Pixel 10 AI features redefine smartphone use

A review of Google's Pixel 10 shows AI features drive the experience even as camera hardware shows tradeoffs.

Pixel 10 Elevates AI Phone Experience While Testing Camera Balance

Google’s Pixel 10 costs 800 dollars and looks very similar to the Pixel 9, with a new 5x telephoto lens and Indigo blue among the color options. It adds a brighter 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, a larger 4,970 mAh battery, a faster Tensor G5 chip, and faster Qi2 wireless charging with Google’s Pixelsnap puck. However, the main and ultrawide sensors are down from the Pixel 9, and some people will miss features like reverse wireless charging and a SIM slot on U.S. models. The camera is solid but not class leading anymore, and the hardware shifts feel like a side note next to the AI and Gemini diorama that now dominates the software experience.

AI and Gemini are the main story. Android 16 carries a broad slate of AI features intended to make everyday tasks faster and easier. Tools like Magic Cue surface relevant information within apps, and real-time translation during calls shows how AI could change how we communicate. The reviewer notes that while most AI features work well, the learning curve is real, and not every feature lands. Privacy remains a question as AI weaves through data from across apps, even when some processing happens on device.

The Pixel 10 signals a shift in how phones are designed. AI is not a garnish but the main design principle, which means users may have to relearn habits to take full advantage. Apple and Samsung have been slower to push AI, choosing gradual rollouts, but Google goes all-in, which could backfire if users feel overwhelmed or uneasy about data. A major risk is balancing useful automation with clear, nonintrusive privacy protections and transparent data handling. Even as the hardware evolves, the real test is whether AI features genuinely simplify life or just add layers of complexity.

Another tension is between camera quality and AI ambition. Google upgrades several software features and adds a powerful toolkit, yet the actual photo quality lags behind what enthusiasts expect from a flagship. The Pixel 10 frames an important question for the market: will AI-first phones redefine value, or will spec-heavy rivals win on optics and traditional performance? The answer will shape what buyers demand next year.

Highlights

The Pixel 10 points toward a future where AI shapes everyday use as much as hardware specs.