55 minutes), while the Pro lasted slightly longer in video playback (10h18 vs 10h00). In gaming, the Pixel 10 pulled ahead with 5h01 compared to 4h36 on the Pro.
Charging speeds remain the same: both phones support 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging via the Qi2 magnetic system. The Pixelsnap accessory lineup makes this system far more practical, though, with magnetic alignment similar to MagSafe. In fact, the Pixel 10 series are compatible with MagSafe accessories, which is a big move on Google's part. This way, the company has taken down one more hurdle for iPhone owners to transition to a Pixel.
Specs Comparison
Here's a quick overview of the Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro specs:
| Pixel 10 | Pixel 10 Pro |
|---|---|
| Size, weight 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm, 204 g | Size, weight 162.5 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm, 220 g |
| Screen 6.3" OLED 120Hz | Screen 6.3" OLED 120Hz |
| Processor Tensor G5 3nm | Processor Tensor G5 3nm |
| Versions: 12/128 GB 12/256 GB --- --- LPDDRX5 | Versions: 16/128 GB 16/256 GB 16/512 GB 16/1 TB LPDDRX5 |
| Cameras: 48 MP main 13 MP ultra 10.8 MP 5X zoom 10.05 MP front | Cameras: 50 MP main 48 MP ultra 48 MP 5X zoom 42 MP front |
| Battery: 4970 mAh | Battery: 4870 mAh |
| Charging: USB-C 30W wired 15W wireless | Charging: USB-C 30W wired 15W wireless |
Summary
The Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro matchup is closer than ever this year. The base Pixel 10 is even easier to recommend this year thanks to that telephoto camera. It's also not that far behind the Pro in terms of general camera performance, and that was supposed to be the main differentiating factor between the two.
The truth is, besides the brighter display and somewhat better performance, there's not much else that would make you go for the Pixel 10 Pro instead of the regular Pixel 10.
But it is a good thing that Google made the Pixel 10 so attractive, as both Samsung and Apple have done the same with their base models. It seems this is the name of the game this year, and the Pixel 10 is playing it well.
The truth is, besides the brighter display and somewhat better performance, there's not much else that would make you go for the Pixel 10 Pro instead of the regular Pixel 10.
But it is a good thing that Google made the Pixel 10 so attractive, as both Samsung and Apple have done the same with their base models. It seems this is the name of the game this year, and the Pixel 10 is playing it well.
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