The Pixel 10 Pro is likely not set to be a significant upgrade, yet there’s still plenty to look forward to.
Google Pixel 10 Pro
Minor enhancements
The Google Pixel 10 Pro is anticipated to launch in August, with expectations for a bigger battery, a new chip, a more visually pleasing display (fingers crossed), and some exclusive AI functionalities. It probably won’t represent a substantial enhancement compared to the 9 Pro, making it difficult to warrant an upgrade, but the new processor should bring some exciting new features.
Advantages
– No indication of a price hike over the 9 Pro
– Tensor G5 could be worth the anticipation
– Possible larger battery and quicker charging capabilities
– Ships with Android 16
– Will feature a 10 Pro XL variant
Disadvantages
– 128GB of base storage feels insufficient
– No noteworthy upgrades to the cameras (speculative)
– Still requires a case for Qi2 wireless charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The champion of compact phones
The Google Pixel 9 Pro rolled out Google’s innovative design ethos for its smartphones, which will also be seen in the 10 Pro. The 9 Pro showcases some of the finest AI capabilities, outstanding cameras, an extensive software support lifecycle, impressive haptics, and faster charging than before. However, its cost is high, and the base storage of 128GB doesn’t aid its cause.
Advantages
– Two sizes available without sacrificing features
– Seven years of software support and updates
– Remarkable new AI features you’ll genuinely appreciate
– The beloved camera, now enhanced
– Enhanced charging speeds (with the appropriate charger)
– Excellent haptics
Disadvantages
– Tensor isn’t ideal for gaming and experiences throttling
– The lowest PWM dimming rate in the industry
– Higher pricing than ever before
– 128GB base version
Google has finally offered two sizes in its Pro series phones with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. This is something that Pixel enthusiasts have desired for years, and it is gratifying to see Google fulfill that request. The Pixel 9 Pro marked a significant progression in design maturity and incorporated some of the top AI features available in an Android device.
Nonetheless, it had its shortcomings. The display suffered from an excessively low PWM dimming rate; the processor was not geared toward competitive gaming, and the limited 128GB base storage was disappointing for a phone that cost more than its predecessor.
Those who passed on the 2024 model in hopes of acquiring the Pixel 10 Pro this year may not be too pleased. The Pixel 10 series is anticipated in August, and according to current leaks, it doesn’t seem to be wildly different from the 9 Pro. This raises the question when weighing the Google Pixel 10 Pro against the Pixel 9 Pro — is it truly worth the wait?
Google Pixel 10 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Design and display
Our clearest insight into the Pixel 10 Pro comes from a purported hands-on snapshot shared by Mystic Leaks. The device appears almost identical to the 9 Pro, apart from the rear camera bar, which seems noticeably larger. This size increase has seemingly been corroborated by Thinborne’s new cases for the Pixel 10 series, which are reportedly already sold out.
It’s not surprising that Google hasn’t implemented any radical design alterations, given that a significant redesign occurred just last year. While we may see a few minor modifications in construction and layout, the Pixel 10 Pro should fundamentally resemble the 9 Pro. A lighter weight would certainly be appreciated, as the 9 Pro is not exactly lightweight at nearly 200g.
The Pixel 9 Pro is already exceptionally well-constructed, so there wasn’t much that needed changing in the first place. The front and back utilize Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch protection, and it holds an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The protruding rear camera cluster didn’t win universal favor, and it persists on the 10 Pro as well. The Pixel 10 Pro should maintain the same weather resistance and robust build.
The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, reaching up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, with a sharp resolution of approximately 495 ppi. The one aspect we found disappointing was the low 240Hz PWM dimming rate, which can lead to significant headaches for those sensitive to flicker. Virtually everyone in the industry has shifted to a higher PWM rate or adopted DC dimming entirely, yet Google remains unchanged.
There’s no indication that the Pixel 10 Pro’s display will differ significantly. This suggests we can expect similar size, resolution, and brightness specs. However, there’s a glimmer of hope that Google