Google’s annual smartphone releases always generate excitement, and this year’s Pixel 10 Pro promises to be no different. While the Pixel 9 Pro earned praise as a solid flagship device, there’s always room for improvement. As we look ahead to Google’s next release, several key areas could make the Pixel 10 Pro a more compelling choice for everyday users.
Let’s dive into the realistic upgrades that could transform your daily smartphone experience.
Performance That Actually Keeps Up
The Current Reality
Here’s the thing about Pixel phones – they’ve never been about raw speed. Most people buy them for the clean Android experience and excellent cameras, not to break benchmark records. But in 2025, that approach feels increasingly outdated.
When you’re trying to edit a quick video for social media or running multiple apps during a busy workday, those performance gaps become noticeable. The current Tensor chips, while decent, often leave users waiting just a bit too long for apps to load or photos to process.
What We Need to See
The rumored Tensor G5 chipset needs to deliver meaningful improvements in everyday tasks. We’re not asking for gaming phone performance, but smooth multitasking and faster AI processing would make a real difference. Think about it – if Google wants the Pixel to be your AI companion, it needs the horsepower to handle those tasks without breaking a sweat.
More importantly, better performance could help with another persistent issue: overheating.
Charging Speed: Catching Up to Reality
The 27W Problem
Charging at 27W in 2025 feels like using dial-up internet in the smartphone era. While the Pixel 9 Pro manages this speed, it’s painfully slow compared to what’s available elsewhere. Chinese manufacturers are pushing 90W+ charging speeds, and even mid-range phones often charge faster than Google’s flagship.
In our real-world testing, getting to 55% in 30 minutes isn’t terrible, but it’s not great either. When you’re rushing out the door and need every percentage point, those extra minutes matter.
The 60W Solution
Recent rumors suggest the Pixel 10 Pro might jump to 60W charging. That would be a significant improvement – potentially cutting charging times nearly in half. For busy professionals, parents, or anyone who relies heavily on their phone, faster charging isn’t just convenient; it’s essential.
This upgrade alone could make the Pixel 10 Pro worth considering over its predecessor.
Keeping Cool Under Pressure
The Overheating Issue
Picture this: you’re on vacation, taking photos in bright sunlight, and your phone starts getting uncomfortably warm. Soon, it’s throttling performance or even shutting down features to cool off. This scenario has been all too common with recent Pixel phones.
The Pixel 9 Pro struggles with heat management during intensive camera use – exactly when you need it to perform best. This isn’t just annoying; it’s a fundamental problem for a phone marketed heavily for its photography capabilities.
Better Thermal Management
Google has several options to address this. A larger vapor chamber for heat dissipation, better software optimization, or simply designing the internal layout for better airflow could all help. Some manufacturers have made significant strides in thermal management, so the technology exists.
For the Pixel 10 Pro to truly excel, Google needs to ensure it can handle extended photo sessions, video recording, and AI processing without breaking a sweat.
Storage: Stop Shortchanging Users
The 128GB Frustration
Starting a $999 flagship phone with just 128GB of storage feels almost insulting in 2025. Between high-resolution photos, 4K videos, apps, and cached content, that space disappears quickly. Many users find themselves constantly managing storage instead of simply using their phone.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Plus offers 256GB at the same price point, making Google’s storage offering look stingy by comparison. Even OnePlus, traditionally a value brand, now starts at 256GB for flagship devices.
256GB Should Be Standard
Doubling the base storage to 256GB would eliminate most users’ storage anxiety. For photographers and content creators – key Pixel demographics – this extra space could mean the difference between capturing that perfect moment and getting a “storage full” error.
This change would also position the Pixel 10 Pro more competitively against Samsung and other Android flagships that already offer more generous storage allocations.
Why These Changes Matter
These improvements aren’t just about specs on paper – they’re about creating a phone that works better in real life. Faster performance means less waiting. Better charging means less anxiety about battery life. Improved cooling means reliable performance when you need it most. More storage means freedom from constant file management.
Google has built a solid foundation with the Pixel series. The camera quality, software experience, and AI features are genuinely impressive. But small frustrations can overshadow these strengths, especially when competitors offer better solutions.
The Bigger Picture
The smartphone market has become incredibly competitive. Apple continues to refine the iPhone experience, Samsung pushes display and design boundaries, and Chinese manufacturers offer incredible value. For Google to maintain its position, the Pixel 10 Pro needs to address these practical concerns while building on existing strengths.
These aren’t revolutionary changes – they’re evolutionary improvements that could significantly enhance daily use. Sometimes, the best upgrades are the ones that simply remove friction from your routine.
The Pixel 9 Pro proved Google could build a compelling flagship. Now, the Pixel 10 Pro has the opportunity to build a truly outstanding one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Google Pixel 10 Pro be released? A: Google has announced their Made by Google event for August 20, 2025, where we expect to see the full Pixel 10 series reveal including the Pixel 10 Pro.
Q: How much faster will the Pixel 10 Pro charge compared to the Pixel 9 Pro? A: Rumors suggest the Pixel 10 Pro may support 60W charging compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 27W, which could potentially cut charging times nearly in half.
Q: Will the Pixel 10 Pro have better performance for gaming and apps? A: The expected Tensor G5 chipset should deliver improved performance over the current generation, though Google typically focuses more on AI processing and camera capabilities than raw gaming performance.