Introduction & Context
The Google Pixel 10 is Google’s 2025 “standard” flagship phone, part of a four-model Pixel 10 series (which includes the Pixel 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and the 10 Pro Fold). It carries forward Google’s emphasis on AI, computational photography, and long-term software support. The phone represents Google’s attempt to strike a balance: not ultra-premium like a foldable or “Ultra” flagship, but more than a mid-range device — it aims to be a “practical flagship” for many users.
In many ways, the Pixel 10 is about refinement rather than revolution: the design is familiar, but there are meaningful upgrades under the hood — especially around AI, the camera system, and the new Tensor G5 chipset.
Price & Availability
- In Malaysia, the Pixel 10 (256 GB) starts at RM 4,499, per TechNave.
- Official Google-Malaysia pricing (via PRWire) lists the 128GB model at RM 3,999.
- Color options: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian.
- Pre-orders and stock: According to ExpatGo, preorders started August 21, 2025, with general availability from 28 August 2025.
Verdict on Price: For a flagship-level phone with strong software and camera features, the starting price is competitive. Depending on how much value you place on Google’s AI, camera, and update promise, it’s a compelling option.
Design & Build
Aesthetic & Build Quality
- The Pixel 10 retains a design language that is familiar to Pixel fans — clean, minimal, and functional.
- Build materials: According to Business Standard, it uses a metal frame + glass on the back.
- Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front.
- Dimensions & Weight: 152.8 × 72.0 mm, 8.6 mm thick, and weight ~204 g.
Durability
- The phone reportedly has IP68 dust and water resistance, giving it a respectable level of ruggedness.
- Magnetic “Pixelsnap”: The Pixel 10 introduces a Pixelsnap coil on its back for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. This helps with alignment when using compatible chargers or accessories.
Verdict on Design: Well-balanced — solid build and premium feel without being flashy. The addition of Pixelsnap is clever and practical.
Display
- Size: 6.3 inches, OLED.
- Resolution: 1080 × 2424 (FHD+).
- Refresh rate: 60–120 Hz adaptive.
- Brightness: Google claims peak brightness around 3,000 nits.
- Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Verdict on Display: The display is sharp, bright, and smooth thanks to the high refresh rate. It's not the largest panel, which helps in hands-on usability, especially for those who dislike big phones.
Performance & Hardware
Chipset: Tensor G5
- The Pixel 10 is powered by Google Tensor G5, built on a 3 nm process via TSMC.
- According to Google, the chip gives a ~34% CPU performance boost and a 60% improvement in AI processing.
- On-device AI: Tensor G5 enables Gemini Nano to run efficiently for new AI features like Magic Cue, Camera Coach, and more.
- Security: Includes a new security hardware component to strengthen device protection.
Memory & Storage
- RAM: 12 GB on the Pixel 10.
- Storage: 128 GB or 256 GB options.
- According to TechNave, the 256GB variant uses UFS 4.0 while the 128 GB uses UFS 3.1.
Connectivity
- 5G support is confirmed.
- Wi-Fi: According to HotHardware, Wi-Fi 6E is supported.
- Bluetooth: Google lists Bluetooth 6.
- Security: Titan M2 chip + ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor + face unlock.
Verdict on Performance: The Tensor G5 is a solid generational upgrade. It’s not going to beat pure performance monsters, but for AI, computational tasks, and day-to-day smoothness, it’s very well-optimized.
Camera System
One of the most interesting parts: for the first time, even the base Pixel 10 gets a telephoto lens.
- Rear Cameras:
- 48 MP (main, f/1.7) with OIS.
- 13 MP ultra-wide (120°).
- 10.8 MP telephoto (5x optical zoom).
- Front Camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, autofocus.
- Video: According to HotHardware, up to 4K @ 60fps on rear.
- New Computational Features via Tensor G5:
- Magic Cue: AI-driven suggestions.
- Camera Coach: Helps you compose shots better.
- Pro Res Zoom: On higher models; base 10 has “Super-Res” style zoom.
Image Quality:
- According to The Guardian: The ISP (image signal processor) in Tensor G5 helps in clean low-light shots and good color rendering.
- Real-world reviews note the telephoto lens is a welcome addition (though not flagship-level sharpness at long range), but it's more versatile than previous base Pixels.
- Skin tone and color accuracy: Google claims improvements in Real Tone due to the new ISP in G5.
Verdict on Camera: Very strong for a base Pixel. The addition of a telephoto lens is a big deal. Where it may not match “pro-grade” zoom or the very top flagships, it still delivers excellent everyday photography.
Battery & Charging
- Capacity: 4,970 mAh, slightly larger than the Pixel 9.
- Wired Charging: Up to 30W, supporting fast top-up.
- Wireless Charging: 15W Pixelsnap (Qi2).
- Real-world battery life:
- Tom’s Guide: In their test, the Pixel 10 lasted 13 hr 13 min in a battery drain test.
- Tech Advisor: In PCMark (workload) benchmark gave 14 hr 55 min.
- The Guardian: Reports around ~33 hours of “heavy use” in their mixed usage testing.
Verdict on Battery: The battery is decent, helped by the efficiency of Tensor G5. Not the absolute top-tier endurance, but more than serviceable for a full day or more for many.
Software & Features
- Operating System: Android 16, with Pixel UI / Material You design.
- Software Support: Google promises 7 years of major Android / security updates for the Pixel 10 line.
- AI Features Powered by Tensor G5:
- Magic Cue (AI suggestions)
- Voice Translate / On-device live translation using Gemini Nano
- Call Notes & Personal Journal features for smart note taking.
- Security & Privacy: With the Titan M2 security chip, Google enhances on-device security.
- Other: The Pixelsnap magnetic system (Qi2) supports magnetic accessories.
Verdict on Software: One of the biggest strengths. Google’s AI integration is mature, and combined with the long update policy, the Pixel 10 feels like a phone that could stay relevant for years.
Strengths & Advantages
Putting together all the strong points:
- AI & On-device Intelligence
- Tensor G5 + Gemini Nano unlock meaningful AI experiences (Magic Cue, Camera Coach, live translate).
- Camera Versatility
- Triple-camera setup (wide + ultra-wide + 5x telephoto) — rare for a base model Pixel.
- Excellent computational photography.
- Display Quality
- OLED, 120 Hz, bright and color-accurate.
- Build & Design
- Premium materials, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and IP68 durability.
- Magnetic Pixelsnap system is clever and practical.
- Battery & Charging
- More efficient chip + decent battery = reliable daily usage.
- Wired + Qi2 wireless charging.
- Long Software Support
- 7 years of Android and security updates is industry-leading.
- Value Proposition
- Considering features, camera, AI, and support, the starting price is quite aggressive.
Drawbacks & Trade-offs
But no phone is perfect. Here are the drawbacks:
- Performance Ceiling
- While Tensor G5 is great for AI, its raw GPU / gaming performance lags behind some Snapdragon or Apple chips. Users have reported inconsistent gaming performance.
- According to Reddit, the GPU (PowerVR on G5) has low sustained clocks in some workloads.
- Battery Variability
- Some users report inconsistent battery life.
- Software Bugs
- After October 2025 update, several Pixel 10 users reported random app crashes.
- Android 16 lock-screen issues also reported.
- Charging Speed
- 30W wired is decent but not class-leading.
- 15W wireless is relatively modest compared to other flagships.
- Telephoto Limitations
- Though 5x optical, the telephoto sensor is small and image might not be super sharp at very high zoom.
- Price vs. Specs Debate
- Some see the Pixel 10 as “mid-spec at flagship price” — especially for power users.
Real-World User Feedback & Criticisms
Drawing from reviews, Reddit, and early impressions:
- On Reddit, some praise the Pixel 10 for its versatility:
“The Tensor G5 is more than just a number — the AI features are genuinely useful in daily life.”
- But criticism is also common:
“Base Tensor G5 gaming is not great … I run CODM 120 fps but ultra-smooth options seem limited.”
“The GPU seems to mostly run at 396 MHz — feels like wasted potential.” - On battery:
“Some days I hit 30 hrs, other days it's worse — feels like the efficiency cores aren’t doing enough.”
- On camera & AI:
“Magic Cue and Camera Coach are surprisingly more helpful than I thought. They feel like the future.”
Verdict on Feedback: The Pixel 10 resonates with users who value smart features, good cameras, and clean Android. But for those prioritizing raw performance or ultra-fast charging, it's more divisive.
Should You Buy the Pixel 10? (Use-Case Analysis)
Best For:
- AI / Productivity-Focused Users: If you want a phone that “thinks” for you — voice translation, AI writing assistance, smart camera advice — the Pixel 10 excels.
- Photography Lovers: The added telephoto lens gives more flexibility.
- Long-Term Buyers: With 7 years of software support, this is a phone you can potentially keep for a long time.
- Everyday Users: For calls, media, social, and work, the Pixel 10 is more than capable.
Less Ideal For:
- Hardcore Gamers: If you want the absolute best GPU for gaming, there are better-performing options.
- Speed-Charging Fans: If you demand ultra-fast wired or wireless charging, the Pixel 10 might feel a little slow.
- Power Users: Those needing pro-level photography modes, or very large storage, might look at Pro / XL / Fold variants instead.
Comparison With Competitors
Here’s how the Pixel 10 stacks up against a few rival phones (mid-2025):
| Competitor | Advantage vs. Pixel 10 | Where Pixel 10 Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S25 (base) | Might have higher peak performance, faster charging | Longer software support, Google AI features, more refined camera AI |
| Apple iPhone 17 | Very strong A-series performance, iOS ecosystem | Better AI integration, strong photography with telephoto, magnetic wireless support (via Pixelsnap) |
| OnePlus 15 | Likely has faster charging, raw power | Cleaner Android, AI features, Google update promise |
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 10 is not a “wild leap forward,” but it’s a smart evolution. With the Tensor G5 chip, Google leans even more into its vision of an AI-powered, assistant-first smartphone. The addition of a telephoto camera, the refined display, robust build, and long-term software support make it a very attractive package.
It’s not the best pick for users whose highest priorities are gaming performance or ultra-fast charging. But for the majority — who want a reliable, smart, and capable everyday flagship — the Pixel 10 offers real value.
Bottom Line: The Pixel 10 is a “thinking person’s flagship.” It delivers where it counts — AI, camera, longevity — and gives enough performance for most users without overreaching.