Google's latest Pixel 10 represents a significant shift toward artificial intelligence integration, launching in August alongside the Pro and Pro XL variants. The device introduces several AI-powered features and becomes the first smartphone series to support Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets, which Google brands as Pixelsnap. However, early reviews suggest the AI implementation feels underwhelming despite the company's heavy marketing focus on these capabilities.
Design and Build Quality Maintain Familiar Pixel Aesthetics
The Pixel 10 continues Google's established design language, bearing strong resemblance to previous generations and its Pro siblings. The off-white Frost model features a subtle purple tint that gives it a distinctive appearance while maintaining an overall ordinary look. The device feels substantial in hand with a bright display suitable for outdoor use, though users may need time to adjust to the flipped power and volume button placement compared to other Android phones. The under-display fingerprint sensor performs reliably with quick response times.
AI Features Promise More Than They Deliver
Google has positioned artificial intelligence as the Pixel 10's primary selling point, but the execution falls short of expectations. The device runs Android 16 out of the box with Gemini prominently featured in a dedicated home screen widget, providing easier access to functions like Gemini Live. Pixel Journal, exclusive to the Pixel 10 lineup, attempts to recreate traditional diary experiences with AI-generated prompts based on photos, goals, or past entries, though the bot's reflections feel intrusive to many users.
The most promising feature, Magic Cue, designed to pull information from different apps and present it contextually, proved problematic during testing. Users report persistent login issues and the feature failing to deliver its promised magical suggestions even after troubleshooting. Camera Coach, another AI-powered tool meant to improve photography skills, requires an internet connection and delivers basic guidance through a cluttered interface that actually hinders the shooting experience.
Performance Shows Tensor G5 Growing Pains
The Pixel 10 utilizes Google's first fully in-house developed Tensor G5 chipset, which delivers mixed results. Daily tasks like swiping, scrolling, and app loading perform smoothly without major issues. However, gaming performance reveals significant limitations, with demanding titles like Genshin Impact causing noticeable lag and stuttering even on high settings. More intensive games like Destiny: Rising become exercises in patience, struggling to maintain playable framerates even on low settings.
Despite Google's claims about faster AI processing, these tasks still feel sluggish in practice. The disconnect between marketing promises and real-world performance highlights the Tensor G5's rough edges as Google's first fully independent processor design.
Battery Life and Charging Offer Practical Improvements
The Pixel 10 features a 4,970mAh battery, representing a modest upgrade from its predecessor. Under moderate usage including video streaming, the device typically lasts about a day and a half, with more conservative users potentially stretching battery life to two days. Video streaming tests yielded over 17 hours of continuous playback. Charging takes approximately 90 minutes from empty despite slightly improved wired charging speeds. The inclusion of Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets makes the Pixel 10 series unique in the smartphone market.
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| A sleek UGREEN Nexode 65W GaN USB-C Charging Station, illustrating the enhanced charging options available with the Pixel 10 |
Camera System Brings Mixed Upgrades
Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel 10 adopts a triple camera setup with a new telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. This addition comes at the cost of downgrades to the main and wide-angle sensors, creating a trade-off situation. In practice, the cameras produce vibrant, well-balanced images with colors that appear both striking and true to life. The photography experience generally delights users when conditions align properly.
However, consistency issues plague the camera system, with some shots appearing grainy and noisy even in well-lit environments. The returning Add Me feature allows photographers to appear in group photos, though it struggles with simpler backgrounds where blending becomes more obvious.
Magnetic Ecosystem Opens New Accessory Possibilities
The Pixel 10's Pixelsnap magnetic system enables compatibility with numerous MagSafe and Qi2 accessories. Essential accessories include Google's own USD 30 Pixelsnap Ring Stand, which offers perfect alignment and 360-degree rotation functionality. The Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger provides versatile charging and viewing angles, while PopSockets' enamel variants offer improved durability over standard models.
Photography enthusiasts can benefit from magnetic tripods like the KraftGeek JustTap, which extends up to 66 inches and includes Bluetooth remote functionality. Lighting accessories such as the Ulanzi LM19 LED ring light cost just USD 25 while providing adjustable brightness and temperature controls. The magnetic ecosystem transforms the Pixel 10 into a more versatile content creation tool.
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| A modern Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger, demonstrating the new accessory compatibility offered by the Pixel 10's magnetic system |
Market Competition Intensifies Pressure
The Pixel 10 faces strong competition from established players. Apple's iPhone 17 offers a 6.3-inch 120Hz display with the A19 chip and dual 48MP camera system starting at RM3,999. Samsung's Galaxy S25 features a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB RAM, and triple camera setup for the same price. Huawei's Pura 80 provides compelling value at RM3,299 with a 50MP main camera and 5.5x optical zoom telephoto lens.
Final Assessment Reveals Unfulfilled Potential
The Google Pixel 10 represents an interesting but flawed attempt at AI integration in smartphones. While the magnetic Pixelsnap system opens new accessory possibilities and the camera improvements show promise, the lackluster AI features and gaming performance limitations prevent the device from achieving its ambitious goals. The pure Android experience becomes questionable with pre-installed apps like Pixel Studio and Pixel Journal, contradicting Google's traditional blank slate approach. The Pixel 10 feels more like a stepping stone toward future AI capabilities rather than a fully realized vision of intelligent smartphone computing.
