I recently got my hands on the new Google Pixel 10 Pro, but is it the upgrade photographers have been waiting for? I’ve been putting it to the test, and in this article, I’ll break down my key takeaways for you.
An Incremental Update with a Few Surprises
I kicked off my review by acknowledging the internet’s sentiment that the Pixel 10 Pro is a very incremental update. My goal was to discover if there were any hidden gems or if this was the least improved phone in Pixel history.
Hardware: Heavier, Brighter, and a “Snap”
While you might expect a new phone to be lighter, the Pixel 10 Pro is actually about 10 grams heavier than its predecessor. The screen dimensions remain the same at 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.8 inches for the Pro XL, but the brightness has seen a welcome 10% boost.
One of the best new additions is “Pixel Snap,” Google’s version of MagSafe. This feature is integrated directly into the phone, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of accessories, including Apple’s MagSafe chargers, which I confirmed works perfectly.
Cameras: The Same, but Different
The camera hardware on the Pixel 10 Pro is virtually identical to the Pixel 9 Pro. I’m convinced we’ve reached a plateau with smartphone camera hardware, and the real advancements are now happening in the realm of AI and software.
The Power of AI
- 100x Zoom with ProRes AI: Google claims the Pixel 10 Pro can achieve an astounding 100x zoom. While I found the results can be impressive for social media, it’s important to note that the AI isn’t just enhancing existing detail—it’s often replacing it. This can lead to some odd-looking results, especially with faces and text.
- Camera Coach: This new feature analyzes your scene and offers suggestions for better composition, such as using the rule of thirds and incorporating foreground elements. I found it to be a great tool for both beginners and experienced photographers looking for a quick reminder.
- AI Editing: The Pixel 10 Pro offers a suite of AI-powered editing tools that allow you to add, remove, and modify elements in your photos. I had some fun with this, humorously adding a fish to my friend’s hand and a pile of fish at his feet to test its capabilities.
- Ask Photos for Help: This feature, which wasn’t available for me to test in my region yet, allows you to use voice commands to edit your photos.
Portrait Mode and Video
I was pleased to see a significant improvement in Portrait Mode compared to the Pixel 9 Pro. It now produces a much more natural transition and handles fine details like hair much better.
However, the video capabilities remain largely unchanged from the previous model. This was a weak point for the Pixel 9 Pro, and unfortunately, it seems that hasn’t been addressed here.
Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?
After extensive testing, I’ve concluded that while the Pixel 10 Pro offers some nice, albeit minor, improvements, it’s not a must-have upgrade for Pixel 9 Pro owners. The advancements are primarily in software and AI, while the core camera hardware remains the same. My advice is that the decision to upgrade now depends more on how long you’ve held onto your current phone rather than any single groundbreaking new feature.
What are your thoughts on the new Pixel? Let me know in the comments below!
