If you’re someone who gets excited about the latest smartphones, mark your calendar for August 21st. Google has officially announced their Made by Google event, and this year’s lineup is shaping up to be something special. While we’re all still getting used to our current phones, the tech giant is ready to shake things up again with the Pixel 10 series.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far, and more importantly, what it means for you as an Australian consumer.
When Can You Actually Get Your Hands on the Pixel 10?
Google has set the date for August 21, 2025, at 3am AEST for their big reveal event in New York. Yes, it’s another painfully early morning for us Aussies, but that’s the price we pay for being on the other side of the world from tech headquarters.
If you’re planning to stay up (or wake up incredibly early), you can catch the live stream on Google’s official YouTube channel. For everyone else who values their sleep, all the juicy details will be available to read with your morning coffee.
The Timeline That Actually Matters
Based on Google’s previous launches, here’s what you can expect:
- August 21: Official announcement and pre-orders go live
- August 28: Phones hit store shelves and start shipping
Pre-orders will likely be available immediately through Google’s store, plus major Australian retailers like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and Amazon. This gives you about a week to decide if you want to jump on the pre-order bandwagon or wait for initial reviews.
What’s New and Actually Worth Getting Excited About
The Tensor G5: Google’s Biggest Leap Forward
The most significant upgrade coming to the Pixel 10 lineup is Google’s new Tensor G5 processor. Early benchmark tests suggest this isn’t just a minor bump – we’re talking about potential performance improvements of up to 36% over the current Tensor G4.
What does this mean in real terms? Your phone should handle AI tasks much faster, games should run smoother, and those computational photography features Google loves to show off should work even better. If you’ve ever felt your current Pixel lagging during intensive tasks, this could be the generation that fixes that.
The Foldable Finally Gets Serious
Google’s foldable efforts have been interesting but not quite compelling enough for most people. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold might change that. The device is getting a larger cover screen (bumping up from 6.3 to 6.4 inches) and a much bigger battery – jumping from 4,650mAh to 5,015mAh.
More importantly, it’s expected to be the first foldable phone with an IP68 rating, meaning it can actually survive being dropped in water. Both Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Motorola’s foldable only offer IP48 protection, which is significantly less robust.
Camera Changes That Matter
For the first time ever, the base Pixel 10 model will feature a triple camera setup. This brings it closer to what you’d expect from a premium phone without having to pay Pro-level prices. The specific camera improvements haven’t been detailed yet, but Google’s computational photography has always been their secret weapon.
The Money Question: What Will This Cost You?
Here’s where things get interesting – and potentially disappointing. Current rumours suggest pricing will remain similar to the Pixel 9 series, which saw significant price increases from the previous generation.
Expected Australian Pricing
Based on the Pixel 9 launch prices, here’s what you might be looking at:
- Pixel 10 (128GB): Around $1,349
- Pixel 10 Pro (128GB): Approximately $1,699
- Pixel 10 Pro XL (128GB): Close to $1,849
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold (256GB): Potentially $2,699
These aren’t official prices, but they give you a realistic expectation of where Google might land. The good news? No significant price increases. The bad news? These phones aren’t getting any cheaper.
Colors and Design: Playing It Safe
Google appears to be taking a conservative approach with the Pixel 10 design. Don’t expect dramatic visual changes from the Pixel 9 series – this seems to be more about refinement than revolution.
Color Options to Choose From
The base Pixel 10 will come in Obsidian (black), Indigo (purple), Lemongrass (yellow), and Frost (blue). The Pro models add Jade (green), Moonstone (gray), and Porcelain (white) to the mix, while dropping some of the more playful colors.
The foldable will be limited to just Jade and Moonstone – a surprisingly conservative choice for what’s supposed to be Google’s most premium device.
Should You Wait or Upgrade Now?
This is the question everyone’s really asking. If you’re currently using a Pixel 8 or newer, the improvements might not justify the cost unless you specifically want the foldable or need that extra processing power.
However, if you’re holding onto an older device or considering switching from another brand, the Pixel 10 series could offer compelling value. The combination of Google’s AI features, improved performance, and competitive cameras makes for a solid package.
Who Should Definitely Consider Upgrading
- Current Pixel 7 or older users looking for a significant performance boost
- iPhone users curious about Android but wanting premium features
- Anyone interested in foldables who’s been waiting for better durability
- Photography enthusiasts who want the best computational camera experience
The Bottom Line
The Google Pixel 10 series represents steady evolution rather than revolution. While that might sound boring, it’s exactly what the Android market needs right now – reliable, well-built phones that deliver on their promises without gimmicky features.
The real test will be whether Google can maintain competitive pricing while delivering meaningful improvements. With the August launch just weeks away, we won’t have to wait long to see if these rumours match reality.
For Australian consumers, the timing works out well. The launch comes just before the traditional holiday shopping season, giving you plenty of time to research, compare, and decide if the Pixel 10 deserves a spot in your pocket.