Google Pixel 10 Camera: Specs, Features & Review

The Google Pixel series has consistently redefined smartphone photography. Google’s approach prioritizes computational photography over raw hardware. The new Google Pixel 10 camera continues this tradition. It introduces a significant shift in its camera hardware. This review will delve into the Google Pixel 10 camera specs, features, and performance. We will explore how its new triple-camera system stands up to the competition. We’ll also examine if the changes are a step forward or a step back.

A Detailed Look at the Pixel 10’s Camera System

The Google Pixel 10 marks a notable change in the series. For the first time, the base model gets a triple-camera setup. This is a feature previously reserved for the “Pro” models. The new camera bar houses a wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. This gives the standard Pixel a versatility it never had before.

Main Camera: 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide)

The primary camera on the Pixel 10 features a 48 MP sensor. This is a slight shift from the 50 MP sensor found on the previous Pixel 9. It uses a 1/2.0″ sensor and a wide f/1.7 aperture. The dual-pixel PDAF ensures fast, accurate focus. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is also included. This helps with both photos and videos.

• Comparison with Pixel 9: The Pixel 9’s main camera had a larger 1/1.31″ sensor. This provided better low-light performance on paper. However, the Pixel 10’s new sensor is optimized for Google’s latest Tensor G5 chip. This new chip has an all-new Image Signal Processor (ISP). The real-world results are often a different story from the specs sheet. Google’s computational photography can often overcome hardware differences.

Ultrawide Camera: 13 MP, 120˚, 1/3.1″

The ultrawide lens on the Pixel 10 is a 13 MP sensor. It has a 120-degree field of view. This is perfect for capturing large landscapes or group photos. The PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) is a key addition. It allows the camera to focus on subjects in the frame.

• Comparison with Pixel 9: The Pixel 9’s ultrawide camera was a 48 MP sensor. This seems like a significant downgrade. However, the Pixel 10’s ultrawide lens now includes autofocus. This enables Macro Focus for detailed close-up shots. This is a new and valuable feature for the base model. The trade-off in resolution is compensated by this new functionality.

Telephoto Camera: 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm, 5x optical zoom

The most exciting new addition is the telephoto lens. The Pixel 10 now has a dedicated 5x optical zoom camera. This is a game-changer for the standard Pixel. The 10.8 MP sensor has an f/3.1 aperture and OIS. It also features dual-pixel PDAF. This combination ensures sharp, stable telephoto shots.

• Comparison with Pixel 9: The Pixel 9 lacked a dedicated telephoto camera. Any zoom was done digitally. This resulted in a loss of quality. The Pixel 10’s 5x optical zoom provides a massive improvement. It allows for high-quality, long-distance photos. It brings the base model closer to the Pro line. The new telephoto lens offers 10x optical-quality zoom through advanced cropping. Super Res Zoom extends this to 20x.

Selfie Camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 95˚, 20mm (ultrawide)

The front-facing camera remains a strong point for the Pixel. It’s a 10.5 MP sensor with a wide 95-degree field of view. This is ideal for group selfies. The PDAF ensures your face is always in focus.

• Comparison with Pixel 9: The front camera is essentially unchanged. It retains the same quality and features as the previous model. The wide field of view is a key selling point.

Advanced Software & AI-Powered Features

The true magic of the Google Pixel 10 camera lies in its software. The new Tensor G5 chip and its ISP power a suite of AI features.

• Ultra-HDR and Pixel Shift: These are core to the Pixel experience. Ultra-HDR captures a wider range of colors and light. Pixel Shift combines multiple frames for greater detail.
• Best Take and Auto Best Take: Best Take helps you get the perfect group shot. It can swap faces from different shots to ensure everyone looks their best. The new “Auto Best Take” feature does this automatically. It uses Gemini AI to analyze faces and merge the best expressions.
• Video Capabilities: The Pixel 10 supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps. It also offers 1080p recording at up to 240fps for slow motion. The gyro-EIS and OIS provide excellent video stabilization. The 10-bit HDR video ensures vibrant and true-to-life colors.
• Camera Coach: This is a new, AI-driven feature. It offers real-time tips on composition, lighting, and framing. It’s like having a photography expert in your pocket.
• Add Me: This feature lets you add yourself to a group photo you took. It uses AI to seamlessly insert you into the shot. This is great for solo photographers.
• Ask Photos: The integration with Google Photos is deeper than ever. You can now use AI to describe edits you want. For example, “remove the reflections on the window.” This makes photo editing simple and intuitive.

Pros and Cons of the Pixel 10 Camera

Pros:

• Dedicated Telephoto Lens: This is the biggest upgrade for the standard Pixel. The 5x optical zoom is incredibly useful.
• Outstanding Computational Photography: Google’s software is second to none. Features like Auto Best Take, Ultra-HDR, and the new Camera Coach are powerful.
• Improved Autofocus: The inclusion of PDAF on the ultrawide lens is a major plus. It enables Macro Focus.
• Excellent Video Stabilization: The combination of OIS and gyro-EIS creates very stable footage.
• Seamless User Experience: The camera app is fast and simple. The AI features work in the background. They improve your photos without a steep learning curve.

Cons:

• Downgraded Main Sensor: The switch from a larger 50 MP sensor to a smaller 48 MP one is a concern for some users. While Google’s software is powerful, a larger sensor can capture more light and detail.
• Downgraded Ultrawide Sensor: The drop in resolution from 48 MP to 13 MP is significant. While it gains Macro Focus, some might miss the higher resolution.
• No Pro Controls: The base Pixel 10 still lacks manual controls. This is a feature reserved for the Pro models. It may be a drawback for enthusiasts.

Important Points for a Buyer

The Google Pixel 10 camera is a fascinating case of trade-offs. The hardware may seem like a step back in some areas. But the software is a huge leap forward. The biggest selling point is the addition of the 5x telephoto lens. This makes the phone much more versatile.

For the average user, the Pixel 10 will likely deliver superior results. They will benefit from the new telephoto lens and the powerful AI features. Features like “Auto Best Take” and “Camera Coach” are designed for the casual photographer. They make it easier to get great shots.

If you are a Pixel 9 user, the upgrade is compelling. The 5x telephoto lens alone is worth it. For those coming from another brand, the Pixel 10 offers a unique experience. Its focus is on making photography easy and intelligent. The results are often stunning.

The phone’s new Tensor G5 chip is a key factor. It powers all the new AI features. This deep integration is something competitors can’t easily match. Google has chosen to prioritize function and usability over raw specifications.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 10 camera represents a strategic evolution for the series. It’s not about winning a hardware war. It’s about delivering the best possible photographic experience. The addition of the 5x optical telephoto lens is a monumental upgrade. It provides a new level of creative freedom.

While the main and ultrawide sensors have been “downgraded” on paper, the practical impact is minimal. The new Tensor G5 chip and its AI-driven features compensate for this. They enhance every aspect of the photography process.

The Pixel 10 is an ideal camera phone for the majority of users. It offers a powerful, intuitive, and highly capable system. It brings a Pro-level feature (the telephoto lens) to a more accessible price point. The Google Pixel 10 camera is a testament to the power of smart software. It sets a new standard for what a smartphone camera can do.

FAQ