For the past few weeks, I’ve been using the Google Pixel 10 as my daily driver. Compact phones are finally making a comeback in 2025, and the Pixel 10 is Google’s latest attempt to appeal to that audience. But after using it extensively, here’s my honest opinion: the Pixel 10 is a good phone, but it’s not worth the money.Lets begin google pixel 10 Review.
Before we delve any further, here’s the reality—at around £850 / $999, the Pixel 10 competes with some major rivals like the Galaxy S25, Vivo X200 FE, and last year’s iPhone 16, which are now available for much less. So, does Google’s new compact flagship justify the premium? Let’s find out.
Google Pixel 10 Specifications
- Display: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G5 (3nm)
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB
- Rear camera: 48MP main (OIS), 10.8MP telephoto (5x zoom), 13MP ultrawide
- Front camera: 10.5MP
- Battery: 4,970mAh, 30W wired, 15W Qi2 wireless
- Construction: Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68, recycled aluminum
- Software: Android 16 with 7 years of updates
- Weight: 204 grams
Performance
The Tensor G5 chip was seen as a major leap forward for Google. Built on TSMC’s 3nm process, it promised improved efficiency and more power. But in real-world use, performance still lags behind Snapdragon and Dimensity phones.
Benchmark scores are disappointing, and gaming performance is weaker than expected. Even moderate titles like PUBG Mobile sometimes freeze after 15-20 minutes and show heat buildup. The phone gets so hot that you want to turn it off.
Google says it’s focusing more on “user experience” than raw power — and it’s true. For everyday use, the Pixel 10 feels smooth. Multitasking, scrolling, and app switching are smooth. But if you’re looking for flagship-level gaming, this isn’t the phone for you.
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Software Experience
The software remains the Pixel’s strongest point. Android 16 feels smooth, clean, and intuitive. Animations are improved, and app performance is stable. Google’s signature AI features like Gemini Live, Magic Editor, and Call Assist make everyday tasks easier.
There’s one catch, though: some of the AI tools, including Magic Q, are still limited to the US market. UK users still don’t get full access, which is disappointing considering you’re paying for a flagship.
The good news is that, like Apple and Samsung, Google guarantees seven years of software and security updates. If you want to keep your phone for a long time, this is a big reason to consider the Pixel 10.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has been significantly improved. The 4,970mAh battery easily lasts a full day even with heavy use. On average, I got 7-8 hours of screen-on time, which is excellent for a compact flagship.
Charging is good—30W wired and 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless. The new PixelSnap magnetic charging system seems inspired by Apple’s MagSafe, but it’s convenient. Sadly, Google’s official charger costs around £45/$50, which seems unnecessary considering the phone’s already high price.
Design and Display
If you’ve seen the Pixel 9, the Pixel 10 looks pretty much the same. Same camera bar, same aluminum frame, same minimalist design. It’s not as thin as the Galaxy S25, but it feels solid and premium.
The 6.3-inch OLED panel is bright and vibrant, with crisp contrast and excellent outdoor visibility. It supports HDR10+, which works perfectly with Netflix and YouTube. However, it’s not a fully adaptive LTPO panel, so it manually switches between 60Hz and 120Hz.
Audio quality is solid, with loud stereo speakers and rich haptic feedback. Overall, the combination of design and display makes this one of the best compact Android phones to hold and use.
Camera performance
Google has added a 5x telephoto lens, which is a nice upgrade. But the main and ultrawide cameras are a step down. The ultrawide lacks autofocus, which means you can’t take proper macro shots.
Compared to the Galaxy S25, the Pixel 10 takes more natural-looking photos. Colors are accurate, shadows are well-balanced, and details remain consistent. On the other hand, the Samsung produces stronger photos that sometimes suppress shadow details but look more attractive at first glance.
Zoom performance is excellent. The 5x lens delivers clear, detailed results up to 20x digital zoom. In low light, the Pixel handles brightness better than the Samsung, keeping highlights under control. However, both phones struggle with ultrawide shots in low light.
The selfie camera is the same as last year, delivering sharp and natural shots with good color balance. However, the portrait mode is disappointing. Edge detection isn’t as accurate, and photos look sharper than Samsung’s 3x portrait lens.
When it comes to video recording, the Pixel 10 delivers average results. Footage looks a bit soft and lacks the stabilization you’d expect at this price. The front camera and ultrawide perform well, but not enough to stand out.
Google Pixel 10 Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent software experience
- Clean Android 16 with long-term support
- Strong battery life
- Premium design and bright display
- Reliable 5x zoom performance
Cons
- Low value for money
- Average gaming performance
- Camera results are inconsistent
- Portraits and video need improvement
- Some AI features are limited to the US
Verdict: Should you buy the Google Pixel 10?
The Pixel 10 is a polished, compact Android phone with great software and long-lasting support. But at its full price of £850 / $999, it’s hard to recommend. The Pixel 9, which is now discounted, offers 90% of the same experience for much less.
If you like raw performance or better cameras, the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 will offer more value. If you like clean Android and long-lasting updates, the Pixel 10 is a safe, reliable option – it’s not the best deal in 2025.
