Pixel 10 Cameras
Google’s Pixel phones have always been known for their stellar camera performance, especially in terms of computational photography. And with the custom ISP in Tensor G5, things are about to get even better.
That said, a report has revealed that camera hardware across the Pixel 10 range is receiving significant changes – though not necessarily improvements.
Starting with the Pixel 10, it will indeed feature a telephoto lens, confirmed as an 11Mp Samsung 3J1 – the same one found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, that comes at a cost and it reportedly won’t get Ultra Res Zoom or ultra-stable video recording features found on the Pro models.
The main sensor is being downgraded from the 50Mp Samsung GNV to the smaller 50Mp Samsung GN8, while the ultrawide is shifting from a 48Mp Sony IMX858 to a 13Mp Sony IMX712. These same sensors were previously used in the Pixel 9a.
The selfie camera is also changing, from a 13Mp IMX712 to the same 11Mp Samsung 3J1. While Google could use advanced AI and ISP processing to improve results, the smaller sensors may lead to worse low-light performance and reduced image detail.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, by contrast, will reportedly stick with the same camera hardware as last year: a 50Mp Samsung GNV primary sensor and a 48Mp Sony IMX858 for ultrawide, telephoto, and front-facing duties. However, the new Tensor G5 ISP might help squeeze more out of the existing setup.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will receive a minor update, with the main 64Mp Sony IMX787 from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold replaced by the 50Mp Samsung GN8 or a 49Mp sensor, again used in the Pixel 9a. Aside from this primary lens change, the rest of the camera configuration remains untouched.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
These changes indicate a broader strategy from Google: differentiating the base model more clearly from the Pro devices. But with the base Pixel 10 effectively using Pixel 9a-grade hardware plus a telephoto, it might be a tough sell at around £800/$800 unless software advancements deliver meaningful gains.
Those models with a telephoto lens are reportedly going to benefit from ‘tele-macro’ photography, meaning you can use the telephoto lens for super close-up shots. You’ll still be able to use the ultrawide and get even closer but the tele-macro option is likely to be higher quality.
The Pixel 10 series will also likely continue to focus on AI-driven improvements rather than just these hardware upgrades.
New features could include improvements to Night Sight, Astrophotography, and Portrait Mode, using AI to further enhance image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Additionally, Google could enhance Video Boost, which debuted in the Pixel 8 series, to provide even better video stabilisation and clarity, making the Pixel 10 a go-to device for mobile videographers.
Another area of improvement might be in Zoom Enhance, which uses AI to maintain image clarity at higher zoom levels without needing massive physical camera sensors.
With Google’s increasing emphasis on AI image processing, it’s likely that the Pixel 10 will take this even further, allowing for higher-quality zoomed-in shots without adding bulk to the camera system.
Lastly, we can expect AI-driven features like ‘Add Me’ and ‘Reimagine’ – which debuted on the Pixel 9 series – to evolve, giving users more creative tools to edit and perfect their photos.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The recent leak from Google’s gChips division mentioned earlier has shed more light on advanced AI and camera features.
With the Pixel 10, powered by the Tensor G5, users can expect 4K HDR video recording at 60fps, a substantial upgrade from the 30fps limit on the Pixel 9, bringing Google’s devices closer to the capabilities of its competitors.
The G5 may also introduce AI-powered video editing features, including ‘Generative AI-based Intuitive Video Editing’ in Google Photos, which could function as a ‘Magic Editor’ for videos.
Additional editing tools, such as ‘Speak-to-Tweak’ for voice-controlled adjustments and ‘Sketch-to-Image’ for turning sketches into photos, aim to simplify and enhance the editing experience.
Moreover, the Tensor G5 might allow on-device processing for Stable Diffusion models, which should boost generative editing capabilities without needing cloud support.
It’s also rumoured that the Pixel 10 phones will get a big upgrade in the area of stabilisation. In fact, it’ll be so dramatic, it’ll be like “using a Pixel 10 on a DJI Osmo Mobile 6, but without that gimbal.”
Sources: Android Authority | Android Headlines | Android Headlines (2) | Android Headlines (3)