AI-powered Pixel 10 smartphones: What we already know about Google's new "iPhone killer"

Google will unveil the new Pixel 10 smartphones on August 20, but many of the devices' potential features are already known. These are mostly rumors and leaks, but the manufacturer itself is also revealing details—and poking fun at Apple.

Google's Pixel smartphones are slowly but steadily increasing their market share in Germany. According to market researcher Canalys , they ranked third last year with 4 percent, behind devices from Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, which accounted for 36, 34, and 18 percent, respectively. This year, the Pixels could gain significantly again, as AI is becoming an increasingly important selling point. And no competitor can currently compete with Google in this regard, especially not Apple, which the Pixel manufacturer has been making fun of.

The devices will be officially unveiled on August 20, but they're already no longer a big secret, partly because Google itself has already released a few teasers. Leaked photos and specifications complete the picture.

Pixel 10

Google has already unveiled the design in a short video. It's not particularly exciting, as what you see could also be the current Pixel 9 Pro (XL). But it's actually the standard device, which, like the two Pros, now apparently has a telephoto camera on the back in addition to the main and ultra-wide-angle cameras.

According to " Android Headlines ," the standard phone is taking over from the current Pixel 9 Pro Fold . According to the report, the telephoto camera has five times optical magnification and a 10.8 megapixel (MP) sensor. Interestingly, the other two sensors, at 48 and 12 MP, are said to have a lower resolution than the Pixel 9 (50 and 48 MP, respectively).

Google may be trying to maintain a distance from the Pros. However, with larger sensors, the quality of the images themselves could remain just as good, especially in low light. Besides, Google has already proven that it can create small camera miracles with its processor and software.

The OLED display will remain 9.3 inches, offering a sharp 422 pixels per inch (ppi) and refresh rates of 60 or 120 Hz. However, with a maximum of 3000 nits instead of 2700, it will likely be brighter than the 9. The integrated fingerprint sensor is expected to respond more quickly on all non-folding newcomers.

The battery capacity is expected to increase from 4700 to 4970 milliampere hours (mAh). Furthermore, the battery should be able to be charged faster than before, at 29 watts (W) via cable and 15 W via induction. Due to the larger battery, a slight increase in weight and possibly a slightly thicker casing can be expected.

What's certain is that all new Pixels will be powered by Google's Tensor G5 chip. The Pixel 10 will likely have 12 gigabytes (GB) of RAM, like its predecessor, and 128 or 256 GB of flash storage.

Google may have really cut corners on the Wi-Fi modem. According to Android Headlines, it doesn't support Wi-Fi 7, even though the Pixel 9 does.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL

Like the current devices, the two new Pros will have identical technical specifications except for display and battery sizes. The most significant hardware difference compared to the current Pros is the new G5 chip, which is paired with 16 GB of RAM in the top models.

Additionally, the Pixel 10 Pro duo could achieve longer battery life than the Pixel 9. The battery capacities are expected to be 4870 and 5200 mAh, while the current devices have 4700 and 5060 mAh batteries. Therefore, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are likely to be slightly thicker and heavier than their predecessors.

The displays are expected to measure 6.3 and 6.8 inches, respectively, with 495 and 486 ppi resolutions, and offer an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz. However, as with the standard model, Google may have increased the brightness of the displays.

The new Pros will likely retain the camera configuration of their predecessors: a 50- and 48-megapixel main and wide-angle camera, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with five-fold optical zoom. Instead, Google is said to be focusing primarily on AI upgrades—more on that in a moment.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The Pixel Pro 10 Fold also looks uncannily similar to its predecessor. According to Android Headlines, however, the device also has a larger battery. The capacity has increased from 4650 to 5015 mAh, and charging speeds are said to be faster, both wired and wireless. The external display is reportedly 0.1 inches larger than its predecessor at 6.4 inches, thanks to narrower bezels and an optimized hinge.

It would be truly spectacular if it turns out that the new Fold, thanks to its improved hinge, is not only waterproof but also dustproof, meeting IP68 standards. No other foldable smartphone has offered this to date. The devices are either not protected at all or only lightly protected against the penetration of small foreign objects.

Pixelsnap

According to Android Authority, Google is working on magnetically attachable accessories for Pixel 10 devices, similar to Apple's MagSafe. These will include a charger, a charging dock, and a ring stand. It remains to be seen whether only the Pros will have a magnetic back or whether the standard device will also be equipped with one.

AI, AI, AI

In addition to hardware improvements, Google is primarily focusing on further developed or new AI features. According to "Android Headlines," this starts with the cameras, which will feature an AI coach. When you focus on a subject, the AI coach will offer live suggestions for composition and exposure, among other things.

AI is also expected to make nighttime and zoom shots even easier. AI-assisted image and video editing is also expected to be improved and expanded.

Magic Cue is brand new. According to " 9to5Google ," it's an assistant that makes suggestions based on the app you're currently using. According to a leaked screenshot, the AI also uses recent screen activity and information from Google apps. Your phone number and data from your Google account are also included.

Since this may be a bit creepy for some, users have the option to disable the feature and select the apps they allow access to. Google also states that Magic Cue app data and recent screen activity are protected in a secure, isolated environment.

An example of Magic Cue's help can also be seen in the screenshot: If a friend asks for the flight number in a chat, Magic Cue can look it up from Gmail.

Mockery for Apple

Whether you want an AI assistant with such deep insights is debatable—Apple has nothing comparable to offer, even though it announced such features at last year's WWDC developer conference. Google isn't above mocking its competitor, Apple, for this in a PR video for the new Pixels.

A name isn't mentioned, but it's clear who's meant. While images of a Pixel 10 are shown, a voice says: "If you want to buy a new phone because of a feature that's coming soon , but has been saying soon for a full year, you could change your definition of soon —or just change your phone." An instrumental version of Dr. Dre's song "The Next Episode" plays in the background. In 2014, Apple bought Beats by Dr. Dre for $3 billion.