Google Pixel 10 review

Pixel smartphones have created a unique brand image for themselves. Just like how iPhones have protruded cameras, Pixels have the popular camera visor. If you see a camera visor on the back from afar, you know that it’s a Pixel phone.

Google probably knows this, and hence, instead of changing the design dynamics, it has refined the standard look of its Pixels, which now feels complete with the Pixel 10.

We tested the Google Pixel 10 for a couple of weeks, and we can say that it offers the most refined Android flagship experience, without spending over a lakh.

Google Pixel 10 design

The Pixel 10 looks identical to the predecessor, and has the same screen size as well. But when kept against the Pixel 9, it surely feels a bit slicker. The device, in its Indigo shade, looks and feels premium in hands.

There’s the same sandwiched construction, with aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass on the front and the rear. The durability hasn’t changed, as like the Pixel 9, the Pixel 10 boasts a Victus 2 glass on the front and back, and also has IP68 rating. The latter means, you can use the phone in the shower or near pool to send that quick work message.

Google Pixel 10 display

The display is almost unchanged, coming at 6.3-inches. It’s the same OLED panel, but with a brighter 2,000 nits of HBM and 3,000 nits of peak brightness. We had no issues using the device in the bright sunlight. However, when indoors, the display sometimes adjusts itself to be too bright, which is something that can be fixed with a software update.

The screen refresh at 120Hz and the resolution is set at FHD+. Although it’s a small phone, we enjoyed watching YouTube videos and Netflix shows.

Google Pixel 10 cameras

One of the reasons why you’d probably invest in a Pixel phone is the camera. The Pixel 10 is undoubtedly a good camera phone, and with its new 10.8MP telephoto, we can say that it’s a complete camera phone.

It offers almost natural images across camera sensors, be it the new telephoto, wide, or ultrawide. Sometimes, however, indoors, it tends to boost the vibrancy in pictures.

The outdoor images also look pretty good and Instagram-worthy. But, sometimes when there’s a lot of light coming in from different sources, you’d find the Pixel 10 struggling to achieve the near natural look. Instead, it either lowers the exposure or changes the colours.

Skin tones look natural, making room for further edits. Having said that, this isn’t a phone for those who want saturated or bold images, rather it’s for those who want that close to natural look.

The selfie camera is the same as last year, 10.5MP, and it does a decent job at capturing natural skin tones. Both the front and rear can shoot videos, and they are satisfactory.

Google Pixel 10 performance

Since the Pixel 10 is a small phone, it isn’t exactly meant for intense use like gaming. The Tensor G5, which is now based on 3nm fabrication process of TSMC, easily handles day-to-day tasks without any hiccups. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of USB 4.0 storage, it can easily handle 7-8 apps in the background, but with extended usage, the device will get a bit warn on the back.

But nothing like the Pixel 9, which used to get pretty hot with moderate to heavy usage. Gaming-wise, we played titles like Genshin Impact, and there was no struggle in churning out 60 fps. But due to the small body, the device does get hot with an hour long of gaming.

Google Pixel 10 Battery

Battery has improved from last year’s 4,700mAh to 4,970mAh. The charging speed has also gone up to 30W wired from 27W in the Pixel 9. In our usage, the Pixel 10 lasted for a working day, with moderate usage like checking texts, chatting on WhatsApp messages, making a few work calls, and a bit of YouTube playback.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review

If you game a bit or watch a lot of content, you might find yourself needing a power adapter or a power bank in the middle of the day. The 30W charging speed isn’t the fastest, but it does the job.

Google Pixel 10 Software

Pixel is known to offer the most refined Android experience, with several AI features baked in. And that’s exactly the case with the Pixel 10. It boots on the newest Android 16 OS, and it’s buttery smooth. Apps open fast, without any choppy animations, and the overall app opening times have also been reduced.

AI features are all over. Right from your home screen, with Google’s search widget to the power button, which summons Gemini when long pressed. Open the camera app and you have Add Me, go to the Photos app, and there’s Best Take and Magic Eraser.

Magic Cue is one feature that makes the overall Pixel experience even more convenient. Be it on the call screen, suggesting the right flights, or within Gmail and Calendar, showcasing relevant information for helpful actions.

Unboxed Take: Who should buy the Google Pixel 10?

Overall, the Google Pixel 10 is a great phone for those wanting the most refined Android experience without spending a lakh or more. You get a stylish design, three cameras, including the beloved telephoto, and a good performance – all for Rs 79,999.

For all the above reasons, we rate the Pixel 10 4/5. For more such in-depth reviews and all things tech, stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma.