Pixel 10 Pro Review: AI Features & Hardware Analysis

Pixel Devices and the Integration of Google AI

Pixel devices have consistently represented Google's perspective on the Android operating system. They also serve as a key platform for demonstrating the company’s latest applications and technological innovations.

Currently, this vision centers around Google’s suite of consumer AI technologies.

The Focus on AI Accessibility

Google aims for Pixel users to fully integrate Google AI into their daily routines through its new range of devices.

While much discussion surrounds AI as a transformative shift, companies recognize that smartphones remain the most effective means of reaching consumers.

Google is actively working to establish a perception that its phones and associated AI tools are superior.

To reinforce this message, they have even collaborated with Jimmy Fallon for promotional purposes.

Hardware Updates and New Features

The Pixel hardware lineup has experienced only incremental changes this year.

A significant update is the inclusion of a telephoto camera on the base Pixel 10 model.

Another notable addition is Pixelsnap – Google’s implementation of MagSafe utilizing Qi2 charging – which expands accessory options, including chargers and stands.

Initial Impressions of the Pixel 10 Pro

Having used the Pixel 10 Pro for the past several days, it’s clear the device features a new, brighter display, increased RAM, and an enhanced camera system.

The company’s announcements heavily emphasized the new Tensor G5 chip, which is now manufactured by TSMC instead of Samsung.

Google asserts that this new chip delivers improved AI performance and supports the latest Gemini Nano model.

(A comprehensive performance review will follow after extended use. Further updates are forthcoming.)

Software and the Prominence of AI

Pixel phones have long been recognized for their distinctive software features.

However, with the increasing emphasis on AI, this characteristic has become even more pronounced.

System AI Capabilities

Numerous companies are currently emphasizing AI technology within their product presentations. However, consumers frequently encounter a limited realization of these advertised capabilities upon initial device use. As an illustration, my experience with an Indian Pixel device reveals that certain AI features are not immediately accessible.

Notably, the Daily Hub functionality – which provides a daily summary alongside content recommendations – and conversational editing support within Photos are presently exclusive to the United States.

Magic Cue represents a key AI feature introduced this year. Its purpose is to intelligently present information across different applications based on contextual understanding.

The design intent is to offer relevant information, such as details regarding restaurant reservations, flights, or hotel accommodations, in a contextually appropriate manner. For instance, a discussion about lunch with a friend could trigger lunch suggestions, while a call to an airline might display corresponding flight information.

During testing, Magic Cue proactively displayed a contact’s information when I received a text message requesting it.

Furthermore, it suggested content related to “Love Is Blind” upon opening YouTube, based on previous screenshots and messages. A coffee shop recommendation also appeared when I launched Maps.

However, when prompted about a cat food order via text, Magic Cue failed to integrate contextual data from a related delivery confirmation email found in Gmail.

Currently, this feature primarily functions across Google’s suite of applications, including Messages, Gmail, Keep, Calendar, Screenshots, and Contacts.

The future development of Magic Cue is of interest, particularly regarding its potential integration with third-party apps and its capacity to incorporate a wider range of contextual information. This ambition echoes Apple’s 2024 preview of an AI-enhanced Siri, which has faced delays and is now anticipated to launch no earlier than 2026.

Initial impressions of Magic Cue are positive, but its long-term effectiveness will require sustained use and thorough evaluation.

Another noteworthy AI feature debuting on Pixel 10 devices is call translation, which is particularly beneficial for individuals communicating with speakers of different languages or collaborating with international colleagues. Google highlighted that, in addition to language translation, the feature preserves the user’s voice in the translated output. While this claim generally holds true, the range of supported languages is currently limited.

A call with a French-speaking friend, conducted while I spoke English, functioned effectively in both directions. Regrettably, the same cannot be said for a Hindi-English conversation. (Although Hindi support is still in preview, the translation quality was often unsatisfactory.)

Gemini Live, capable of identifying objects within a live video feed, proved to be a variable upgrade on the Pixel 10. It accurately recognized my Sprigatito toy, advised on the appropriate spoon for measuring coffee, and provided guidance on cleaning the AirPods Pro 2.

However, it incorrectly identified the Pixel 9 Pro XL as a OnePlus phone and incorrectly indicated the location of the SIM tray.

Several additional AI-driven features are integrated throughout the system, including the ability to add music to voice recordings – a potentially valuable tool for musicians; seamless sharing of screenshots and voice transcripts to NotebookLM, now a pre-installed application; and enhanced voice editing and writing tools within Gboard.

Camera and Image AI Capabilities

The Pixel’s camera system delivers consistently strong performance, producing images characterized by vibrant colors and impactful presentation. While significant alterations to the core camera hardware are absent, Google has implemented a substantial number of software enhancements.

In a landscape increasingly defined by the integration of AI into smartphone photography, Google is simultaneously focused on educating users in photographic techniques through a feature known as Camera Coach.

When utilizing the rear camera on the latest Pixel device, a user can activate Camera Coach by tapping a shimmering camera icon located in the upper right corner of the screen. This initiates an analysis of the current frame and provides suggestions for capturing the image in various styles.

Upon selecting a desired style, Camera Coach offers guidance regarding lens selection, object composition, and vertical adjustment for optimal leveling. These tips, while occasionally general, can offer valuable insights into framing, even for those with existing photographic knowledge.

The Camera Coach also includes a “Get Inspired” function, leveraging generative AI to present pose and positioning variations. However, the suggestions were sometimes irrelevant, and occasionally produced uncanny or unnatural expressions and limb placements, particularly when applied to human subjects.

Super Res Zoom, a new addition to the Pixel 10 Pro, stands out as one of the most compelling camera features.

Previous Pixel models offered up to 30x zoom, but the Pixel 10 Pro extends this capability to 100x. The device employs AI models to enhance the upscaled image, yielding remarkably detailed results. This allows for the clear identification of distant objects, rather than simply a blurred image. The process relies on AI to fill in missing details, and both processed and unprocessed images are stored for comparison.

Achieving a stable shot at 100x zoom requires a steady hand, presenting a considerable challenge.

An updated Portrait mode is also included, now capable of capturing images at 50 megapixels. Despite the increased resolution, subject separation isn’t always accurate. Instances of blurring around the edges of subjects, including people and animals, may still occur.

The company utilizes advanced frame-mashing techniques within the new AI-powered Best Take feature to produce optimal group photos. The Pixel captures multiple shots and selects the one where all subjects have open eyes and are facing the camera. If a perfect image isn’t available, the phone intelligently merges elements from multiple images to achieve the best possible outcome.

The action pan mode proved particularly enjoyable, allowing for focused capture of moving subjects with a blurred background created by the phone’s software and camera system.

Choosing the Right Pixel: A Buyer's Guide

Considering a Pixel purchase? Perhaps you're an existing Pixel owner looking for an upgrade, or a user transitioning from another platform like iPhone, seeking the authentic Google Android experience. The Pixel’s renowned photographic capabilities may also be a significant draw.

These are all valid motivations for investing in a new Pixel device. While yearly hardware improvements are typical for flagship phones, a noticeable difference will be apparent, particularly when upgrading from a device older than two years.

Pixel 10 Pro vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL

A key advantage of the Pixel 10 Pro is that the Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t offer substantial additional benefits. Beyond a larger display and extended battery life, the XL model provides 25W Qi wireless charging, representing its primary distinction.

Google has successfully maintained a high degree of consistency in features and hardware specifications between both Pro models.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

The core debate centers around the integration of AI. The concept of an “AI phone” suggests a continuously evolving user experience, with new features delivered over time.

To encourage adoption, Google includes complimentary AI Pro plans with Pro phones for one year, allowing users to explore and benefit from Google’s AI capabilities.

However, as demonstrated by Apple’s recent challenges, promised AI features may face delays or even be cancelled, potentially feeling superfluous upon release.

Geographical variations will also impact the AI experience, with feature availability and performance differing based on language and location.

Google presents an ambitious vision of AI integration, but this ideal isn’t universally realized. While AI is pervasive throughout the Pixel ecosystem, its utility won’t be consistently required.