What’s The Point Of The Pixel 10 Pro?

Google made waves in 2024 with the release of four flagship phones for the first time ever. The lineup included the standard Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the rebranded foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Each phone had its unique selling points and price tags, catering to different consumer needs.

The standard Pixel 9, priced at £799/$799, was the most affordable of the bunch. Stepping up to the Pixel 9 Pro added a dedicated 5x telephoto lens and an upgraded selfie camera while maintaining the compact 6.3-inch display. For an additional £100/$100, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offered a larger 6.8-inch screen, a bigger battery, and faster charging. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stood out with its distinctive design and higher price tag.

As Google gears up for the launch of the Pixel 10 series at an upcoming event on 20 August, the dynamics of the lineup are expected to shift. The Pixel 10 is rumored to receive a telephoto lens, a feature previously exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro. Reports suggest that the Pixel 10’s camera setup may include a 10.8Mp sensor, potentially offering improved optical zoom capabilities.

Leaked images of a Pixel 10 lineup poster indicate that all models in the series will feature at least three rear lenses. While details about the level of optical zoom remain scarce, the Pixel 10 Pro’s 48Mp, 5x sensor may face stiff competition from the standard Pixel 10’s upgraded camera system.

In a bid to differentiate the models, Google may downgrade other aspects of the Pixel 10 Pro. However, the rumored 48Mp main and 13Mp ultrawide lenses on the Pixel 10 are reminiscent of the impressive camera setup on the Pixel 9a. This could make the price difference between the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro harder to justify for many consumers.

Aside from potential camera upgrades, minor improvements like faster wireless charging and support for smart home standards like Thread and UWB are expected on the Pixel 10 Pro. However, core features like display, chipset, battery capacity, and software are likely to remain consistent across the lineup.

If the leaked renders are accurate, the Pixel 10 may offer a more exciting color selection compared to the Pixel 10 Pro. Unless Google introduces significant surprises, opting for the Pixel 10 over the Pixel 10 Pro this year could be a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers. Stay tuned for more updates at the upcoming event.