Google’s getting ready to unveil their next generation of premium smartphones, and if you’re thinking about upgrading your phone later this year, the Pixel 10 Pro lineup deserves your attention. With an official announcement coming this August, we’re getting a clearer picture of what Google has planned for their flagship phones.
Whether you’re a current Pixel user wondering if it’s worth upgrading, or someone considering switching from another brand, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro series.
What Models Are Coming and When Can You Get Them?
Google isn’t just making one Pixel 10 Pro – they’re planning three different versions to match different needs and preferences. Just like with the current generation, you’ll have options:
The standard Pixel 10 Pro will likely stick with the compact 6.3-inch screen that made the Pixel 9 Pro popular with people who want flagship features without a massive phone. For those who prefer bigger screens, the Pixel 10 Pro XL should maintain its 6.8-inch display. And if you’re interested in foldable technology, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will continue Google’s book-style folding phone approach.
Release Date and Availability
Mark your calendars for August 20th – that’s when Google will officially announce their new hardware at their Made by Google event. Based on Google’s recent patterns, you can probably expect to actually buy these phones in late August or early September.
This timing is great news for one important reason: unlike last year’s Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 10 Pro should ship with Android 16 right out of the box. Google moved up their Android release schedule, so you won’t have to wait for a software update to get the latest features.
How Much Will the Pixel 10 Pro Cost?
While Google hasn’t announced official pricing yet, we can make educated guesses based on current models. The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999, the Pro XL at $1,099, and the Pro Fold at $1,799.
There’s some potentially good news and bad news on pricing. The good news is that Google might reduce the price of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold – which would be welcome since it’s currently one of the most expensive phones you can buy. The less great news is that Google might eliminate the 128GB storage option for some models, meaning you’d need to pay for more storage even if you don’t need it.
Design and Display: Familiar but Refined
What the Pixel 10 Pro Will Look Like
If you’re hoping for a dramatic design overhaul, you might be disappointed. Based on leaked images and technical drawings, the Pixel 10 Pro series will look very similar to current models. You’ll still see the distinctive camera bar across the back, rounded corners, and the same general proportions.
But “similar” doesn’t mean “identical.” Google appears to be taking an “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” approach with their design language, which makes sense since the Pixel 9 series received positive feedback for their build quality and aesthetics.
Display Improvements That Actually Matter
While the screen sizes are staying the same, Google is reportedly making some improvements that could reduce eye strain. The Pixel 10 Pro might feature better PWM dimming at 480Hz, which could make the screen more comfortable to use for extended periods, especially in low light conditions.
For the Pixel 10 Pro Fold specifically, there are rumors of a slightly larger cover screen (growing from 6.3 to 6.4 inches) and improved water resistance with an IP68 rating instead of the current IPX8. That IP68 rating would be a significant upgrade, offering better protection against both water and dust.
Camera System: Quality Over Quantity
What’s Staying the Same
Here’s something that might surprise you: the camera hardware in the Pixel 10 Pro is expected to be nearly identical to what’s in the current Pixel 9 Pro. Same main sensor, same ultrawide camera, same telephoto lens setup.
Before you get disappointed, remember that Google’s strength has never been about having the most megapixels or the biggest sensors. Their magic happens in the software, and that’s where the real improvements will likely come.
AI-Powered Photography Improvements
The new Tensor G5 chip (more on that below) should enable new computational photography features. While we don’t know exactly what these will be yet, Google has consistently impressed with features like Magic Eraser, unblur, and their portrait mode improvements.
Expect the focus to be on making your photos look better with less effort from you, rather than giving you more manual controls or bigger numbers to brag about.
Performance and AI: The Real Stars of the Show
Tensor G5: Google’s Next-Generation Chip
The biggest upgrade in the Pixel 10 Pro will likely be the new Tensor G5 processor. Google is reportedly working with TSMC to manufacture this chip, potentially using a more advanced 3-nanometer process that could improve both performance and battery life.
However, don’t expect this to suddenly turn the Pixel into a gaming powerhouse that competes with the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy in raw processing benchmarks. Google’s chips have always prioritized AI capabilities over pure speed, and that’s unlikely to change.
New AI Features Coming Your Way
The most exciting rumors suggest Google is working on something called “Pixel Sense” – a more proactive AI assistant that learns your habits and offers suggestions based on what’s on your screen and what you typically do throughout the day.
Imagine your phone automatically suggesting relevant apps when you arrive at work, or surfacing information related to what you’re currently viewing without you having to ask. This kind of contextual assistance could make your phone genuinely more helpful in daily life.
Battery Life and Charging: Bigger Numbers, Better Experience
Longer-Lasting Batteries
One area where Google is reportedly making clear improvements is battery capacity. The Pixel 10 Pro might pack a 4,870 mAh battery (up from the current model), while the Pro XL could jump to 5,200 mAh. The Pro Fold is also expected to get a 7% increase to 5,015 mAh.
Combined with the potentially more efficient Tensor G5 chip, this should translate to noticeably better all-day battery life.
Charging Speeds: Modest Improvements
Charging speeds aren’t getting a major overhaul, but there are some improvements. The standard Pixel 10 Pro will likely stick with 29W wired charging, but the Pro XL might bump up to 39W. These aren’t the fastest charging speeds you can find, but they’re adequate for most people’s needs.
Wireless charging is expected to remain at 15W across the lineup.
Should You Wait for the Pixel 10 Pro?
If You Currently Have a Pixel 8 Pro or Older
The upgrade probably makes sense, especially if battery life or camera performance are important to you. The combination of better battery capacity, improved efficiency, and new AI features should provide a noticeable improvement in daily use.
If You Have a Pixel 9 Pro
This is a tougher call. Unless the new AI features really appeal to you or you’re having battery life issues, the improvements might not be dramatic enough to justify the upgrade cost. The design similarities and identical camera hardware mean your current phone will remain very capable.
If You’re Coming from Another Brand
The Pixel 10 Pro could be an excellent choice, especially if you value camera quality, regular software updates, and AI-powered features over raw performance specs. Google’s approach to Android is clean and thoughtful, and their commitment to security updates is among the best in the industry.
What We Still Don’t Know
Several important details remain unclear as we approach the August announcement. Pricing could shift significantly from current models, and we don’t know the full extent of the new AI features Google is planning. The actual real-world performance of the Tensor G5 chip also remains to be seen.
Google I/O 2025 showed off some intriguing Android 16 features, including a desktop mode that could make the Pro models even more versatile for productivity tasks. How these features integrate with the new hardware will be worth watching.
The Bottom Line
The Pixel 10 Pro series appears to be more of a thoughtful evolution than a revolutionary leap forward. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – Google seems to be focusing on refining what already works well rather