The smartphone world is buzzing with excitement as Google officially confirms its next big hardware event for August 20, where the Pixel 10 lineup and Pixel Watch 4 are expected to debut. After months of leaks and speculation, we finally have concrete details about what could be Google’s most significant phone release yet. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Pixel 10 series.
When Can You Get Your Hands on the Pixel 10?
Mark your calendars! Google will hold its Made by Google event on August 20, 2025, with pre-orders starting the same day and devices beginning to ship on August 28. This represents a shift from Google’s traditional fall release schedule, following the successful August launch strategy introduced with the Pixel 9 series.
The timing is particularly strategic, as it positions the Pixel 10 just ahead of Apple’s expected iPhone 17 announcement in September. For anyone planning their next phone upgrade, this August window gives you a clear choice between Google’s latest offering and waiting for Apple’s response.
Pricing: What Will the Pixel 10 Cost You?
One of the biggest concerns for potential buyers has been pricing, especially after recent price increases across the smartphone industry. The good news? European prices will remain the same as the Pixel 9 series, which suggests similar pricing stability for other markets.
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Pixel 10: Starting at $799 (same as Pixel 9)
- Pixel 10 Pro: Starting at $999 (unchanged)
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: Starting at $1,199 ($100 increase)
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Starting at $1,599 ($200 decrease)
The most interesting change is the significant price drop for the foldable model, making it more accessible to users who’ve been curious about foldable technology but hesitant about the premium pricing.
What’s New in Design and Display?
If you were hoping for a dramatic design overhaul, you might be disappointed. Google will play it extremely safe in terms of design, with almost no design changes at all from the Pixel 9 series. However, this isn’t necessarily bad news – the Pixel 9’s design was widely praised for its premium feel and practical functionality.
Display Improvements Worth Noting
While the overall design remains familiar, the display technology is getting meaningful upgrades. The Pixel 10 could squeeze some extra nits of brightness, and Google is reportedly working to improve its OLED PWM dimming rate to address screen flicker issues that have bothered some users.
The screen sizes will likely remain consistent:
- Pixel 10 Pro: 6.3-inch display
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: 6.8-inch display
- Pixel 10: Similar to current base model sizing
Camera Innovations: Still Google’s Strongest Suit
Google’s camera prowess has always been a major selling point, and the Pixel 10 promises to push boundaries even further. The Tensor G5 chip might enable 4K 60fps HDR video, a notable upgrade from the current 4K 30fps limit.
Video Gets Major Attention
One of the most exciting developments is in video capability. The Pixel 10 series may feature a major boost in video stabilization, potentially matching the smoothness of a gimbal like the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – without the actual hardware. This could finally help Google close the gap with iPhone video quality, which has long been considered the gold standard.
AI-Powered Camera Features
The camera system will benefit from new AI capabilities powered by the Tensor G5 chip, including:
- Enhanced “Video Generative ML” for simplified video editing
- Improved macro photography using dual camera sensors
- Advanced machine learning for photo processing
Performance Revolution: The Tensor G5 Difference
Perhaps the most significant upgrade in the Pixel 10 is under the hood. The Tensor G5 marks a pivotal moment for Google’s chipset lineup, as it will be the first fully in-house design produced by TSMC using an advanced 3nm process.
Why This Matters for You
Previous Tensor chips were based on Samsung’s Exynos architecture, which often led to performance throttling and battery drain during intensive tasks. The move to TSMC’s 3nm process should deliver:
- Significantly better performance
- Improved power efficiency
- Better thermal management
- Enhanced AI processing capabilities
The Complete Pixel 10 Lineup
Google isn’t simplifying its lineup anytime soon. Codename leaks suggest that Google won’t be doing anything different in 2025, meaning we’ll get four Pixel 10 models:
- Pixel 10 (“Frankel”) – The standard flagship
- Pixel 10 Pro (“Blazer”) – Premium features in compact size
- Pixel 10 Pro XL (“Mustang”) – Large screen flagship
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold (“Rango”) – Foldable experience
Each model targets different user preferences while maintaining Google’s signature software experience and camera excellence.
Software and AI: What Makes Pixel Special
The Pixel 10 will launch with Android 16, giving users the latest features and security updates. Google’s magic algorithms continue to be the driving force behind smaller camera sensors producing solid pictures and video clips.
AI Integration Done Right
Google continues to lead in practical AI implementation, though some users might find the abundance of AI features overwhelming. The good news is that most AI features can be customized or disabled based on your preferences.
Should You Wait for the Pixel 10?
The decision ultimately depends on your current phone and specific needs. If you’re using a Pixel 8 or newer, the improvements might feel incremental. However, users with older devices or those from other brands will likely notice significant improvements in camera quality, performance, and AI capabilities.
The Pixel 10 represents Google’s vision of smartphones becoming more intelligent and capable while maintaining the clean Android experience that Pixel users love. With competitive pricing (especially for the foldable), meaningful performance improvements, and continued camera leadership, it’s shaping up to be a compelling choice in 2025’s smartphone landscape.