The Pixel 10 would not appear thrilling as a result of Google is targeted on software program

Google is lower than a month away from launching new smartphones, a brand new lineup that may span display sizes and type components. Like in earlier years, the telephones have leaked effectively upfront of Google truly saying something about them publicly. Solely not too long ago did the corporate even acknowledge that its occasion on August 20 will likely be devoted to the Pixel 10 with a teaser on its website. Primarily based on what Google has shared and what’s leaked out, you will get a transparent image of what the corporate will launch. And surprisingly, it appears similar to final yr’s telephones.

Whereas the concept that Google is simply transport a refined model of the Pixel 9 could be disappointing, it does recommend one thing that is been true for some time: {hardware} has by no means been the main target of the Pixel, it is the software program the {hardware} can run that issues. And at this level in 2025, Gemini is the software program that issues most at Google.

The Pixel 10 is a “Pixel 9S”

The brand new cellphone looks as if a refinement, not a reimagining

Smartphones used to take for much longer to evolve. Yearly releases have been frequent because the starting, however the concept that annually new smartphones ought to have a radical new design or paradigm-shifting function is a comparatively latest thought. Most individuals had been proud of a cellphone that simply labored higher.

The early days of the iPhone, for instance, had been outlined by Apple’s “tick-tock” launch schedule. One yr the corporate would introduce new designs and supplies and the following yr, the identical design, however with refinements. That might be improved parts or a novel software program function, like when Siri was launched on the iPhone 4S, but it surely by no means got here with any large modifications to the cellphone itself. Telephones launched within the years when the {hardware} did not change got an “S” to indicate that they had been higher than the numbered launch.

Google hasn’t actually adopted the identical sample. Parts of its design carry throughout telephones, like the thought of a two-tone end or an enormous digicam bump, however every of its Pixels has been fairly totally different from the final, save for the bounce from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7. You’ll be able to justify this by saying that Google has been taking part in catch-up, but it surely nonetheless implies that the Pixel 10 is a present of restraint. The cellphone, as depicted within the firm’s teaser and the quite a few leaks, didn’t fall removed from the Pixel 9 tree.

The largest visible change Google is making is the addition of a brand new digicam to the entry-level Pixel 10, in order that now all of its telephones have a large, ultra-wide, and telephoto choice. Leaked specs recommend it is an 11-megapixel telephoto digicam, just like the telephoto on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it will assist the corporate’s Tremendous Res Zoom function. Whereas it looks as if the standard might be higher, it is nice that Google is not locking the choice behind a extra premium value.

Internally, the corporate is reportedly including a Tensor G5 chip and a brand new magnetic wi-fi charging system doubtless primarily based on Qi2. The Tensor G5 would not seem to be it will be that rather more highly effective than the Tensor G4, however switching to a 3nm design implies that it needs to be extra power-efficient. The brand new wi-fi charging system — reportedly called “Pixelsnap” — may introduce the comfort of MagSafe to the Pixel lineup. Will any of those modifications make the Pixel 10 really feel all that totally different from the Pixel 9? That continues to be to be seen, however primarily based on what’s leaked and what Google has visually confirmed, the Pixel 10 looks as if a Pixel 9S.

Gemini is Google’s predominant focus

The corporate is intent on pushing AI into each product

Gemini was an enormous a part of Google’s pitch for the Pixel 9, and has solely turn into an even bigger half since. The corporate has repeatedly launched Pixel Drops (shock software program updates with new options) because the cellphone was launched, and an excellent variety of them have been Gemini-focused. The shortage of thrilling new {hardware} modifications within the Pixel 10 may very effectively be as a result of Google goes to lean even more durable into Gemini.

Pixels have been regarded as showcases for Google’s model of Android, an working system the corporate maintains, but it surely looks as if that might be altering. Given how many individuals are satisfied smartphones could be the perfect place to work together with AI, it is cheap to imagine that Pixels are shifting into being a device for demoing Gemini firstly. At the least till merchandise operating Android XR or Google’s own smart glasses turn into obtainable.

Moreover the refinements and design parts of Android 16, it is arduous to say what new software program options Google may need deliberate for the Pixel 10. The corporate continues to demo Project Astra, so Gemini-powered options that take motion in your behalf would make sense, but it surely’s arduous to say if they’re prepared for prime time.

The Pixel’s {hardware} is already good

There are legitimate causes to maintain issues constant

It would initially really feel unusual that Google would not appear to be altering Pixel {hardware} for the Pixel 10. However the firm would not have to reinvent the wheel each time, and doubtless should not. Sticking to largely the identical {hardware} setup may imply the Pixel 10 is extra inexpensive to supply and extra sturdy. We cannot know all the things till Google truly pronounces its new telephones, however even when the cellphone’s {hardware} would not set the world on fireplace, Gemini would possibly.

For a have a look at the AI options Google included on the Pixel 9 Pocket-lint has protection of Pixel Screenshots and the Pixel’s image generation feature. And in the event you’re keen on what’s leaked concerning the Pixel 10 to date, Pocket-lint has a roundup of all the features you must care about.