Hey Google, What’s Even the Point of the Pixel 10 Pro?

Google made waves in 2024 when they launched four flagship phones for the first time in their history. The lineup included the regular Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Each phone had its own unique selling points, with the regular Pixel 9 being the most affordable at £799/$799.

The Pixel 9 Pro offered a dedicated 5x telephoto lens and an upgraded selfie camera, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL had a larger 6.8-inch display, a bigger battery, and faster charging. The standout in the lineup was the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which had a unique foldable design and a premium price tag.

Fast forward to the upcoming Pixel 10 series, set to be unveiled at Google’s event on 20 August. The Pixel 10 is rumored to come with a telephoto lens, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro models. Reports suggest that the telephoto lens could be a 10.8Mp sensor, enhancing the phone’s photography capabilities.

Leaked images of a Pixel 10 lineup poster show at least three rear lenses on all models, hinting at significant camera upgrades across the board. While details about the optical zoom capabilities are still scarce, it is expected to rival the 5x sensor on the Pixel 10 Pro.

To differentiate the Pixel 10 Pro from the standard Pixel 10, Google may downgrade the other cameras on the Pro model. However, the rumored 48Mp main and 13Mp ultrawide lenses are similar to those on the previous Pixel 9a, making the Pro model’s higher price tag questionable for many consumers.

Other upgrades on the Pixel 10 Pro may include faster wireless charging, support for the Thread smart home standard, and Ultrawideband (UWB) for precise location tracking. Despite these minor enhancements, the fundamentals like display, chipset, battery capacity, and software are expected to remain unchanged.

If the leaked renders are accurate, the Pixel 10 may offer a more diverse color selection compared to the Pixel 10 Pro. With no significant differences expected between the two models, skipping the Pixel 10 Pro this year could be a wise decision for budget-conscious consumers.