As it currently stands, the best Pixel 10 Pro Fold deal that we've found so far comes from Best Buy. The phone retails for the same $1,799 price as its predecessor, but pre-ordering from Best Buy knocks the price down to $1,039 when trading in. Plus, Best Buy will give you a $350 gift card for free, so you're basically getting the Fold for less than $700.

✅Recommended if: You want a foldable phone with IP68 water and dust resistance, along with an excellent set of cameras and an even better software experience.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't have an existing phone that can take full advantage of the deal, or you don't want to pay out of pocket for an unlocked phone.

Going into 2025, we were interested to see what Google was going to deliver with its next foldable phone. And while it's not quite as dramatic of an upgrade compared to last year's model, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still managed to surprise on multiple levels.

The sleek design introduced last year makes its return, still making for one of the thinnest foldable phones available. Google's knocked it out of the park with the color choices too, as they're both simply fantastic.

More important than the design are the changes that you won't immediately see. For one, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first foldable phone to feature an IP68 rating, something that even Samsung didn't achieve with its Galaxy Z Fold 7. Some of this was made possible thanks to the upgrades to the hinge and the glass found on the inner display.

Not only that, but we should see some pretty impressive performance gains with the Tensor G5. It might not be able to match up with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but it brings Google a closer to the top than we expected.

How fast is the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold charging speed?

Everything to know about the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold's battery and charging specs

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold finally made its debut at the Made by Google event on August 20, 2025. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold not only packs a brand-new TSMC-made Tensor G5 chipset, but the company has also improved the charging speeds and battery capacity of its latest book-style foldable

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold ships with a 5,015 mAh battery, which is an increase of 365 mAh compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As for charging speed, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold supports up to 39W fast wired charging with a USB-C cable. This is a massive increase over the 21W charging speed we saw with Google's previous-generation foldable phone.

According to Google, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold can charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes when using a 30W USB-C charger. The charging time will drop further if you use a 45W USB-C charger recommended by Google.

This is a massive jump not only because Google has almost doubled charging speeds in one generation, but also because the Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers more than 50% faster charging than its direct competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The foldable from Samsung still offers only 25W wired charging.

And that's not all, Google has packed major upgrades into the wireless charging technology as well. Similar to all Pixel 10 models, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold supports Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, meaning you no longer need a third-party case or sticker to charge your Pixel using a magnetic charger. Instead, you can stick your Pixel 10 Pro Fold, similar to an iPhone, on a MagSafe charger.

Moreover, thanks to Qi2 support, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold also delivers up to 15W wireless charging, double the 7.5W of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This means wireless charging times should be significantly shorter. Google will also be offering a number of official Qi2 charging accessories as part of its new Pixelsnap lineup.

The Pixel 10 series is finally official, and there aren't any real surprises with regard to the phones' designs compared to what we've already seen from the leaked renders. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is once again the largest flagship Pixel of the lot, which will compete directly with Samsung's plus-sized model.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus has a lot going for it, like a powerful processor, a versatile rear camera system, and a large and bright display, making it one of the best Android phones in the market. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a bit more pricey than the Galaxy, but still in the same ballpark range, which makes for an exciting plus-sized battle.

Between the Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Plus, which flagship deserves room in your pocket?

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Pricing and availability

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199, which is $100 more than what the 9 Pro XL starts at. Thankfully, the base 128GB storage variant has been scrapped in favor of 256GB. This isn't really a price increase, considering the 256GB variant of the 9 Pro XL already costs $1,199, so Google simply eliminated one variant of the offering. Preorders for the 10 Pro XL run between August 20 and August 28, when it hits store shelves.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus now starts at $999.99 for 256GB of storage, and $1,119.99 for 512GB. There's no 1TB storage variant here like you'll get with the Pixel. The S25 Plus has been in the market for more than six months, which means it's easier to find a good deal for it during sales or even in general. Samsung has Google beat on the pricing front, at least for now.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Design and display

The Pixel 10 Pro XL looks virtually identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. If you compare them side by side, you'll probably notice a few differences, like the larger camera cutouts on the back or the new polished finish for the side rails. What you'll also notice is the weight, which has actually gone up to 232 grams from 221 grams. This makes the 10 Pro XL way heavier than the 190 grams of the S25 Plus.

While the dimensions of the 10 Pro XL are nearly the same as the 9 Pro XL, the larger camera bar might still make it tricky to reuse older cases. The 10 Pro XL comes in Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian. Moonstone is Google's flagship color for this series. The phone is also IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, and it supports Pixelsnap, which allows it to magnetically use Qi2 chargers without a case. The S25 Plus also supports Qi2 charging, but you need a Qi2 case to make it work.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL keeps the same display as the 9 Pro XL but with higher brightness of up to 3,300 nits. It's a 6.8-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,992 x 1,344 pixel resolution, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. PWM-sensitive users should also rejoice as Google has finally addressed this issue by offering a new accessibility setting which claims to "improve the viewing experience for sensitive eyes." We'll be sure to test this one out in our full review.

Samsung has always offered somewhat more eye-friendly displays, and the Galaxy S25 Plus features a 480Hz PWM rate. It's a tad smaller at 6.7 inches, but it's equally pixel dense, has a high brightness of up to 2,600 nits, and good scratch protection. The screen is also great for watching content and playing games.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Hardware and specs

The one thing we're all eagerly excited to see is the new Tensor G5 chipset's performance in the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It's this new custom chip that has enabled Google to introduce new features like Magic Cue, which is said to proactively offer support like finding a photo that someone from your contacts might request in a message or call. The 10 Pro XL ships with Android 16 out of the box, and will get seven years of OS and security updates.

The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy mobile platform, which is the best available for Android phones. It'll be interesting to see how the Tensor G5 compares, so keep an eye out for our Pixel 10 review. There is a difference in RAM too, with the 10 Pro XL getting 16GB while the S25 Plus gets 12GB.

As expected, the Pixel 10 Pro XL gets new AI features like Camera Coach, which guides you on how to frame your shot, Auto Best Take, and Edit with Ask Photos. The latter feature is great for novice users as it lets you perform edits with simple text prompts. The Galaxy S25 Plus comes with a suite of useful Galaxy AI features, too, so choosing one over the other will depend on which ones you find most useful.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL should win the battle of cameras and battery life when compared to the Galaxy S25 Plus. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has the same camera hardware as its predecessor, which includes a 50MP main, 48MP telephoto, and a 48MP ultrawide camera on the back. However, the new Tensor G5 chip and updated ISP could lead to improvements in image quality for stills and video. We'll know for sure once we've tested it.

The S25 Plus has a solid 50MP primary camera, but the other two (10MP and 12MP) won't be able to capture the same level of detail as the Pixel.

The 10 Pro XL should also last longer than the Samsung, per charge, thanks to a larger 5,200mAh battery capacity. There's faster wired charging than before, and you get Pixelsnap magnetic Qi2 wireless charging as well. As noted before, the Galaxy S25 Plus can do Qi2 charging, but only with a compatible case.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Which one is the best?

The Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Plus are both expensive phones at the end of the day, and if you've decided to buy either of them, I don't see price being a major deciding factor. I'd put my money on the Pixel 10 Pro XL simply because it's newer, will get day-one Android updates directly from Google, and its cameras and battery life would be better than Samsung's. Plus, I do like the design way better than the Galaxy, but that's subjective.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a good value and will continue to get updates for the next seven years. It's also lighter and slimmer than the Pixel, which could swing a lot of votes in its favor. Keep in mind that it will be yesterday's news in a few months, and it's likely that not all Galaxy AI features will be free to use by the end of 2025.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

You'll still need to pay the $40 activation fee, but this is nevertheless an exceptional opportunity for anyone who's sick of all the Pixel 10 deals that require a trade-in. That being said, if you do have something to trade in, Verizon is offering up to $1,000 of promo credits over 36 months. 

✅Recommended if: you want an AI-powered smartphone with great cameras and years of software support; you're already a Verizon user or willing to switch.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a trade-in opportunity; you don't care about AI stuff; you're already the proud owner of a Pixel 9 Pro.

Although we haven't had the opportunity to give the Google Pixel 10 Pro a comprehensive review just yet, our early hands-on tests reveal a device that could easily earn a place among the best Android phones released in 2025. Powered by the new Tensor G5 chipset, the Pixel 10 Pro comes with 16GB of RAM as standard, plus you get some new camera tech, the latest AI capabilities, and Qi2 magnetic charging support. 

The phone also boasts a stunning 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display with a Gorilla Victus 2 construction and IP68 ingress protection. And like top-rated phones released this year, the entire Google Pixel 10 flagship lineup guarantees seven years of OS and security upgrades straight out of the box. 

Like I mentioned above, you'll have to sign up for the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate to be eligible for the Verizon deal, but these unlimited plans are fortunately pretty great if you can afford them. Both plans get you unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's famous 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus you get premium mobile hotspot data and the ability to mix and match your perks every month. 

The Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate plans start at $80/month and $90/month for a single line, respectively, but you can drop the price considerably by taking advantage of Verizon's multi-line discounts. There's also a 3-year price lock guarantee with all Verizon plans. 

Indeed, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro, this year's flagship may not be the dramatic transformation you were hoping for, but the Pixel 10 Pro proves that Google is still great at making phones that are innovative where it counts. This is especially true if you care about AI features and camera performance in your phones. Is it worth the upgrade if you're already using a Pixel 9 Pro? It's hard to say, but I certainly wouldn't buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro without a great preorder deal attached. 

Google Pixel 10 series announcement -- quick links

• Made by Google 2025: LIVE updates and everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 10 hands-on: A bigger upgrade than you think
• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on: The world's first dustproof folding phone
• Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: AI on your wrist
  
  The best Google Pixel 10 deals (so far)
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 10 with eligible line
• AT&T: up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
• Verizon: free Pixel 10 with eligible line
• Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in, line
• Amazon: Free gift cards with purchase
• Best Buy: Free gift cards, trade-in credit
• The best Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preorder deals
• The best Google Pixel Watch 4 preorder deals

• Arc’s bringing its minimalist case design to the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL with the new Arc Pulse, built from aerospace-grade Aluminum 7075-T6 with scratch-resistant coatings.
• The two-piece, pressure-fit design snaps on securely without adhesives, so your phone’s finish stays untouched.
• Despite its slim look, it’s drop-tested from 10 feet and packs 360-degree protection with a metal shell and impact-absorbing elastomer.

Arc has been known for its ultra-minimal phone cases, and it is now bringing its signature design to Google’s latest flagship phones with the Arc Pulse for the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Sticking to Arc’s minimalist approach, the Pulse stays slim without cutting back on protection. Instead of using the typical plastic shell, the Arc Pulse is built from aerospace-grade aluminum and uses a two-piece, pressure-fit design that locks onto the phone’s edges.

The case is made from tough Aluminum 7075-T6 with scratch-resistant coatings. The pieces stay firmly attached to your Pixel 10 Pro/XL but are easy to snap on and off, skipping the need for adhesives that could mess with the phone’s finish.

Far from a conventional case, the Arc Pulse offers comprehensive drop and corner protection for your new Pixel 10 while maintaining a minimalist form factor.

Corner protection without hiding the Pixel’s design

This setup is meant to shield the corners where most drops cause damage, while still leaving the phone’s design visible.

Tested to withstand 10-foot drops, it delivers full 360-degree protection thanks to its aerospace-grade metal shell paired with a custom elastomer lining that absorbs impact.

The Arc Pulse is available in two finishes, Matte Black for $70 and Polished Silver for $90, with both options now up for preorder through Arc’s official website.

According to Arc co-founder Niclas Bertelsen, the idea behind the case is not only to protect the Pixel but also to complement its look, noting that as smartphones evolve, cases should follow the same path.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Arc was founded in 2019 by three friends from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Since then, the brand has made a name for itself by mixing clean design with practical engineering, always keeping minimalism at the core.

• Pixel 10 Pro supports 25W Qi2.2 charging, while Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro cap at 15W Qi2.
• Google says heat management is a key reason for slower charging on smaller Pixel 10 models.
• Slower charging aims to extend battery longevity, with Google promising 7 years of support.

The Pixel 10 series is finally official, and one of the biggest upgrades with the new generation is support for native Qi2 wireless charging.

However, if you've noticed closely, only the Pixel 10 Pro supports up to 25W faster wireless charging (Qi2.2), while the smaller Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro support only up to 15W wireless charging (Qi2). But we might now have an idea why faster charging is reserved for the larger model.

At the Pixel 10 series showcase in India today, we reached out to a Google spokesperson asking why there is a discrepancy in the charging speeds of the Pixel 10 models, even though the hardware underneath appears the same.

The spokesperson said Google took this decision due to several factors. One of the biggest challenges with wireless charging is managing heat. Wireless charging can heat devices significantly, which can in turn harm the battery, wearing it down faster (or in rare cases even catching fire).

Some Pixel 6a models have also been catching fire while charging, which could explain Google taking an extra cautious approach.

Google limits Pixel 10 and 10 Pro wireless charging speeds for heat and durability reasons

Other factors, according to the spokesperson, include thermal performance and cooling efficiency. It's worth noting that the Pixel 10 uses a graphene cooling system, while both Pro models use a vapor chamber.

While Google didn't explicitly say which is better, vapor chamber cooling is usually considered more effective, and the larger chamber in the Pixel 10 Pro XL may be why it can handle faster charging.

The spokesperson also noted that limiting charging speeds on the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro supports the company's promise of seven years of support. Slower charging helps reduce wear on the battery over time, making it easier to deliver on that long-term commitment.

Even though charging speeds differ, Google emphasized that the overall Qi2 experience is consistent across the lineup. This means you can use magnetic wireless chargers and MagSafe accessories like wallets, mounts, and power banks on all models without using any third-party cases or stickers.

Android Central reached out to Google again for an official statement, but it did not get one in time for publication. We'll update this story if we hear back.

Unlike most of the Google Pixel 10 deals we've seen so far, no trade-in is required, and nearly all of T-Mobile's data plans will earn you the max amount of credit. Not too shabby for a stylish, AI-boosted smartphone that hasn't even been released yet.

New T-Mobile deal could get you a FREE Google Pixel 10, no trade-in required

Although it's not quite the dramatic upgrade that we were hoping for, the Google Pixel 10 is still an impressive flagship phone with new hardware and a few surprising specs under the hood. All three phones in the flagship line — which includes the standard Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL — are powered by the new Google Tensor G5 chipset, plus you get an upgraded triple camera system, a bunch of new AI-powered software features, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. The Pixel 10 is also the first major Android phone to sport Qi2 MagSafe support.

There were a few choices that some Android fans may not appreciate, such as removing the physical SIM card tray, but these are pretty minor issues when you look at the overall package here. The big question is if you should upgrade if you're already the proud owner of a Pixel 9. Fortunately, we built a Pixel 10 vs Pixel 9 guide to address this very problem. Needless to say, if you do choose to upgrade, this T-Mobile deal might be the way to go.

Need a backup plan?

Google Pixel 10 launch — quick links

• Made by Google 2025: LIVE updates and everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 10 hands-on: A bigger upgrade than you think
• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on: The world's first dustproof folding phone
• Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: AI on your wrist
  
  The best Google Pixel 10 deals (so far)
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 10 with eligible line
• AT&T: up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
• Verizon: free Pixel 10 with eligible line
• Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in, line
• Amazon: Free gift cards with purchase
• Best Buy: Free gift cards, trade-in credit
• The best Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preorder deals
• The best Google Pixel Watch 4 preorder deals

Now that you've locked down your Pixel 10 preorder, use some of that money you saved to grab one of the best Google Pixel 10 cases!

After months of extensive leaks, the Google Pixel 10 series is finally official. The new lineup keeps the best bits of the Pixel 9 series while bringing meaningful upgrades over the previous generation.

Like last year's series, this year's Pixel 10 family includes the baseline Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the larger, top-tier Pixel 10 Pro XL for those who want the absolute best.

While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge isn't a direct rival to the Pixel 10 Pro XL, since they target different audiences, both are priced fairly close and cost well above $1,000. They offer different strengths for buyers, so does it make sense to go for the slim form factor of the S25 Edge, or does the Pixel 10 Pro XL have the edge? Let's see how they compare.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Pricing and availability

Google officially unveiled the Pixel 10 Pro XL at the Made by Google event on August 20, 2025. The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199, with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM on the base model, plus 512GB and 1TB options at higher prices. The phone comes in four colorways: Moonstone (grayish-blue), Jade (green), Porcelain (white), and Obsidian (black).

Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge on May 13, 2025, nearly five months after the other S25 series phones debuted. It starts at $1,099 for the base model with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, while the 512GB variant costs $1,220. The Galaxy S25 Edge is available in three colors: Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Icy Blue.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Design and display

The Pixel 10 Pro XL keeps its design largely unchanged from the Pixel 9 Pro XL. You get a flat-edge design with rounded corners and a protruding camera visor housing the sensors on the back with the "G" logo in the middle. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is both heavier and bulkier than the Galaxy S25 Edge, but in return, you get features like a larger battery, faster charging speeds, and native Qi2 MagSafe-like charging support with magnets built into the phone.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is unlike any recent Samsung flagship. From the start, it's been focused on offering a slim phone, and the numbers prove it: the S25 Edge is just 5.8mm thick and extremely light at 163 grams. The Google Pixel 10 XL is 8.6mm thick and 232 grams heavier, for comparison.

Design-wise, it differs from other Galaxy S25 models, which have separate camera sensors protruding individually, while the S25 Edge has a vertical camera module. There are no magnets on the Galaxy S25 Edge, so you'll need third-party cases for Qi2 magnetic charging functionality.

Like most Android flagships, both phones offer high-resolution displays. The Pixel 10 Pro XL ships with a large 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and a high 1344 x 2992 resolution. The display reaches up to 3,300 nits peak brightness, and Google has used Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for front protection.

The Galaxy S25 Edge has a slightly smaller 6.7-inch LTPO Super AMOLED 2X panel, also with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 3,120 x 1,440 pixels. Samsung uses Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for display protection, but peak brightness tops out at 2,600 nits. Both phones feature a centered top hole-punch camera with slim bezels around the display.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Hardware and specs

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL may not look very different from the outside, but Google has added serious upgrades inside. As expected, it comes with Google’s new Tensor G5 chipset. What's different this time is that Google turned to TSMC to produce the chip on its 3nm process, whereas Samsung Foundry made previous Tensor chips. The result should be improved sustained performance and better efficiency compared to earlier generations, which often struggled with overheating and lag.

Google says the Tensor G5 is "built for the Gemini era" and calls it the company's most "significant upgrade," with deeper customization from architecture to manufacturing. The Tensor G5's TPU is said to be 60% faster for on-device AI tasks, while Google claims the CPU is 34% improved over last year's Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, on the other hand, uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is widely regarded as the best available in smartphones. It has consistently proven itself in performance and efficiency. We're not sure yet if the Tensor G5 has improved enough to surpass the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but it should come close. More testing of the Pixel 10 Pro XL will make that clear.

In terms of internal hardware, the Pixel 10 Pro XL ships with 16GB of RAM across all models, while the Galaxy S25 Edge comes with 12GB RAM on both the 256GB and 512GB variants.

There's one key area, though, where Google clearly takes the lead over the Galaxy S25 Edge, and that is proper support for Qi2.2 wireless charging. As rumored, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is the first flagship Android smartphone in the US to ship with Qi2 magnets built in.

This means you won't need third-party cases or accessories to make it compatible with MagSafe, as it supports them out of the box. In fact, of all the Pixel 10 series phones, only the Pro XL supports Qi2.2 standard, enabling faster 25W wireless charging, while the rest top out at 15W.

Beyond charging, this also opens the door to MagSafe accessories like magnetic power banks, wallets, docks, car chargers, and more. Google has even unveiled its own lineup of magnetic accessories for the Pixel 10 series under the "PixelSnap" brand.

On the software side, both phones will support up to seven years of OS updates, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL ships with Android 16 out of the box, giving it one more major update than the S25 Edge, which runs on Android 15. Samsung has been testing One UI 8 based on Android 16 for the Galaxy S25 series, which should arrive soon.

Finally, battery life is another key area where the Pixel 10 Pro XL should easily beat the Galaxy S25 Edge. We're looking at a 5,200mAh battery on the Pixel 10 Pro XL versus a 3,900mAh battery on the S25 Edge powering similar 6.8- vs 6.7-inch displays. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is impressively efficient, but given the massive battery difference and the fact that Tensor G5 is built on a more efficient process, endurance should be better on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Charging speeds also favor the Pixel. It supports 45W fast charging compared to just 25W on the S25 Edge. While the smaller S25 Edge battery should still charge quickly, the 10 Pro XL delivers a better balance of large capacity and faster charging.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Cameras

Regarding cameras, this again looks like a win for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It comes with a 50MP primary camera with PDAF and OIS, coupled with a 48MP ultra-wide sensor and a 48MP 5x periscope telephoto lens. Thanks to Google AI, the Pixel 10 Pro XL can zoom up to 100x using Pro Res Zoom.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, on the other hand, ships with a 200MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. And despite the fact that this is the same 200MP camera found in the top-tier Galaxy S25 Ultra, the slim flagship lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, meaning you can only zoom without quality loss up to 2x. There is digital zoom up to 10x, but that's about it.

So if you're going to a concert or want to capture videos of your kid performing on stage from afar, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is probably the phone you want.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Which should you buy?

The Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge are clearly made for two very different kinds of users. The Galaxy S25 Edge is designed entirely around users looking for a slim, light phone that can be used all day without fatigue and without compromising performance. The battery life may mean charging more often than the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the lack of a telephoto sensor might be a drawback, but the phone is for those who value slimness above all else.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL, on the other hand, finally feels like a complete flagship from Google competing on all fronts. It's the first Android smartphone to ship with Qi2.2 out of the box, has a more capable and efficient Tensor G5 chipset, and offers a bigger battery plus faster charging than the S25 Edge.

It runs on the latest version of Android and brings plenty of new AI features, including Magic Cue, Camera Coach to guide you while taking photos, and Auto Best Take to ensure the best shots. Even though it costs $100 more than the S25 Edge at $1,199, it has its own perks and advantages.

All told, both phones target different users, but for most people, the Pixel 10 Pro XL feels like the more complete phone.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

How fast is the Google Pixel 10 charging speed?

Everything to know about the Google Pixel 10's battery and charging specs

Google officially revealed the Pixel 10 series at a Made by Google event on Aug. 20, confirming the devices' battery and charging specs. Every single Pixel 10 model is getting slightly faster charging speeds, with the premium Pixel 10 Pro XL receiving the biggest boost.

The base-model Pixel 10 will charge at 29W with a cable. That's up slightly from the 27W rate supported by the Google Pixel 9. The faster charging coincides with more battery capacity. The new model ships with a 4,970mAh battery, which is an increase of 270mAh compared to its predecessor.

These same charging speeds are supported by the Google Pixel 10 Pro. The larger and most expensive handset, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, offers the fastest charging speeds. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL charges at up to 39W with a cable. In comparison, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can only hit 37W wired speeds.

As such, all three models are gaining faster charging speeds, increased by 2W across the board. It's not a major jump, and Pixel phones will still charge slower than other Android phones, like the OnePlus 13. However, it is still a welcome change for Pixel 10 buyers who want even shorter charge times.

This year, wireless charging speeds aren't standard across the entire Pixel 10 lineup. The Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro have Qi2 support for 15W wireless charging speeds. However, the Pixel 10 Pro XL supports the Qi2.2 spec, enabling support for faster 25W wireless charging speeds.

Another thing to note is that Google embedded Qi2 magnets within the Pixel 10 models themselves, rather than passing the buck onto case and accessory makers. Google fully supports Qi2 and its Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) on the Pixel 10 series, adding magnetic connection with MagSafe, Qi2, and the all-new Pixelsnap accessories.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Pixel 10 series

At first glance, all three devices on the Pixel 10 series retain their familiar design: rounded corners, flat sides, and a display with a large rear camera bar. Under the hood, the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL get the new and powerful Google Tensor G5 processor and come equipped with the Titan M2 security coprocessor.

Google is finally bringing Qi2 charging built into these devices. Each model boasts a battery life of over 30 hours and up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled. They all support Pixelsnap wireless charging, which is sold separately. On the AI front, Gemini Nano will be pumped on these devices, which is said to make life easier for the user. Features like "Add Me", "Camera Coach", "Night Sight", "Astrophotography," and other photo editing features like "Edit with Ask Photos," "Pixel Studio," "Auto frame," "Reimagine," and more are said to show up on these devices.

The trio also gets end-to-end security designed by Google, including multi-layer hardware security. All three devices launch with Android 16 out of the box and are set to receive seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates.

Pixel 10:

The base model of the Pixel series gets a significant boost, at least in the camera front. Google finally added a third lens to the device's rear camera array, on par with the rest of the lineup.

The Pixel 10 rocks a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens. Its front camera gets 10.5MP for all your selfie needs. The base model Pixel 10 gets the same 6.3-inch display, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a polished rear panel with a satin finish, also made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The frame of the device is made from spacecraft-grade aluminum.

As for the battery, the phone sees a larger 4,970 mAh battery that reaches up to 55% of charge within 30 minutes of being plugged into the charger.

The phone is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, and has a fingerprint-resistant coating that keeps the phone vary of any smudges. But we'd have to test that out to see if it's the case. Pixel 10 gets a new metallic-looking Indigo color, as well as Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian, and gets a price tag starting at $799.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide

Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL:

The Pixel 10 Pro shows up with the same size 6.3-inch display, while the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL gets a 6.8-inch display. Both phones get a refresh rate of 120Hz and 3300 nits of peak brightness. They also both support a new flicker-sensitive accessibility feature that might be helpful for users with more sensitive eyes. Powering the Pixel 10 Pro is a slightly larger 4,707 mAh battery, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL also sees a huge 5,200mAh battery.

The rear camera pill on both phones consists of the same 50 MP wide, 48 MP ultrawide, and another 48 MP 5x telephoto lens, complete with a 42MP front camera for your selfies and video calls. The cameras support 8K video recording at 24/30 FPS (powered by Video Boost), 4K video recording at 24/30/60 FPS, and 1,080p video recording at 24/30/60 FPS, and have a "Pro Res Zoom" up to 100x.

Not much has changed when it comes to the actual specs of the devices, other than the battery size, the Tensor G5 chip, and the added AI features. Visually, it's hard to tell the difference between a 10 Pro and a 10 Pro XL. It is only when you finally get closer that you see that the XL is larger.

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, see a new Moonstone, a light green Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian colorways. Both the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are available for pre-orders starting today (Aug 20) for $999 and $1,199, respectively.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide

Here comes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is super tough, being the most durable foldable phone out there with IP68 dust and water resistance. Plus, it's the first foldable to pack Qi2 charging!

Google claims that the latest model now features a new "gearless" hinge. This makes the phone "twice as durable" and can handle over 10 years of folding. Speaking of the display, the fold gets a large 8-inch Super ActuaFlex inner display and a 6.4-inch cover display with much thinner bezels compared to its predecessor.

Internally, the fold also sees Google's new Tensor G5 chip that helps with "powerful" AI capabilities (Gemini Live, Magic Cue, and the Daily Hub) for processing your daily tasks and ensuring your mobile games remain smooth.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a squared triple camera array on its rear panel, with a 48MP main (wide) camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 20x. The cover display's camera is 10MP, the same as the inner display's lens.

Also, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, unlike the rest of the lineup, gets a physical SIM slot. Google states users still have its physical SIM, as well as an eSIM option. The device shows up in two new colorways: Moonstone and Jade, and is priced at $1,799.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide

Pixelsnap MagSafe chargers

Google didn't just roll out new phones today, but also an entire accessory lineup to go with its Pixel 10 series.

The phones, being the first Android phones to fully support Qi2 wireless charging, Google is introducing "Pixelsnap," a fresh set of magnetic accessories that "snap" into place.

From the Pixelsnap Charger (that looks a lot like the Pixel stand) to the Ring Stand, and even the Pixel Flex 67W dual-port charger for wired fans, Google’s coming in hot with its MagSafe-style accessories

The Pixelsnap Charger looks like a simple puck or is bundled with a stand. The stand is detachable, compact, and works even with the Fold open. The charger maxes out at 25W on the Pixel 10 Pro XL and 15W on the rest of the Qi2-ready lineup, including the Fold.

Next up is a more easy-to-carry, Pixelsnap Ring Stand, which doubles as a grip or a kickstand. And the Pixel 10 cases now support Pixelsnap, with colors ranging from Obsidian and Porcelain to brighter picks like Lemongrass and Indigo.

Pixel Watch 4

The pebble-like Pixel Watch 4 shows up in two sizes and seems to have retained its predecessor's look. The domed display offers a "nearly edgeless experience, meaning the smartwatch launched with 15% smaller bezels, giving users more screen space to work with. The display gets 3,000nits of peak brightness and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass protects the Pixel Watch 4's screen.

At its heart, the Pixel Watch 4 features the new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, paired with the Cortex-M55 co-processor. This basically makes the smartwatch more equipped to handle AI and other daily tasks.

Google says the watch features a"custom speaker and haptic engine" for clearer audio and vibrations when talking to the AI. Google states that "soon," users will need only to "raise their wrist to talk to Gemini," hinting at new gestures that could launch in the weeks to come.

The 45mm boasts a 455mAh battery, providing ~40 hours with always-on display (AOD) or ~72 hours in battery saver mode. While the smaller 41mm has a smaller 325mAh battery, lasting ~30 hours with AOD or ~48 hours in battery saver mode.

The Pixel Watch 4 offers 40 exercise modes and other features like real-time SpO2 and heart rate variability tracking. What's more is that users get their readiness summary ( much like Oura's readiness score) of how their sleep was tracked the night before.

The Pixel Watch 4 is available for pre-orders today (Aug 20), and the 45mm is available for $399 Wi-Fi/$499 LTE, while the 41mm version costs $349 Wi-Fi/$449 LTE.

New available colors on the Pixel Watch 4, like Moonstone (45mm only) and the 41mm's Polished Silver body/Iris band, and its Champagne Gold body/Lemongrass band.

Pixel Buds 2a

The Pixel Buds 2a, the second iteration of Google's affordable earbuds, have arrived, and they finally get Active Noise Cancelation, which the company calls "Silent Seal 1.5."

From the looks of it, the Buds 2a resemble the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a stemless design and oval-shaped white case with a "twist-to-adjust fit" seen on the Buds Pro 2. The Pixel Buds 2a are powered by Google's Tensor A1 chipset, which seamlessly integrates Gemini's powers. For instance, you can ask the buds to summarize messages, check your schedule, or look up cafe recommendations without having to reach for your phone.

The Pixel Buds 2a get upto 7 hours with ANC turned on and up to 20 hours with the case. With ANC off, Google says the Pixel Buds 2a can deliver up to 2x battery life as the first-generation Pixel Buds A-series.

The Pixel Buds 2a start at $129 and will be available in two colors: Iris and Hazel. You can pre-order them starting today.

Google also launched the existing Pixel Buds Pro 2 in a new Moonstone colorway. The tech giant said new features like Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection are coming to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 "next month."

There's Gemini, then there's more Gemini

Backing Google's tagline "Ask more of your phone," the tech giant is launching AI-powered features like Magic Cue, which suggests helpful actions by "connecting the dots" across apps like Gmail, Calendar, and Messages.

For example, if a friend asks to see your dinner photos, Magic Cue can suggest opening your gallery. If someone asks about your flight, it can pull that information from your Gmail so you can easily share it.

This AI tool is integrated into the Pixel 10's Daily Hub, which gives you a personalized breakdown of your day and recommended music based on your preferences. Other AI capabilities on the Pixel 10 series include a new and improved Gemini Live, which now allows you to share your camera with the AI, and it will circle or highlight the solutions to your problems.

Some of the other AI tools include Voice Translate, Take a Message, and a new Pixel Journal that offers AI-generated writing prompts when you need some inspiration to jot down your thoughts.

Furthermore, Google launched an AI health coach that is said to be a "fitness trainer, sleep coach, and wellness advisor" all in one. To break things down for you, this coach looks at all your wellness metrics, goals, and real-life circumstances and personalizes its advice for you.

For example, the health coach doubles as your personal trainer and asks you about your goals, preferences, and equipment. Based on your answers, it will provide detailed workout suggestions and more. The AI coach is supposedly equipped to help you through your rest days as well, and in case you pull a muscle during a workout, it will guide you with stretches to recover from it.

You'll also be able to ask the AI coach questions like "should I get an extra hour of sleep or workout tomorrow morning?" or simple ones like "what are the best exercises for weight loss?" and the trainer will provide "personalized answers."

Additionally, Fitbit's premium users also get to use this AI Health Coach within the redesigned Fitbit app, which will roll out with "coaching and AI at its core."

Google offers the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in two shades

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You can only go one of two ways when buying the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Since the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold only comes in two colors, the choice you have to make is really straightforward. If you want to stick with a more professional, business-friendly look, then the mature Moonstone colorway is more suitable for you. This grayish blue silver isn't as brash or loud as the Jade colorway. It looks high-end through and through, but without overimposing.

On the other hand, if you want a shade that's more out there, the Jade colorway of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the picture of perfection. Its luxurious gold accents, like the frame and camera bar, look divine. The light green body looks light and fresh while maintaining that expensive appearance.

Don't forget to take into account whether you already own or are planning to purchase more Google Pixel devices to go with your Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 come in matching shades like Moonstone. If you want a more unified, on-brand shade, getting everything in Moonstone isn't a bad idea.

Most importantly, have fun with your choice! This is an expensive phone and if you're treating yourself, make a purchase that makes you smile every time you look at it.

Is the Google Pixel 10 eSIM-only?

The Google Pixel 10 has dual eSIMs in the U.S.

The Google Pixel 10 series is here, and the device, along with its sister devices, the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, boast tons of impressive features, including simplified and more intelligent Google AI and a durable and seamless design. One question many have, however, is whether the Google Pixel 10 is eSIM only, meaning you can’t use a physical SIM card.

The Google Pixel 10, and all the new Google Pixel devices, for that matter, have not just one eSIM but dual eSIMs in the U.S. This means you can have two eSIMs active on the phone at the same time. This could be a personal and a work number, for example, or a local one and one local to your secondary office in another city or even country.

Further, those in the U.S. can store eight or more eSIMs and swap among them. You can make good use of the option if you travel a lot for work, for example, and you want to have a local number wherever you go. You don’t have to worry about getting a temporary local SIM card to swap into the device. You could also use this feature to load different travel eSIMs.

The dual SIM design in other countries

For users in other countries, including Canada, you get dual SIMs as well, but one is a physical nano SIM and the other is an eSIM. So, you get the best of both worlds: an eSIM embedded into the hardware that is activated digitally and a physical card if you want to transfer one from an older phone, for example.

Google says that the decision to go eSIM-only in the U.S. helps the company achieve its "cleanest Pixel designs yet with no SIM tray, no visible mmWave antenna cutout and the new elegant speaker mesh found on the bottom of our two pro models." Since mmWave is a frequency range predominantly utilized by U.S. carriers, it may explain the limited move to eSIM-only.

However, in other countries, you can still swap between two numbers, including one via eSIM and one via nanoSIM. Presumably, however, only one can be active at a time.

Can you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM?

If you’re getting the Google Pixel 10 in the U.S., you'll need to convert the existing SIM card in your current phone to a digital one. This will work for any carrier that supports eSIM activations.

You may, however, have to reach out to your carrier first to facilitate the conversion process. They can help you achieve this through various methods, which can include a QR code, a digital activation code, or a setup process through an app.

Once you’re done installing, you’ll need to deactivate the physical SIM and remove it from the old device. You can then switch over to the new phone using the eSIM, and it will work smoothly as butter.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

The stylish wearable was revealed during the Made by Google 2025 event on August 20th, alongside the Google Pixel 10 lineup and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. While it's not a massive reinvention, the Pixel Watch 4 continues Google's legacy of producing versatile, AI-boosted smartwatches with all of the latest health and fitness tracking features from Fitbit.

Keep reading for all of my favorite deals on the upcoming smartwatch. There aren't too many offers just yet, but fear not: I'll keep adding new deals as they're announced. Didn't find what you were looking for? Check back later to see what's new!

Quick links

• Made by Google 2025: LIVE updates and everything you need to know
• Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: AI on your wrist
• Google Pixel 10 hands-on: A bigger upgrade than you think
• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on: The world's first dustproof folding phone
  
  The best Google Pixel 10 deals (so far)
• Verizon: Up to $180 of trade-in credit, bundle deals
• Best Buy: Up to $200 of trade-in credit
• Google Store: FREE Pixel Watch 4 with trade-in
• The best Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preorder deals
• The best Google Pixel 10 preorder deals

Google Pixel Watch 4 deals

FAQ

When does the Google Pixel Watch 4 come out?

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is set to hit store shelves on October 9th, over a month later than the rest of the Pixel 10 series (excluding the Pixel 10 Pro Fold). The wait may be disappointing, but that simply gives you more time to take advantage of the preorder deals detailed above. It should also give us time to thoroughly test review units of the Pixel Watch 4 before its official street date.

How much does the Google Pixel Watch 4 cost?

Scheduled for release on October 9th, the Google Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349.99 for the 41mm version, while the larger 45mm wearable will retail for $399.99. You can also purchase the LTE versions for $100 more, with the 41mm and 45mm watches costing $449 and $499, respectively.

What are the specs of the Google Pixel Watch 4?

At first glance, the Pixel Watch 4 looks almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, but things get much more interesting when you go under the hood. The wearable utilizes the innovative Wear OS 6 Material 3 Expressive UI while delivering snappy performance from the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip. You also get a considerable boost in battery life, upgraded dual-frequency GPS, and instant access to all the new AI-boosted Fitbit features when those go live in October. Should Pixel Watch 3 owners plan to upgrade when the new watch hits store shelves? It depends, but I certainly wouldn't consider it without a good deal attached.

Is the Google Pixel 10 waterproof?

What is the waterproof rating for the Google Pixel 10?

Like most phones in its class, the Google Pixel 10 series has an IP68 water-resistant rating. Some phones, like the OnePlus 13 and Motorola Moto G Power 2025, boast both an IP68 and IP69 rating. The Google Pixel 10 isn’t quite as durable, but it’s in line with most other premium devices.

What does an IP68 rating mean? IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission to indicate a device’s resistance against both dust and water. The first number pertains to resistance against dust, and the second to water.

In the case of the Google Pixel 10, it has a “6” rating against dust and an “8” rating against water. Six means total protection against dust. The phone is completely sealed, preventing small dust particles from getting inside and potentially damaging the device.

The “8” for water resistance means the phone can be submerged in up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. So, it can withstand a dunk in a pool, an accidental drop in the toilet (oops!), or even a run in the rain.

Since the Google Pixel 10 does not meet an IP69 rating, you'll want to avoid close-range, high-pressure, and high-temperature sprays during activities like water sports, a hose, or even a dishwasher. You might want to tuck it away if you’re going jet skiing and refrain from popping it into the top rack of your dishwasher before a load (thankfully, that’s not tough to avoid doing).

Even with this level of water resistance (few electronic devices are fully waterproof), it’s important to avoid contact with saltwater. IP ratings are for freshwater sources, while saltwater can corrode components in any electronic device. You should heed caution in heavily chlorinated water, such as a public indoor pool. But a traditional outdoor pool should be fine, provided the chlorine levels are not through the roof.

You should also avoid using the phone in spaces like a hot tub where the temperature can be scalding. Either way, it’s a good idea to rinse the phone off with freshwater and dry it off after any exposure to moisture.

It's also worth noting that water resistance for any device degrades over time. So, be more cautious as the phone gets older. Consider investing in a waterproof case or pouch if you want to ensure the device is sufficiently protected. But for everyday use outdoors in inclement weather, in the pool, heck, even in the bathtub, go wild. This phone can take it.

The Google Pixel 10 is poised to become the best Google Pixel phone with plenty of significant upgrades that provide a high-end experience at an affordable price.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is ready to enter the workplace

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Here's how you can pick the perfect Pixel 10 Pro XL color for yourself

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Google Pixel 10 Pro come in identical shades. The main difference between the two Pixel 10 models is the size and a few specifications. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is slightly better than the Pro version, but it's also larger and heavier. If you're looking to buy the Pixel 10 Pro XL and can't settle on a color, here's how to choose.

Naturally, your decision should be based on your personality and lifestyle. If you're extremely expressive and fashionable, picking a color that matches your identity and wardrobe is key. Or you could simply pick your favorite color and call it a day. The end goal here is to make a choice that makes you happy, so don't ovethink it!

If you're a super undecisive and feel stuck, consider factors like maintenance and trade-in value. Lighter colors get dirtier faster and dark debris stands out like a sore thumb. On the other hand, fingerprints are usually more visible on darker colors. By this logic, a grayish blue hue like Moonstone is the perfect no-nonsense solution. Not only is it a practical colorway, but it is also formal enough that you won't draw any attention to yourself in a boardroom or lawyer's office (if these things matter to you). And of course, it's easy on the eyes too.

Take a gander at all the available colors of the Google Pixel 10 Pro

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Four Pixel 10 Pro colors, one choice

It might be the same size as the base Pixel 10, but the Google Pixel 10 Pro does not have the same specs or the same colorways. You have four options when looking to buy the 10 Pro: Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian. There's no right or wrong answer here. Go with your gut.

I adore smartphones and wearables with golden metal bits because it matches my existing jewelry. That's why the Jade green option is my favorite. Think of what your favorite color is and find something that's the same or close to it in the Pixel 10 Pro color portfolio.

If you don't care for bright shades, I highly recommend playing it safe with the gray-blue Moonstone option. It's a professional colorway that looks fantastic and isn't boring like Obsidian. Sure, you might automatically want to just get the black one and call it a day. But if you're going to do that, at least get something a little less unoriginal by getting the Moonstone option.

Is the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold waterproof?

Everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold's IP rating

Google upgraded the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's durability to meet the IP68 certification standards. For perspective, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an IPX8 rating. It's important to remember that in an ingress protection (IP) rating, the first number signifies dust resistance and the second signifies water resistance. That means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will have greater dust protection, but the same water resistance, as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Conventionally, the IP68 rating is considered to be the highest protection level for electronics against dust and water ingress. Products that meet this threshold must be able to be submerged in fresh water greater than one meter in depth for 30 minutes. Since the Pixel 10 Pro Fold sports an IP68 rating, it'll be able to survive 30 minutes in one meter of water.

The newer IPX9 certification adds protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, but does not increase the time or depth a phone can be submerged underwater.

It's important to note that the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is not waterproof. There are limits to water resistance, and Google explains these in the footnotes for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold product page.

"Designed to comply with water protection rating IPX8 under IEC standard 60529 when each device leaves the factory but device is not waterproof or dust proof," the company states. "Water resistance is not a permanent condition, and diminishes or is lost over time due to normal wear and tear, device repair, disassembly or damage."

The way to interpret this is simple. Every time your phone is dropped or scratched, there's a chance that its water-resistance capabilities worsen. As such, a two-year-old phone won't have the same water resistance as a brand-new one. Protection against liquids that are not freshwater, including saltwater, is not covered under the IPX8 rating either.

In other words, you shouldn't count on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold being waterproof. It offers an IP68 rating with the same water resistance as its predecessor. However, the phone's water resistance is designed for accidents and emergencies rather than intentional use in the water. Once again, it's not waterproof by any means.

Don't be disappointed, because the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's IP68 rating means that it is completely dustproof — a first for a foldable sold in the U.S.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Let's take a look at all four colorways of the Google Pixel 10 before whittling it down to a single pick.

Summery shades like blue and yellow will steal your heart

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Select a Google Pixel 10 color based on your preferences

Cleanliness and long-term wear are primary points of concern when choosing a phone color to buy. Lighter colors tend to get dirtier faster. Dirt is also more noticeable on lighter shades. However, since most folks use phone cases anyway, I say pick something that matches your style and preferences. Besides, you should develop the habit of cleaning your phone more regularly anyway.

On to the best shades of the Pixel 10. My personal favorite is the vibrant Indigo blue. It is a particularly vivid shade of royal blue that suits the design language and curves of the Pixel 10 spectacularly well. Blue isn't a unique color in itself, but the vibrancy of this shade is eye-catching.

If you're looking to avoid making a loud statement with the color of your phone, then perhaps you should consider quieter colors like Frost or Obsidian. I know a lot of people just get the color that's black or closest to it and call it a day. For those types of people, the dark ashy Obsidian is a good pick as it's almost black.

Previously, not all Google Pixel colorways would be offered in all memory options. Mercifully, Google did away with that policy with the Pixel 10, so you can get any memory option for each of the four Pixel 10 shades.

Does the Google Pixel 10 support Qi2 magnetic charging?

Everything you need to know about Qi2 support on the Google Pixel 10

The Qi2 wireless charging standard is available with or without the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP). Phones with the MPP have built-in magnets that connect with Qi2 or MagSafe chargers and accessories. Those without magnets inside can only support Qi2 Ready, which requires a magnetic case to unlock full magnetic alignment. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series supports Qi2 Ready, but the HMD Skyline includes magnets for the complete experience.

Google took the latter route with the Pixel 10. It built the Qi2 magnets right into each Google Pixel 10 model, including the standard Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. That means every model will work with Qi2, MagSafe, or Pixelsnap chargers and accessories with precise alignment because they have the Magnetic Power Profile built in.

Google's "Pixelsnap" lineup of Qi2 accessories for the Pixel 10 launch is effectively a competitor to MagSafe. It's a collection of unique, first-party accessories that utilize magnetic connection with the Qi2 hardware inside each Pixel 10 model.

As a consequence, every Google Pixel 10 model is heavier than its Pixel 9 counterpart. Only one model — the Pixel 10 Pro XL — matches the thickness of the phone it is replacing; the rest are heavier. A thicker and heavier Pixel 10 lineup is perplexing at first glance, but the addition of magnets inside helps explain the discrepancy.

The Pixel 10 series is the first flagship Android lineup to include built-in magnetic charging support. Notably, only the top-end Pixel 10 Pro XL supports Qi2.2 25W speeds, with the rest supporting the standard Qi2 charging rate of 15W.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

That's because phones like the Google Pixel 9 use displays that rapidly flicker on and off at a rate most people's eyes can't see, but our brains can definitely feel. It's known as PWM dimming, and while some companies have been working on solutions, Samsung and Google phones haven't seen any real improvements in years. That starts to change with the Pixel 10 Pro series.

A new accessibility setting called "Adjust brightness for sensitive eyes" at least doubles the PWM rate of the Pixel 10 Pro family's displays. We saw this leak a few months back and it's great to see that Google is working on a potential solution for flicker-sensitive users.

While I haven't had the chance to do in-depth testing on this new feature just yet, I was able to see it in action during my Google Pixel 10 hands-on. As far as I can tell, enabling this feature ramps up the PWM rate to 480Hz, something Samsung did with the Galaxy S24 family.

The new feature is only available on the Google Pixel 10 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features the setting only for the inner display, which makes sense since the outer display is more or less the same one on the base Pixel 10, and that phone doesn't support the new "sensitive eyes" feature, either.

If you've been following along with our coverage over the past few years, you may already know that 480Hz is still not fast enough to solve the problem, according to research on the matter. Phones like the OnePlus 13 use 2160Hz PWM only at low brightness, while the Honor Magic 7 Pro ramps that up to 4320Hz.

I'm not ready to give a comfort rating verdict on Google's new display accessibility option just yet, but I do want to celebrate the victory of at least getting this important setting changed. Flicker sensitivity has been on the rise as LEDs and related LED technology have proliferated in modern society, especially since many companies don't follow basic IEEE standards for flicker protection established in 2015.

No matter the verdict, though, this is a true victory for users looking for hope of relief in the future. Companies like Google are listening, and that's a big deal for anyone affected.

The foldable phone is set to boast an upgraded hinge with two stunning OLED displays, while under the hood you get the same Tensor G5 chipset that powers the rest of the Pixel 10 series. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will also feature IP68 dust protection, which is a first for foldable devices, plus you'll get 16GB of RAM, some exceptional AI-boosted camera tech, and seven years of OS/security upgrades guaranteed.

Keep reading for all of the best early deals currently available for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and don't forget to check back later if you don't find anything right away: I'll keep adding new deals throughout the day as I find them.

Quick links

• Made by Google 2025: LIVE updates and everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on: The world's first dustproof folding phone
• Google Pixel 10 hands-on: A bigger upgrade than you think
• Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: AI on your wrist
  
  Top Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold deals
• Verizon: up to $1,000 OFF with eligible plan, trade-in
• Amazon: FREE $300 gift card
• Best Buy: FREE $350 gift card, plus trade-in credit
• Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in, line
• The best Google Pixel 10 preorder deals
• The best Google Pixel Watch 4 preorder deals

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold deals

Only a few Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preorder deals have been announced so far, but I'll keep adding new offers throughout the day. If the promotions below don't pique your interest, check back in a few hours to see what's new!

FAQ

When does the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold come out?

Unlike the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup, which is set for release on August 28th, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold will not hit store shelves until October 9th. This is the same day that the Google Pixel Watch 4 will be released. It's a bit of a long wait, but that simply gives you more time to consider the preorder deals listed above.

How much does the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold cost?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts at $1,799 for the 256GB version, or you can pay more for the 512GB or 1TB configuration. The purchase also includes a one-year subscription to Google AI Pro (a $200 value!), giving you access to cloud storage and all of the latest AI software features.

The base model Google Pixel 10 was announced this morning alongside its more-powerful big siblings, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. We also got a first look at the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Google's new Pixel Watch 4. Set to hit store shelves on August 28th, the three flagship phones are powered by the AI-boosted Tensor G5 chipset and boast gorgeous AMOLED displays, seven years of OS and security upgrades, and some of the best camera tech we've ever seen in an Android phone.

Quick links

• Made by Google 2025: LIVE updates and everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 10 hands-on: A bigger upgrade than you think
• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on: The world's first dustproof folding phone
• Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: AI on your wrist
  
  The best Google Pixel 10 deals (so far)
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 10 with eligible line
• AT&T: up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
• Verizon: free Pixel 10 with eligible line
• Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in, line
• Amazon: Free gift cards with purchase
• Best Buy: Free gift cards, trade-in credit
• The best Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preorder deals
• The best Google Pixel Watch 4 preorder deals

Google Pixel 10 deals

Google Pixel 10 Pro deals

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL deals

FAQ

When does the Google Pixel 10 come out?

The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are all scheduled for release on August 28th, while the innovative Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4, and new Pixel Buds 2a are set to drop on October 9th. This means that most of the preorder deals above are going to expire in about a week, so don't wait too long if you're hoping to save money on one of these new flagship phones.

How much does the Google Pixel 10 cost?

The Google Pixel 10 starts at $799 for the 128GB version, while the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL start at $999 (128GB) and $1,199 (256GB), respectively. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the base model Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro both kept the same starting price as their Pixel 9 counterparts, which feels somewhat unusual in a time of widespread price increases on tech. The Pixel 10 Pro XL, on the other hand, did receive a $100 price hike while removing the 128GB storage option.

Which Google Pixel 10 should I buy?

It depends on what you're looking for in a smartphone! All three devices in the flagship lineup will give you ultra-efficient performance with powerful cameras and a bunch of fun AI features, but that doesn't mean that all three of the devices are made equal.

Starting at $799, the Google Pixel 10 will give you the perfect entry-level experience, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, 12GB of RAM, and a long-lasting 4,970mAh battery. If you need a bit more power, you can upgrade to the Pixel 10 Pro and receive 16GB of RAM, better camera tech, and up to 1TB of storage. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is very similar to the standard Pixel 10 Pro, you just get a larger 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display with a considerable boost in battery size.

No matter which Google Pixel 10 model you choose, all three devices boast the Tensor G5 chipset with a ton of AI-boosted software features and seven years of software support guaranteed. Check the table below for some more granular info on the flagship series.

• Unlike Pro models, the base Pixel 10 does not get the free Google AI Pro plan.
• The Google AI Pro offer gives access to Gemini models, 2TB cloud storage, and Workspace AI features.
• Eligible users can redeem AI Pro in Google One until Oct 31, 2026, then $20 per month.

The Google Pixel 10 series is finally here, and while not much has changed from the Pixel 9 series, Google is packing serious upgrades, especially into the baseline Pixel 10. The phone now comes with the TSMC-made Tensor G5 chipset, Qi2 magnetic charging, and, for the first time, a telephoto sensor, all while keeping the $799 price tag.

That said, the company isn't offering the same perks to all Pixel 10 buyers, as the baseline Pixel 10 misses out on the free year of Google AI Pro plan that comes with pricier models.

Google, in the footnotes of its Pixel 10 press release, notes the free Google AI Pro offer is available only to Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold users. This means if you buy a base Pixel 10, you cannot redeem this offer in the Google One app and must spend at least $1000 for a Pro model to be eligible.

Free Google AI Pro is still locked to Pixel 10 Pro models only

The offer, for those unaware, allows Pixel 10 Pro users to subscribe to the Google AI Pro plan for free (worth $240) that gives you access to the latest Gemini models as well as features like Gemini in Google Workspace apps such as Gmail and Docs, for up to one year. The plan also includes 2TB of free Google storage shared across Photos and Drive, but it looks like the base Pixel 10 again misses out.

If you have an eligible Google Pixel 10 series phone, you can redeem the offer by going into the Google One app on your device. You have until October 31, 2026, i.e., more than a year from now, to claim the offer, and once you do, you'll have Google AI Pro for free. After a year, the service will cost $20 a month.

If you happen to own a Google Pixel 10 series device, there are other ways of getting Google AI Pro for free, such as Gemini for students, which gives the same one-year AI Pro plan at no cost when using an education account.

For more news and information on Google's latest Pixel 10 series, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• Google launches Pixel Buds 2a at $129 with ANC, Gemini support, and a replaceable case battery.
• The Pixel Buds 2a succeed the A-series and bring Pro 2 features in a more affordable design.
• Pixel Buds Pro 2 get Moonstone color plus new features like Adaptive Audio and gesture controls.

They're finally official. At today's Made by Google launch event, alongside the Pixel 10 series and Pixel Watch 4, Google also unveiled its new affordable earbuds, the Pixel Buds 2a. Priced at $129, the Pixel Buds 2a bring several features from the pricier Pixel Buds Pro 2 to a more affordable tier.

The Pixel Buds 2a succeed the Pixel Buds A-series, which launched in 2021, and are the first affordable Google earbuds to offer Active Noise Cancelation, which the company calls Silent Seal 1.5. For comparison, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 use Silent Seal 2.0, so noise cancelation will likely be less effective here — though we'll need to test to confirm.

From the outside, the Buds 2a resemble the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a stemless design and oval-shaped white case. They also carry the twist-to-adjust fit we loved on the Buds Pro 2. Google says the earbuds are IP54 rated, so they should handle sweat and occasional rain.

Pixel Buds 2a are Google's first affordable earbuds to offer ANC

Under the hood, the Pixel Buds 2a run on Google's Tensor A1 chipset, enabling Gemini support. You can ask the buds to summarize messages, check your schedule, or even request coffee recommendations without pulling out your phone. Thanks to the new processor, custom speaker driver, and high-frequency chamber, Google says music and podcasts on the Buds 2a "sound incredible."

In terms of battery life, Google claims up to 7 hours with ANC turned on and up to 20 hours with the case. With ANC off, Google says the Pixel Buds 2a can deliver up to 2x battery life as the first-generation Pixel Buds A-series.

What's interesting is that Google mentions the Buds 2a's case has a replaceable battery. This means if your Buds' case stops working, malfunctions, or wears out, Google would replace the case's battery without replacing the earbuds themselves, unlike before.

The Pixel Buds 2a are also Find Hub-compatible, which means you see their location in the app. You can also ring the device when it's nearby to find it faster.

The Pixel Buds 2a start at $129 and will be available in two colors: Iris and Hazel. You can pre-order them starting today, and they'll be available on the Google Store as well as retailers like Amazon and Best Buy starting October 9, 2025.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 get more features (and a new color)

Alongside the Pixel Buds 2a, Google also showcased a new colorway for the Pixel Buds Pro 2. The new color, called Moonstone, complements the new Pixel 10 Pro color.

Google also announced new features coming to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 "next month." Adaptive Audio is a new feature that will dynamically adjust your buds to your surroundings so you can stay aware while listening to podcasts and music. There's also new Loud Noise Protection that will protect your hearing if a sudden loud sound passes by.

Moreover, gestures are also coming to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Similar to AirPods Pro 2, you'll now be able to nod or shake your head to accept incoming calls or dismiss replying to a text.

The new color for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 costs the same at $229 and will be available starting August 28, 2025, on the Google Store and other major retailers.

At first glance, the Pixel 10 series looks like Google's most boring release in ages. I can't remember the last time a Pixel phone looked identical to the previous year's model, but looking at it like that feels a lot like judging a book by its cover.

Inside is a brand new processor, the first Google-designed fully in-house without Samsung's help, and represents the biggest leap for Pixels since the original Tensor G1's 2021 release. The Pixel 10 is also the first major Android phone series with Qi2 MagSafe support, the first U.S. Android phone without a physical SIM slot, and a lot of other firsts for Google that you'll be impressed with.

In this hands-on article, we're focusing on the base Google Pixel 10, as well as the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. If you're interested in reading about Google's third-generation foldable phone, check out our Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on!

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel 10: Specs

Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL

While the Google Pixel 10's back might be a reflective nightmare, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL both sport lovely matte glass backs. Curiously enough, Google also swapped out the Pixel 10's matte side rails with shiny ones on the Pro models, giving these phones a polar opposite look. I far prefer the Pro's choice of materials here.

U.S. models of both Pro phones also look sleeker than ever, thanks to the removal of the 5G mmWave "pill" and the SIM tray. I'm not a fan of removing the physical SIM tray, but it does visually look a little nicer to have symmetrical speaker grilles on the bottom instead of one speaker and one SIM tray slot.

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL ship in Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian colorways. While Moonstone is what Google calls the "flagship" color for this year, I think the Jade color is the one that really stands out.

Of course, the real star of the hardware upgrades this year is Pixelsnap, a new set of magnets inside all Pixel 10 models that allow Qi2 charging and support all MagSafe attachments. That marks the first flagship Android phone series with proper MagSafe support without the need for a Qi2 case.

Google has slimmed up the metal frame around the camera modules, and this gives the appearance of bigger, better sensors (even though this is the same camera hardware on the Pixel 9 Pro). Any of the new improvements in camera quality are thanks to Tensor G5 and the new Google-built ISP.

Pro Level Zoom got a huge upgrade on Pixel 10 Pro models and now allows users to zoom up to 100x away with the phone's camera using an on-device LLM model specifically trained for image enhancement. We'll have to see how this stacks up against Samsung's 100x Space Zoom.

This year's displays feature a slight bump in brightness, up to a 3300-nit peak, in addition to a long-awaited new accessibility feature for PWM-sensitive people. This new feature, located in accessibility settings, claims to "improve the viewing experience for sensitive eyes."

We weren't able to do any in-depth testing on this new feature, but we were able to pick up a visual change in PWM rate with a 1/6400 camera shutter speed.

Google Pixel 10

Aside from the new Tensor G5 chipset, the Pixel 10 now features a third camera on the back, adding a 5x telephoto lens. We couldn’t be happier about this change, as its omission was one of the main points that separated the Pixel 9 from other similarly-priced phones, such as the Galaxy S25.

The new sensor extends the Pixel’s digital zoom range to 20x, up from 8x, and while it can't match the 30x zoom of some competitors, it's great to see Google pushing its base model to new heights.

Unfortunately, despite the new chip and added telephoto lens, Google still restrains the Pixel 10 capabilities. You won’t find full-resolution photos, Pro Res 100x zoom, Pro Controls, Video Boost, Night Sight video, or 8K video recording. None of these are deal-breakers for me, but it’s unfortunate that Google is still gatekeeping these features behind the more expensive models.

Fortunately, you still get full Qi2 support on the base Pixel 10.

The design is largely the same as the Pixel 9, which isn’t a bad thing, especially when you look at the new Indigo color option. It’s a nod to the limited-edition Really Blue color that arrived with the original Pixel, and it’s probably my favorite color of the entire Pixel 10 series, although I'm not a huge fan of the glossy finish. Still, I hope this color sticks around, as the other options, Lemongrass, Obsidian, and Iris, are pretty boring.

Other changes include a larger battery, a brighter display, and improved stereo speakers. Curiously, Google downgraded the Pixel 10 to Wi-Fi 6E from Wi-Fi 7 on the Pixel 9. However, I don’t think this is a significant issue, as Wi-Fi 7 routers aren't exactly ubiquitous, although others may not be as happy.

Google Pixel 10: New features

The Pixel 10 family is packed with new features, and, as you might imagine, many of them revolve around AI.

First up is Camera Coach, which can be activated in the camera viewfinder and uses Gemini's visual scene understanding to give you shot suggestions for what it sees, walking you through how to capture the look step-by-step. The things we tried at the hands-on were extremely impressive, and it felt like having an actual "camera coach" with me to help frame the shot.

Auto Best Take does exactly what's printed on the tin: it removes the need to switch to the gallery and manually select the "best" faces in a shot. The viewfinder automatically identifies faces in a shot using a white frame, then selects a "best" face in a series of images with a gold-trimmed frame.

Tensor will work its magic and automatically swap out faces with the best versions in what it identifies as the best overall image.

Edit with Ask Photos is a simple new way to edit your photos using natural language. Instead of delving through menus to find functions like the reflection eraser, you can now ask Gemini in Google Photos to remove them or do things like add sunglasses to a photo of a llama.

And for added convenience, every single photo taken is marked with content credentials that identify if it was edited by AI. Even photos without any AI editing contain these credentials, letting you know when something is too good-looking to be true.

Magic Cue is the next evolution of smart actions on Pixel phones, giving users more context-sensitive actions throughout the entire OS. This includes new buttons (called chips) in Google Messages when addresses or calendar events are detected, as well as relevant information in places like the Dialer app.

The example above showed flight information found in Gmail on the screen when calling United Airlines.

Morning Brief is essentially Google's answer to Samsung's Now Brief and will summarize what it thinks is essential for your day when you first pick up your phone in the morning. Hopefully, it's a lot better than Samsung's rather unimpressive solution.

Pixel Journal essentially combines Google Keep and Pixel Screenshots into one new app. It wasn't immediately clear how this differs from those two apps or if it effectively combines functionalities, so we'll have to further test it in the review.

We also got a taste of live call translation, which uses on-device AI to emulate your voice speaking an entirely different language in real-time.

Google Pixel 10: A new era

Three new Pixel 10 phones mark the start of a new era for Google, one in which Google is more in charge of its smartphone destiny than ever. Brand new custom silicon, a refined design, and a slew of new exclusive features mark a surprisingly important release in the Pixel series, especially when you consider how similar these look to the Pixel 9 on the surface.

The phones are available for preorder as of today, August 20, and start at $799 for the base Pixel 10. The trio of phones will hit store shelves on August 28.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

If someone told me a year ago that the 2025 Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold would be the first to have full IP68 water and dust resistance, I might have laughed at them. It's not that Google's hardware team is incompetent or anything, just that I expected a company like Samsung or Honor to achieve this milestone first.

Yet, here I was, staring down at the world's first IP68 foldable phone, and it had Google's DNA all over it. Not only that, but the enhanced glass, sleeker aluminum housing, notably better Tensor G5, bigger battery, and seven years of updates suggest that thinner isn't always better. Durable is.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Specs

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: A nip and a tuck

Like the other Pixel 10 models, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks just like last year's model until you put them side-by-side. For example, the new hinge, which allows the phone to be fully IP68 water and dust resistant, is notably slimmer.

The most noticeable visual change with the bezels is the left edge, which is now nearly flush with the phone's frame. It doesn't look awkward like last year's model, and that's a huge improvement! The "bezel" around the back glass is reduced by the same amount, as well.

Likewise, Google gave all the aluminum parts around the phone a gentle coat of color, so your Jade or Moonstone Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks far more vibrant than last year's rather boring color choices. The Moonstone's blue camera module looks particularly striking with this new effect.

While the new hinge added significant durability enhancements to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and slimmed up the bezels, it also made the phone just a smidgen thicker.

Of course, we're talking 0.1mm thicker when unfolded and only 0.3mm thicker when folded. Not a big deal at all, although that makes it a few millimeters thicker than its closest competition, the Honor Magic V5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Unlike the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still has a physical SIM tray in all markets. That SIM tray was relocated to the top of the phone, and Google was still able to remove the mmWave "pill" as it did on the other Pixel 10 phones without removing the physical SIM tray. Curious.

The displays have been improved once again, now sporting stronger glass both inside and out, plus additional peak brightness of 3000 nits max on both the inner and outer displays. Both displays are the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The outer screen is still LTPS, though, so it only supports 60-120Hz refresh rates. Meanwhile, the LTPO inner display supports the full 1-120Hz range.

Google's new accessibility feature for PWM-sensitive people is also here, but it only works on the inner display. I'm not sure this will actually help anyone unless they actively avoid the outer display, but we'll see in our full review.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Cameras and features

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold shares several new features with the mainline Pixel 10. The Fold supports the new Pixelsnap system, including 15W Qi2 charging with a built-in magnetic connector, so you don't need a case to get magnetic Qi2 charging. Pixelsnap also enables a really cool new set of screensavers, making the Pixel 10 Pro Fold feel a lot like a docked Pixel Tablet when unfolded.

Additionally, the battery in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is nearly 400mAh larger than the one in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which should add a few hours of use to each charge.

Google upgraded the 48MP main rear camera this year and included support for the new 100x Pro Level Zoom feature from the rest of the Pixel 10 Pro lineup. Based on my brief hands-on time, this is a really impressive feature that might give Google a serious camera edge once again.

Google also added three new "Made you look" animated characters for the front display this year, adding to the fun when trying to get a picture of a smiling child.

One more camera software update comes in the form of "Instant View," which is activated when using the camera on the unfolded inner display. This keeps the camera viewfinder on the right side while recent photo thumbnails are on the left side in a scrollable list.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is also seeing some notable multitasking improvements. Images can now be dragged and dropped from one app to another while using split screen, making media sharing between apps simpler.

You can also now save app pairs, creating a custom app pair icon on the home screen for quick launching. Lastly, Google adopted the OnePlus Open's 90:10 split screen functionality, which makes it easy to put one app "to the side" and quickly swap between two apps with just a tap.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: A solid update

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold may not look like the most exciting update at first, but a slew of hardware improvements, a faster and more efficient processor, new AI tricks, including camera quality improvements, and a bigger battery mean this phone will be much nicer to use every day.

Combine that with Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging and a seven-year OS upgrade guarantee, and you've got a foldable phone that you won't want to put down for a long time.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts at $1799, and preorders begin August 20, 2025. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to launch on October 9, 2025. We've still got some time until its release, so be sure to preorder now and stay tuned for more Pixel 10 Pro Fold coverage!

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is here with a huge 8-inch inner display and a 6.4-inch cover display with a "gearless" hinge that should last users "10 years of folding."
• Google's newest model rocks its Tensor G5 chip with AI capabilities, empowering its Gemini AI model and many photography features, like Add Me.
• The 10 Pro Fold boasts built-in Qi2 magnets for wireless charging, which Google says can be paired with its new Pixelsnap accessory and case.
• The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is available for pre-orders, starting at $1,799, ahead of its expected October 9 market availability.

NYC is Google's jungle today (Aug 20), as the company's main summer event brings us the full reveal of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

During the Made by Google event, the company highlighted one of the significant upgrades to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold: its durability. Considering foldables, well, fold, the latest model now features a new "gearless" hinge. Google states this new hinge technology is "twice as durable" as what consumers received with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold last year. Google states its hinge is water and dust resistant (IP68), a "first" for foldables.

Additionally, the large 8-inch Super ActuaFlex display strengthens its durability this time around. With thin glass and two layers of anti-impact film, Google says its 10 Pro Fold can "handle over 10 years of folding." The cover display has also gone up to 6.4 inches because of slimmer bezels this year.

Internally, what consumers can expect is Google's latest Tensor G5 chip. The company touts this chip's "powerful" capabilities for processing your daily tasks and ensuring your mobile games remain smooth. Another aspect of this chip is its AI focus, which comes through with several Gemini features, like Gemini Live, Magic Cue, and the Daily Hub.

The Tensor G5 is also responsible for the heavy-lifting behind the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's camera editing features. Tools like Add Me, Best Take, and Camera Coach are available for users.

Pro-level displays, cameras to capture

The Tensor G5's prowess for the Fold's camera capabilities would be nothing without the cameras themselves. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a squared triple camera housing on its back panel, equipped with a 48MP main (wide) camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 20x. The cover display's camera is 10MP, same as the inner screen's camera.

The foldable introduces Instant View, a feature that lets users "preview" their photos instantly when unfolded. Recording capabilities at 4K can reach 60fps for its rear and front cameras.

Drawing attention with the foldable is its multitasking capabilities. With such a large inner display, Google says users can take advantage of the Fold's Split Screen feature. Two apps can be active at once, and users have the choice of changing the size of each to their preference. Moreover, users can "drag and drop" content from one app to the other on the 10 Pro Fold.

Embracing Qi2

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's got a lot going on, but its 5,015mAh battery might give you room to breathe easy. Google states the battery can keep its foldable going for 30 hours or more, though this will likely depend on your usage. However, the company says users can activate its "Extreme Battery Saver" mode to extend its life to ~84 hours.

What's got us a little more excited is that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the "first foldable" with Qi2 charging built in. Thus, Google has announced a Pixel accessory to go with the device called "Pixelsnap." This is a magnetic charger that lets users snap their device to it—on its charging stand, too—for a charging cycle. Google says users can even snap the Fold onto the charger when it's unfolded, which could be convenient if you'd still like to properly use it while it's charging.

It's also worth mentioning that, unlike the Pixel 10 series, the 10 Pro Fold is the only phone that offers a physical SIM slot. Google states users still have its physical SIM, as well as an eSIM option.

Consumers can find the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in Moonstone and Jade, as its pre-orders begin today (Aug 20) ahead of its October 9 market availability. The foldable starts at $1,799.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide- for articles about phones

• Google announced its entire Pixel 10 series lineup during its NYC event, which brings a 6.8-inch Super Actua display to its Pixel 10 Pro XL.
• The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro offer a 6.3-inch display; however, AI is woven throughout the series for its cameras with its new "Camera Coach," alongside Add Me and more.
• The Pixel 10 series notably drops its physical SIM support in the US, only offering eSIM, but its inclusion of Qi2 magnets inside the phones brings about the new Pixelsnap accessories.
• The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199, while the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro begin at $799 and $999, respectively.

As the star of the show, Google's Pixel 10 series debuts as a complete and total refinement over what we received in 2024.

In its press release, Google highlighted the Pixel 10 series' design, which consumers will undoubtedly recognize. The phones retain their rounded corners, flat sides, and display, with a large camera bar. However, kicking things off during its Made by Google event in NYC is the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the largest of the slab phones. The company states the Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch Super Actua display that takes its brightness capabilities even higher to 3,300nits.

Enveloping the device are polished metal accents and other "resilient materials" to hopefully keep your Pixel 10 Pro XL looking good for a while. Google says its Pro XL can withstand "everyday drops, scratches, spills, and dust." Corning Gorilla Victus Glass 2 protects its large display, able to resist water, dust, drops, and scratches.

Consumers will also notice quite an important change with the Pixel 10 Pro XL: Google has removed its physical SIM. In a statement to Android Central, Google states, "Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL phones in the U.S. will be eSIM only. As a result, these phones have our cleanest Pixel designs yet with no SIM tray, no visible mmWave antenna cutout, and the new elegant speaker mesh found on the bottom of our two pro models."

Additionally, Google informed us that by removing its physical SIM, it had "more room" for the series' battery and other specs.

AI-powered Phone

Google's newest flagship chip, the Tensor G5, powers the Pixel 10 Pro XL's processes and AI software. Speaking of AI or "personal intelligence," the XL model introduces Google's new Magic Cue feature. Magic Cue helps to "connect the dots across your digital life," looking to "anticipate" your needs and suggesting things you might find important. Google states Magic Cue can provide you with key details if your friend is asking for the Airbnb or information about your flight when you're calling the airline.

The announcement states the Pixel 10 Pro XL is "ready for the Gemini era." This new "era" is placing a focus not only on Gemini Live and the main Gemini app, but also on the Pixel 10 Pro XL's cameras.

Google's AI reportedly lives within the Pixel 10 Pro XL's cameras, ready for whatever editing or processing users would need. In its camera housing, the Pro XL features a 50MP wide main camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Assisting you in capturing memories is Pro Res Zoom, Auto Best Take, and more.

However, Google highlights its AI-backed editing tools via Camera Coach. This new feature, powered by Gemini, will "read the scene" and offer potentially useful suggestions to help users get the right photo. Users will also have access to Pixel's Add Me, so not even the photographer is left out of the group photo.

Pixelsnap for Qi2 & More

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is ready for the world of Qi2 wireless charging, as Google plants the necessary magnets inside the device. Taking this to the next level is Google's new magnetic charging accessory, known as Pixelsnap. The Pixelsnap charger elevates the Pixel 10 Pro XL's wireless charging speeds to 25W, and it also lets users snap their device to the charging stand for a full view of their device.

Consumers can attach the 10 Pro XL to this charging stand in landscape or portrait modes to continue doing what they were doing without missing a beat. The Pixelsnap charger starts at $39.99, while the Pixelsnap Case runs for $49.99.

Those opting for wired charging can still do so, as the Pixel 10 Pro XL features a large 5,200mAh battery with a 45W wired charger. Internally, the device boasts 16GB of RAM for its 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is available for pre-orders today (Aug 20) for $1,199. The device is available in Moonstone, Obsidian, Jade, and Porcelain.

The Pixel 10 Pro

The Pixel 10 Pro mirrors the Pixel 10 Pro XL quite heavily, even retaining its design that we saw in 2024. However, the middle Pro model offers a smaller 6.3-inch display and a 4,870mAh battery with 30W wired charging. Google states that while the Pixel 10 Pro also features Qi2 magnets, capable of charging via its Pixelsnap accessory, the device's wireless charging drops to 15W.

Fortunately, Pixel 10 Pro users also receive a similar 50MP wide main camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens array on its back panel. The front camera debuts at 42MP, like the Pro XL.

Many of the AI features remain consistent through the 10 Pro model, just like the 10 Pro XL.

The Pixel 10 Pro's RAM/storage configs include: 16/128GB, 16/256GB, 16/512GB, and 16/1TB. The device is available for pre-orders today (Aug 20) in Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian, starting at $999.

The Google Pixel 10

The base Pixel 10 also sees similar features to the Pro and Pro XL models. Joining its Pro sibling, the base Pixel 10 sports a 6.3-inch display; however, the kicker for this model is in its camera array. Unlike last year, which had a dual camera housing, the Pixel 10 has been upgraded with three cameras, like the rest of the series. Though the specs are slightly lower, the Pixel 10 rocks a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens.

Its front camera is 10.5MP for all your selfie needs. It's worth noting that the base Pixel also lacks the High-Res and "Pro Controls" camera features that you'll find on the 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL. Moreover, the base model is not capable of recording at 8K.

Like the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL, the base model also features Qi2 magnets built in. However, the Pixel 10 receives 15W wireless charging support, similar to the Pro model. Consumers should also find the same Pixelsnap accessories available for Google's entry model this year.

Those interested in pre-ordering today will find the device available with a 12/128GB and a 12/256GB RAM/storage option. The Pixel 10 is available in a new Indigo color, as well as Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian, with a $799 starting price.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide- for articles about phones

• The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first foldable to nail an IP68 rating, something its rivals still can’t match.
• Qi2 support means 15W charging, over twice the speed of last year’s foldable.
• A 5,015mAh battery paired with 30W PPS wired charging keeps it fairly competitive for its size.

Foldables come with plenty of perks, but for the price, there’s still a lot left to improve. Google seems to be moving the needle with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold debut today, adding upgrades like IP68 protection and Qi2 charging.

That makes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold the first foldable to carry a full IP68 rating, meaning it’s properly protected against dust and water. For comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 only has IP48, while the Honor Magic V5 sits at IP58. Basically, you’ll have less to worry about when taking it outside.

This feature, rumored last month, gives the Pixel 10 Pro Fold a clear advantage over rival foldable phones that still fall short on full dust protection.

Since the start, foldables have fallen short on dust resistance, never hitting the IP68 benchmark that regular phones get by default — until the Pixel 10 Pro Fold showed up.

Qi2 brings faster 15W wireless charging

Furthermore, Google says the Pixel 10 Pro Fold works with PixelSnap accessories and supports 15W Qi2 charging, meaning it has built-in magnets for add-ons and wireless charging. On top of that, PixelSnap cases bring magnetic wireless charging to the foldable itself.

If you’re familiar with Qi2, you’ll know it delivers 15W wireless charging, which is over twice as fast as the 7.5W the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was limited to.

Unfortunately, this also confirms there’s no support for the newer Qi2.2 standard, which bumps wireless charging up to 25W. Given how fresh Qi2.2 still is, it’s not too surprising that Google’s latest phones skipped it.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold packs a 5,015mAh battery and supports 30W wired charging when using a PPS charger.

The handset also ships with Android 16, promises seven years of updates, includes Thread support, and — no surprise here — skips the charger in the box.

• For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Originally, we weren't expecting to see the Pixel 10 lineup until around 1 pm ET, as that's when the Made by Google keynote is scheduled for. However, it looks like Google wanted to shake things up a bit, and although it definitely wasn't something we were expecting, we're not complaining either.

That said, reading about the new devices is only part of the fun, and Google is still hosting its keynote for everyone to follow along. The event is hosted by Jimmy Fallon, of The Tonight Show, along with the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, British racer Lando Curry, the Jonas Brothers, and more in attendance. As always, you can catch the livestream on Google's official YouTube channel.

For a comprehensive overview of everything we know so far, be sure to check out our Pixel 10 Ultimate Guide.

How to watch

Here's how you can re-watch the event with the YouTube link below. And don't forget to check back in with Android Central for all the news as it happens.

We're covering everything from the anticipated Pixel event happening today!

Nandika here, news editor at Android Central, and I'm writing all things Google Pixel. I'm also getting some help from Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda!

As we get closer to the debut of the Pixel 10 series, let’s talk about the software. Google has a clearly-defined vision in this area, and Pixel phones have the distinction of delivering clean software without any bloatware. The visual design is unique as well, with Google’s Material You aesthetic combining bright color palettes with quirky styling.

The UI overhaul coming later this year builds on that foundation, and we can’t wait to try it out. What’s particularly striking is the optimization; Google has proven that it can tailor the software to its Tensor hardware, and with the Tensor G5 touting exciting upgrades, the upcoming Pixels should be among the fastest phones around.

Google also does a great job with AI-assisted utilities. Features like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Photo Unblur bring meaningful differentiation to Pixel phones, and it will be interesting to see what Google rolls out this year.

The changes coming to Tensor G5 should include a beefier NPU, and that should allow Google to leverage on-device AI to a greater extent. This is where Google has a distinct advantage thanks to vertical integration between hardware and software. With the phones slated to use Gemini Nano with multimodality, they’ll be able to deliver AI-assisted utilities around audio, text, and imagery.

Let’s switch gears to audio. Leaks suggest Google will introduce a new model in the A series, likely dubbed the Pixel Buds 2a. Based on leaked renders, the buds will have a similar design as the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and they even include spatial audio.

They’re touted to get noise isolation as well, and even if it won’t be on the same level as the Buds Pro 2, it’s a welcome addition. With the buds estimated to cost around $99, they sound like a viable budget alternative to the Pro model.

In addition to Pixel 10 phones, the Pixel Watch 4, and possibly the Pixel Buds 2a, Google is set to introduce charging accessories. The Pixelsnap stand is the one that piqued the most amount of interest thanks to recent leaks, and the Qi 2-based accessory looks quite interesting. What I like more is the 67W charger; while little is known about the accessory, it should have dual charging ports, and that alone makes it highly intriguing.

Of course, Google also sells its own cases, and we should get a new series to go with the Pixel 10 models. Leaks point to more affordable options this time around, which is always a good thing. Google is likely to continue offering extensive color options, with the cases designed to accentuate the look of the phones. With the Pixel 10 models slated to switch to Qi 2, we’ll have to wait and see if Google is taking the same stance as Samsung where the magnets are built into the case, or if they’re integrated in the phone itself.

While the rest of the hardware looks enticing in its own right, the Pixel 10 models are set to get a decent storage upgrade to UFS 4.0. All other phones in this category use UFS 4.0 or UFS 4.1, but Google obstinately refused to switch to the standard on the Pixel 9 family, limiting the devices to UFS 3.1. Thankfully, that may not be the case this year, as leaks indicated the Pixel 10 models to switch to UFS 4.0. This should deliver better bandwidth while taking 4K HDR videos and increased efficiency.

As we await the new Pixels, let’s recount what Google did last year. The Pixel 9 series introduced a new design language with an updated camera bar and boxier sides. Google maintained the right balance between delivering a good in-hand feel and retaining its design ethos, and the smaller Pixel 9 and 9 Pro in particular proved to be a delight to use.

If anything, the Pixel 9 Pro is still my favorite Pixel. The smaller size, thanks to the 6.3-inch panel combined with powerful cameras and terrific software, made it a standout device, and it continues to hold its own in 2025. Similarly, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold aged well, and while the cameras proved to be average, the software is among the best of any foldable device.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL highlighted just what’s possible, with the phone delivering one of the best camera and software packages. Interestingly, Google rolled out the brightest OLED panel, outshining even the likes of the Vivo X200 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25, and other 2025 devices. It will be interesting to see if the Pixel 10 Pro XL gets even brighter, because as it stands, its predecessor is more than able to hold its own in this regard.

While the cameras weren’t the best overall — Chinese brands are dominating this area thanks to better tuning and massive sensors — Google will be looking to remedy that situation with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. The leaks suggest the phone will retain the same hardware modules, but a year’s worth of camera tuning will go into the device, and combined with the new ISP in the Tensor G5, the phone should deliver quite the upgrade.

Google’s seven-year software update guarantee means its phones are usable for a lot longer than previous generations, and this is ultimately a good thing. While the Pixel 10 series is slated to bring decent upgrades, the Pixel 9 models are still going strong. Of course, we’re well past the phase where every new device brings groundbreaking upgrades — these days, brands are instead focusing on iterative changes to fine-tune their products instead. That’s not a bad thing as such, and there should still be enough in the way of meaningful change on the Pixel 10 Pro to justify upgrading — I know I can’t wait to try it out.

Google is switching things up for a different kind of Keynote this year! It looks like Jimmy Fallon might be hosting instead of the usual Google bigwigs. He even dropped a hint in a teaser, telling everyone to tune in at 1 PM ET for some "secret product drops" (they bleeped out the good stuff!), so it sounds like things are going to be pretty interesting.

Of greater interest is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. While Google nailed the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s design and software, the cameras didn’t quite deliver. With the Honor Magic V5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 switching to thinner designs and sporting considerable upgrades, the ball is in Google’s court, and we’ll have to wait and see what the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has to offer.

Google absolutely has to do better with the cameras this year, and the design needs a refresh to make the foldable hold its own against what Samsung, Vivo, and Honor are doing this year. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long to see just what Google has in store.

It's Made by Google day, and in just a few short hours, the curtain will be pulled back on what could be the company's most important devices yet.

We expect Google to showcase its tenth-generation Pixel models, which are rumored to be a game-changer. With a new Tensor G5 chip at its core, Qi2 charging, and the smartest phone on the market, with even more of Google's powerful Gemini AI baked in.

But the phones are just the start. We're also anticipating a new Pixel Watch 4 and other accessories. The stage is set, but the question remains: Will Google's new devices live up to the hype of the “different phone” it’s been teasing?

Through its teasers, Google has been hinting at the fact that the Pixel 10 series will be different. In its first-ever teaser about the Pixel 10 series, Google roasted Apple for dragging its feet with Siri. Openly calling out Apple’s year-long delay in bringing Siri’s big AI upgrade. And later asking users to change their definition of 'soon' or just change their phone, and “get outside their comfort zone.” The ad closes with a full reveal of the Pixel 10 and its launch date: August 20.

So, how’s the Pixel 10 series different compared to earlier models? First off, it looks pretty similar to the last one, which probably means Google's focusing on pumping up the features.

Speaking of different, Google teased its upcoming foldable as well last week, with the tagline “Ask more of your phone,” which could mean several things. The most obvious interpretation that comes to our mind is that users can multitask and “ask more” of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, with expanded screen space, as it doubles as a tablet when unfolded. Two, the tagline points to the phone's ability to handle complex and multi-step tasks with the new Tensor G5 chip. Lastly, it also hints at the fact that you can literally “ask more” from Gemini, as the devices could show up with advanced AI features.

Two days later, in a subsequent teaser, Google doubled down, hinting that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might be the kind of phone people would actually line up for. A new clip called “Google Pixel Pro Fold 10 | Stand in Line.” The teaser has nothing out of the ordinary; it showcases unfolding glamour shots of the device, while the narrator talks about the days when new phones had people camping on sidewalks. And it looks like Google’s new foldable is special enough to drag us back into those lines.

Another thing that Google may have accidentally slipped into the teaser is a possible name switch; the video ended with calling the device “Google Pixel Fold” (first-gen name) instead of Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. So this could either be a naming choice, a slip-up that made it final edits, or a hint at a shift in Google’s foldable phone branding; only time will tell!

It isn’t just the devices that were teased by Google; it went on a limb to talk about how it would be ramping up AI on its devices. The new video walks through a feature that seems to touch on the phone's telephoto lens. Google asks, "What if the camera could get super, super, super close" to your subject, while you're undoubtedly pretty far away.

The next question that’s posed is, "What if you could be in the group photo even if you snapped the group photo?" Leads us right into a Google Pixel’s Add Me feature that we first heard about in 2024. Aside from these two teasers—and the frame of a Pixel 10—Google's short clip doesn't give us much else to chew on.

It’s clear that Google will be pumping its upcoming flagship phones with its latest Gemini smarts. Thanks to a new leak, we may have an idea of what's in store for the Pixel 10 series set to launch later this month.

According to Android Headlines, Google will integrate an AI-powered feature called "Camera Coach", and as the name suggests, it will coach users on how to click better, real-time images on their new Pixel device. Much like having a professional photographer teach you better techniques and best practices to achieve the perfect shot, on the go. This AI feature will help you with things like adjusting your angle to better frame the picture, adjusting the lighting, and more.

The Camera Coach feature sounds a lot like Gemini Live, but here you let the Camera Coach read the scene and offer suggestions based on what it's looking at. This could potentially require users to live record their screen, or an icon could pop up, like Gemini, with prompts suggesting better photography tips. It remains a mystery how the Camera Coach will be able to read the scene; however, it seems like all this will happen instantly as the user turns on their camera.

As leaks have pointed out, the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold may not see camera upgrades. It seems like Google is leaning into Gemini to enhance the device's camera capabilities without hardware upgrades or simply teach people how to use their phone's camera to the fullest.

In a more recent report on the Google Pixel 10 camera features, Android Headlines seems to have got its hands on another supposed Gemini feature aimed at making edits in photos called "Conversational Photo Editing". With this feature, you can have a conversation with Gemini, asking it to make certain edits to their photos, like erasing noise, changing the background, removing unnecessary objects, essentially giving them a clearer image.

While all this sounds fascinating, it remains unclear whether these features will be available only on the new flagship series or if Google will expand them to older Pixel devices. Either way, Gemini could up the ante on these next-gen flagships.

Breaking news! Google just dropped its latest devices an hour before the official launch event, which is pretty wild! We don't know why they did it, but we aren’t complaining! They've finally unveiled the Google Pixel 10 series, along with some pretty cool accessories. We're talking the Pixel Watch 4, the second generation of Pixel Buds (now called Pixel Buds 2a), and the premium Pixel Buds 2 Pro, in a slick Moonstone hue.

One of the biggest rumors that turned out to be true is the Pixel 10 series' Qi2 compatibility. This makes it the first flagship Android phone to have this awesome wireless charging tech built in. And guess what? Google also launched "Pixel Snap," their exclusive line of Qi2 chargers. They are designed to give your new Pixel devices faster and more efficient power transfer.

The base Pixel 10 finally steps up its camera game with three lenses. Unlike its predecessors, the regular Pixel 10 now sports a triple-lens rear camera system, putting it right up there with the other premium phones in the series.

This new camera setup includes a 48MP main sensor, and there's a 13MP ultrawide camera, perfect for those sweeping landscapes or squeezing everyone into a group shot. And– a much-anticipated 10.8MP telephoto lens is finally here, letting you zoom in for impressive shots without losing quality. For all your selfies and video calls, the Pixel 10 rocks a 10.5MP front camera.

This time around, Google didn't just put AI in its devices; it also made the AI even better. Backed by its most powerful Tensor G5 chip, Gemini Nano will help users do more with their phones, the tech giant claims. Google is bringing a new feature called Magic Cue that connects across all Google apps to give you personalized responses.

For example, if a friend texts you about your flight's landing time, Magic Cue can pull your flight details and suggest you share them right in the Messages app. It also works in many other situations, like when a friend asks for a photo or dinner reservation details, it will give you prompts based on your calendar information.

Google's shaken things up in the SIM department as well this time around. In the U.S., the tech giant confirmed that it will be ditching the physical SIM card slot for the entire Pixel 10 series, except for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

In a statement to Android Central, Google states, "Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL phones in the U.S. will be eSIM only. As a result, these phones have our cleanest Pixel designs yet with no SIM tray, no visible mmWave antenna cutout, and the new elegant speaker mesh found on the bottom of our two pro models."

Additionally, Google informed us that by removing its physical SIM, it had "more room" for the series' battery and other specs.

We got our hands on the entire new Pixel lineup! Google is launching over half a dozen new devices this year, most of which become available as early as August 28. That's just next week! As you're tuning into the star-studded live event, check out our hands-on coverage at the links below:

Google Pixel 10 family hands-on

Google Pixelsnap hands-on

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on

Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on

This is quite the star-studded cast, and few are more excited about Google's latest processor than the great Jimmy Fallon. The Android Central crew agrees: TENSOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Did you know the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the FIRST foldable phone with full IP68 water and dust resistance? YEP! Google somehow beat every other company to the spec, making the Pixel 10 Pro Fold the most durable foldable phone ever made and the first to achieve the same water and dust proofing that most flagship phones brag about.

Love lavender? Need a new pair of earbuds? Then the Pixel Buds 2a are the right pick for you. They pack Google's earbud smarts into a super affordable $129 package. But these aren't cheapy earbuds. They provide the same great high-quality audio with noise cancellation, 7 hours of continuous playback per charge with ANC, and a really cool new silent seal design that you can twist to adjust in your ear. Talk about a custom fit.

Google has a lot of new AI features packed into the Pixel 10 series (surprise, surprise), and one of the more interactive features is Magic Cue. This nifty little feature will automatically pull information from multiple sources (privately!) and give you context-sensitive actions you can perform with a single click. Whether it's adding an event to your calendar from that text message you just got or seeing your flight details right in the dialer, Magic Cue is here to help.

Alex Cooper is on stage with the Pixel 10 Pro showing off the new "Edit with Ask Photos" feature. All she had to do was ask Gemini in Google Photos to edit a photo how she wanted and BAM, all the settings were automatically changed. Talk about a time saver.

Jimmy Fallon is back on stage demonstrating the Pixel 10's ability to live translate languages on a phone call. This demonstration translated between English and Spanish in real-time, showing just how fast Tensor G5 can not only understand and translate between languages, but also "speak" the language in a voice that sounds eerily similar to your own. Crazy times!

Now we're on to the Pixel Watch 4 with its snazzy new display and enhanced workout capabilities. In addition to a gorgeous rounded display (yes, the display, not just the glass), the Pixel Watch 4 has improved automatic workout detection and will work with the brand new, redesigned Fitbit app that's scheduled to launch in the Fall.

And that's a wrap! Google finished it up with the Jonas Brothers, debuting a new music video live on stage that was shot entirely on a Google Pixel 10 Pro in New York City. What's particularly nice about this PR stunt is that this was clearly shot using a phone in handheld mode the way normal people would film things.

That's in stark contrast to Apple or Samsung who tried to impress audience with their phone's video quality, only to find out that professional lenses and other equipment valued at thousands of dollars made the quality look much better than it ever would at home.

Google is doing a lot with these new phones, but did you know that the displays have finally been improved for flicker-sensitive users? We got to check out the new accessibility feature that touts being friendlier for sensitive eyes, and it's a great step forward for Pixel users who might have found previous Pixel displays to be physically painful to look at.

Of course, we'll be doing more in-depth testing on this new feature (and all the other ones) once we have review units, but for now, check out what's different about the new Pixel 10 Pro displays and get excited for the best Pixel release yet!

Did you spot it? Google may have snuck in our first look at its mysterious new home smart speaker. It showed up when Google was announcing the new "Gemini for Home," a new AI assistant designed to replace Google Assistant on smart home devices like speakers and displays.

Lando Norris was even shown interacting with the speaker! It's got this cool, squished-down spherical design that kind of reminds you of the Nest Wifi, and at the bottom, there's a circular blue, purple, and white Gemini glow. (as spotted first by 9to5 Google).

Missed the Made by Google event? No worries! We've got you covered with a quick and complete rundown of all the exciting announcements. Get up to speed on all the cool new features, design tweaks, and tech upgrades that are coming to the next Pixel phones – you won't miss a thing from this big reveal!

- All the biggest announcements at Google’s Pixel event: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 4

Google seems to have finally begun to address the OLED display's biggest problem, aka PWM dimming, or more commonly known as the rapid flickering of displays that causes mild to severe discomfort for people with sensitive eyes. This year, the tech giant seems to have taken matters into its hands and added a new accessibility setting called "Adjust brightness for sensitive eyes" on Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL devices. AC's Senior Editor Nick Sutrich got to check out this feature in action!

We were reminded that it has been a decade since Google's first Pixel launched. When we arrived at Google's Toronto office, we spotted something really cool! The Pixel phone's ten-year evolution, from the first model to the Pixel 10. The display titled " A decade of asking for more" highlighted all 10 Pixel models, a visual representation of how the Pixel's hardware design and camera technology have evolved over the years. Each device had a short blurb of the feature it was known for. Take a look!

While the Google Pixel 10 does see a fair share of upgrades this year when compared to its predecessor, it misses out on one perk. The company isn't giving the baseline Pixel 10 the free year of Google AI Pro plan that comes with pricier models.

AC's News Writer Sanuj Bhatia spotted this in the footnotes of its Pixel 10 press release, where the tech giant notes that the free Google AI Pro offer is available only to Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold users. This means if you buy a base Pixel 10, you cannot redeem this offer in the Google One app and must spend at least $1000 for a Pro model to be eligible.

And that's a wrap on our Made by Google live coverage. Thank you for following along! In case you missed any of the announcements, here are some quick links to catch up on everything that happened.

-Google Pixel 10 series: Your Ultimate Guide

-All the biggest announcements at Google’s Pixel event: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 4

-Exclusive: I interviewed the Pixel Watch 4's product manager about its cutting-edge dual-frequency GPS

-Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: AI on your wrist

-Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold hands-on: The world's first dustproof folding phone

-Google Pixel 10 series hands-on: A bigger upgrade than you think

Does the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold support Qi2 magnetic charging?

What you need to know about Qi2 on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Google officially launched the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold on Aug. 20, although the device's release date for retail availability is Oct. 9. Following a live Made by Google event, we now know everything about the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, including its battery and charging specifications.

While the concept of magnetic charging was introduced in 2020 with the iPhone 12, Android phones have been slow to adopt Qi2 — essentially a universal version of MagSafe created by the Wireless Power Consortium. Aside from one niche device, the HMD Skyline, there wasn't a single other Android phone that fully supported Qi2 with inbuilt magnets — until now.

The entire Google Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, supports Qi2. It has magnets built right into the phone for a quick, snap connection with chargers and accessories.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold supports the base Qi2 specification, which means it can charge at up to 15W wirelessly, with higher speeds reserved for Qi2-certified chargers. It's worth noting that one phone in the Pixel 10 lineup, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, supports the newer Qi2.2 25W spec, so it can charge at faster speeds. Unfortunately, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold misses out on this feature.

That said, magnetic Qi2 support on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one way it beats competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Really, Google is trying to come for Apple's MagSafe ecosystem with its own Pixelsnap accessory portfolio. There are rings, cases, stands, and chargers branded with the Pixelsnap name that are made for the Pixel 10 lineup specifically — including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

We've already gone hands-on with Pixelsnap, the accessory and charging ecosystem built around magnetic Qi2 support on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. If you're considering an upgrade, we've also tried the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for ourselves.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

Made by Google is just around the corner, and like every year, Android Central has curated an exclusive guide. Think of it as a destination for everything we expect to see on August 20. We'll keep updating this Ultimate Guide with all the latest info, so you won't miss a thing.

This week, Google officially teases its upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Perplexity wants to buy Chrome, Samsung's XR Glasses could be coming next year, Amazon is shutting down its Android app store, and Google Wallet wants more permissions from you.

Google officially teases the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, twice

Read more here and here

What's in a name? You may ask.

Google dropped two videos teasing its upcoming foldable within the same week. On Aug. 12, Google posted the first YouTube video, teasing its Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The teaser, about 30 seconds long, takes viewers over the phone's design, which is pretty similar to what we got in 2024 with the 9 Pro Fold. The narrator talks about the joy of opening a new phone and then "opening your new phone" because it's a foldable... get it?

But what we didn't expect to see was Google opening up the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in the first tease itself, basically revealing both panels of the device. The teaser shows off the device's hinge and a clear glimpse of its camera housing on its rear panel. The final glimpse involves the 10 Pro Fold's inner display, which the teaser gives a complete look at.

And just in two days, Google drops another video, showcasing the Fold again, but this time, hinting at a possible change in branding. As the video ends with the title "Google Pixel Fold," which is the name of the very first model. Now we don't know for certain if this was a slip-up by the company that wasn't spotted during final reviews, or if Google seems to be working on a much easier title for its device. Only time will tell.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Perplexity and others eye Google Chrome

Read more here and here

Google's parent company, Alphabet, could be forced to sell Chrome as a remedy to a recent antitrust ruling. And many buyers are already in line to outbid one another. This week, Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine startup founded just a couple of years ago, wants to acquire the Chrome web browser and has supposedly made a massive, "all-cash" offer of $34.5 billion to purchase Chrome.

This isn't the first time Perplexity has shown interest in buying Chrome. The company has previously stated it believes it could operate Chrome at the same scale as Google without charging users.

Pexplexity isn't the only company that has its eyes on Chrome. Search.com, one of the new AI-based search engines gaining attention, has announced it topped Perplexity's offer with a $35 billion bid for Google Chrome.

Unlike Perplexity, despite being valued at less than half its bid, Search.com confirmed its bid is "backed by JP Morgan." If the company acquires Chrome, it promises to offer perks to users and publishers

Samsung's XR glasses could show up in 2026

Read more here

We know that Samsung is reportedly developing glasses under Project HAEAN with Google, a pair that was on stage during Google's TED demo this year.

A rumor seems to have cropped up this week from SEDaily, alleging Samsung is in the process of establishing its own smart glasses brand. An "industry insider" stated, "While Samsung is responsible for the hardware portion of its partnership with Google, Google also conducts internal hardware research and prepares for the future, so Samsung must also develop its own brand."

This means that Samsung could be pursuing its own smartglasses away from the Google umbrella. Moreover, these smart glasses could be "display-less," much like the Ray Ban Meta smart glasses, which only provide a camera, speaker, and microphone for users.

Early rumors claim these smart glasses could debut sometime during the "end of 2026."

Amazon to shut down its Android app store

Read more here

Amazon started informing developers and consumers alike that it was going to shut down its store for Android on August 20 earlier this year, and the day seems to be fast approaching.

While Amazon's app store was viewed as a decent alternative for users looking for apps that the Google Play Store didn't carry, we'll still have to bid farewell to it next week. The catch, however, is that Amazon's devices will keep the store available, but it won't show up on all Android devices.

Once support is over for the Amazon App Store on Android, there's "no guarantee" that apps will continue to work on those devices. So, it's likely Android users will need to either drop or let go of those apps or look for alternatives on Google's Play Store.

It is important to note that Amazon Coins will also be discontinued, and will be refunded to users if they have unused coins on the app store.

Google Wallet to ask for more personal info

Read more here

Google Wallet could now ask for location permission to display maps and addresses on receipts. This is only applicable if you want receipts that include store addresses and maps.

Until late July, Google Wallet receipts showed store details and a map without any extra steps. Now, that’s turned off by default, and you have to switch on “Precise location” in the app to see them again. If a transaction is missing the map card, you’ll see a message saying: "Get detailed receipts, like merchant name and address, for future tap to pay transactions."

It's important to note that switching to this option won’t update past transactions with maps or addresses since it only applies to new payments.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Google's AI Flight Deals tool promises affordable travel options for flexible travelers
• HTC leaps into AI smart glasses with the VIVE Eagle's voice-activated eyewear
• Google Wallet rolls out quick access feature with new 'double-tap' shortcut on Pixel
• Whoop stands firm against FDA pressure over Blood Pressure insights tool
• Samsung launches refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 at reduced prices
• Google Translate app tipped to add 'Practice' for learning new languages
• Official Pixel 10 cases have leaked, and they've got a magnetic surprise
• Discover how Google's new feature lets you cartoonize your photos effortlessly
• Samsung's One UI 8 Beta Program appears for the Galaxy S24, older foldables overseas
• Google's canceled Pixel Tablet Pen shows up on Amazon listings

Over the past six months, I've bounced from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to the Z Fold 7, and am now using the Oppo Find N5. It's been a blast being able to use all of these different foldable phones, but I've recently found myself missing the 9 Pro Fold and growing impatient for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

There are a lot of factors at play when it comes to picking what phone my SIM card goes into, but towards the tail end of my time with the Fold 7, I started missing the Pixel. Don't get me wrong, the Fold 7 is everything that I was hoping the Fold 6 would have been, besides the S Pen being put to rest.

The best way I can describe is to say that the Z Fold 7 is the "work" phone, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the "home" phone. However, the Fold 7 or Find N5 are the phones that I gravitate towards when it comes to tinkering with Switch emulation or trying to see what Windows games I can get running in Winlator.

If the leaks and rumors are true, I'm really hoping that will no longer be the case.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't need a flashy design

On the outside, the leaks point to Google playing it "safe" with the design this year, and that's probably not a bad move, especially with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. I'm sure Google will throw some new and flashy colors at us, with the vibrant ones being relegated to the regular Pixel 10 phones and showing signs of running out of ink on the Pro models.

But that's not where the excitement comes in for me, although I do love it when Google makes a green or orange phone. Instead, my excitement lies with the expected introduction of the Tensor G5 with the Pixel 10 series.

Google's taking the leap

Until now, Google's Tensor chip has been manufactured by Samsung, and while it's been a good run, it hasn't been great. The problem has been that the Tensor processor lags at least a generation or two behind what Qualcomm and MediaTek release. And for the most part, it's been fine, as the Tensor G4 was the best iteration yet, but between the Gemini improvements and general Android upgrades, Google needs to turn things up a notch.

Google reportedly did just that for the Tensor G5 by making the switch from Samsung to TSMC. According to some leaked benchmarks, the Tensor G5, which appears to be built on a 3nm process (the Tensor G4 was a 4nm chip), could be more than 30% faster than its predecessor. Those are the kinds of improvements we were hoping to see last year, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Admittedly, this doesn't mean that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be able to go toe-to-toe with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, or even the regular 8 Elite for that matter. But it doesn't need to, at least not yet, because it's also rumored that the G5 is Google's first "fully in-house made processor."

That's an important point because it's also what Apple and Samsung do with their respective processors, and it just so happens that Google is now relying on the same company that Apple does to produce its processors.

What's it all mean?

So why does it matter, and what does it mean? Well, nothing really, at least if you're upgrading from the Pixel 9. But as we saw with the addition of the Linux terminal with the March 2025 Feature Drop, Google has something planned for the future, and it's probably going to be big. So, having complete control over the design and manufacturing should give Google all of the tools it needs to truly blend the hardware and the software.

And that's without even talking about what Google might have in store for the future of Gemini. I wouldn't be surprised if we were also introduced to a new Gemini model, with "nano-banana" and references to "GEM_PIX" making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter). So when you consider what Google was able to do with the Tensor G4 for Gemini, having more control from top to bottom, along with better general performance, should mean that the sky is the limit.

One thing, though...

With all of that being said, there is one thing that I'm worried about with the Tensor G5, and that's gaming performance, specifically with regard to emulation. My concern is that even with the aforementioned improvements, emulating higher-end systems with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's massive screen will result in disappointment.

What I'm hoping for is that even if the Tensor G5 trails behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite on paper, it will close the gap in a massive way. Then Google takes what it's learned from this go 'round, and puts Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple on notice with the Tensor G6. But until then, I'll just keep watching the clock tick until next week's announcement.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming Pixel 10 refresh, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• Google officially teased a few AI-powered features for the Pixel 10 on X via a short teaser clip.
• The video seemingly teased the series' strong telephoto capabilities while also calling back to the Pixel 9's "Add Me."
• Google confirms against that its launch event is set for August 20.

It's nearly go time, and Google is ramping up its teaser engine for the Pixel 10 series with some hints about Gemini.

This afternoon (Aug 15), Google posted a short teaser clip on X, briefly hinting at what consumers can expect out of the Pixel 10 series. Again, Google is sticking with its promotional tagline: "Ask more of your phone." The teaser runs through its first feature, which seems to touch on the phone's telephoto lens. Google asks, "What if the camera could get super, super, super close" to your subject, while you're undoubtedly pretty far away.

The teaser doesn't expand on that, but the clip rolls into quite a familiar feature that we've even seen tested during an I/O keynote.

The next question posed is: "What if you could be in the group photo even if you snapped the group photo?" This is, of course, leading us right into a pretty convenient Google Pixel feature that we first heard about in 2024. Aside from these two teasers—and the frame of a Pixel 10—Google's short clip doesn't give us much else to chew on.

The company has confirmed again that its event will take place on August 20.

Google in NYC

Additionally, Google started dropping some more concrete details about its August 20 event for new Pixels. The company states it will have a recognizable cast on set for the Pixels, such as the host of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon. The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, British racer Lando Curry, "and more" are teased to be at the Made by Google event.

The action goes down on August 20 at 1pm ET (10am PT).

It's digestible AI

This group photo feature Google's alluding to seems to almost certainly be "Add Me." In 2024, after the Made by Google event of that year, the Pixel 9 went live for pre-orders, but not before we saw Add Me showcased during the keynote. Android Central's Jerry Hildenbrand said it best: Add Me is "AI that people can understand." The Pixel 9 is capable of taking a group photo once, and then allowing the photographer to step in somewhere and snap another.

It then leverages its AI software to graciously merge those two photos to a point where it looks like someone else took the photo. Like a video game where it's just some camera floating by a string. While this feels like a feature we should've expected on the Pixel 10, it's nice to see Google (sort of) say so.

Let's also not forget about the foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which has had some rumors surface quite recently. Those reports highlighted the existence of Qi2 support and a potential delay in its market release that consumers might need to keep in the back of their minds.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• A recent leak claims to have discovered the regulatory listings for the Pixel 10 series' batteries in the EU.
• The Pixel 10 Pro XL listing alleges a 5,078mAh battery with a "B" level efficiency rating, while the 10 Pro grabs a 4,707mAh battery, estimated to run for 51 hours before charging.
• A leaked base Pixel 10 listing claims it could see a battery slightly higher than the 10 Pro at 4,835mAh.
• Google's event for the Pixel 10 series takes place on August 20.

It feels like the Pixel 10 series is just itching to tell us about all itself—way before Google, might we add—as another leak suggests its batteries in more depth.

A post by YTechB highlights the apparent regulatory listings, from the EU Energy Labelling, for the upcoming Pixel 10 series (via 9to5Google). The publication's snapshots allege that the Pixel 10 Pro XL will be the "giant" in this new series, which sounds pretty much like what we got last year. The leak states the 10 Pro XL is listed with a 5,078mAh battery; however, its supposed "energy efficiency" rating is only a "B." The publication adds that the Pixel 10 Pro XL has been estimated to last roughly 48 hours before needing a charge.

On the other hand, there's the Pixel 10 Pro, which has supposedly received a 4,707mAh battery, estimated to last 51 hours. The extended life on its battery per charge seems to tie into its "A" rank battery efficiency.

Curiously, the leak states the base Pixel 10 offers a slightly higher 4,835mAh battery (over the Pro model) with an "A" in efficiency and an estimated 49 hours before needing to charge. The alleged battery for the base model is 135mAh larger than the Pixel 9. The publication notes another interesting detail: the Pixel 10 series is rumored to have batteries that can la

Pixel 10 series might bring some power

Battery rumors haven't been that prevalent lately; however, there was one from the end of June that mentioned the 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL. In that one, the Pixel 10 Pro's 6.3-inch display was alleged, as well as a 4,870mAh battery. This creates quite a strange narrative, considering the latest leaks claim this capacity is slightly lower than originally theorized. If anything, it's dropped the Pixel 10 Pro under the base model, which seems strange when you think about it.

The rumors from June add that the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL could see 29W and 39W charging capabilities, respectively.

The 10 Pro Fold hasn't been left out, as a more recent leak seemingly shone a light on its entire spec sheet. It seems this model could receive an IP68 rating and support for Qi2 wireless charging. August 20 is when we can expect Google's event for its Pixel 10 series device and more, so the wait's almost over.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• A new Pixel 10 Pro Fold leak brings the entire spec sheet, ahead of its launch next week.
• The leak doubles down on the rumor that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could be the first foldable to get an IP68 rating as well as support for Qi2.
• The leak suggests that, despite being announced on Aug.20, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could see a delayed sale in October.

As we inch closer to the Made by Google event, we've been seeing leaks come in back-to-back. The most recent one comes from WinFuture, which seems to have got a hold of the entire spec sheet of Google's upcoming foldable, Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

The spec sheet posted by the publication backs all the previous rumors we've heard about the device. To begin with, its display, the foldable is expected to have a larger 6.4-inch external display with a maximum refresh rate of 60 to 100 Hertz and an increased maximum brightness. The resolution of the outer screen is expected to be 2364x1080 pixels, sporting 3000 nits of max brightness.

As previous leaks have indicated, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to see thinner bezels on the external screen, which gives users a wider screen to play with. This was also confirmed in Google's teaser that was posted two days ago, giving viewers a full look at its rear panel and internal display.

The leak also details the device's internal display, which is said to be identical to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, measuring 8 inches diagonally, but could see increased brightness reaching 3000 nits. Under the hood, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will supposedly sport the new G5 Tensor chipset with a Titan M2 chip for security. As seen in Evan Blass' leak last week, this one all but confirms the fact that the device will show up with a 5015 mAh battery that can last for over 24 hours and up to 72 hours with extreme power saving mode."

Additionally, the website notes that the Fold will reach 50% in 30 minutes with a 30W USB-C PPS charger. Speaking of charging, chatter on the block is that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be the first foldable ever to get Qi2 support, with the rumored "PixelSnap," wireless charging system, which allows charging at 15 W.

The website states that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will show up with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, which would be a game-changer if it were true, considering the device would be the first foldable to ever see such durability. This is backed by its aviation-grade aluminum body, ultra-thin internal glass, as well as foldable glass.

Other known and rumored specs include the device's camera array, which is said to remain the same as its predecessor, with a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto zoom lens. The website notes a possible change with the maximum optical magnification, which could be up by a factor of 10. This could give us zoomed-in images with better detail.

The device is expected to come in three storage options (256GB / 512GB / 1TB) and two colorways: Moonstone and Jade. The leak claims that the device will get 7 years of Android updates, as well as security updates and feature drops. Lastly, the device is said to come with Android 16 out of the box and Gemini's latest capabilities. While the device is all set to launch in a week, you might to be able to get your hands on one until October, as the tech giant has reportedly run into "supply chain issues."

While this leak seems extremely comprehensive, it's important to note that some features mentioned in leaks don't make it to the device itself. But the wait isn't for much long.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• Google’s latest foldable teaser looks a lot like the last one, but the title hints at a possible name shake-up.
• The video title drops “Pixel Pro Fold 10,” even though the current model is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
• The teaser shows the phone folding and unfolding while hinting it might be the kind of launch people would actually line up for.

Google has dropped another teaser for its upcoming foldable, and the title hints at a shift that goes against some of the earlier rumors.

The tech giant's first foldable went with the no-nonsense name “Google Pixel Fold.” The follow-up, however, got a mouthful of a title: Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The latest teaser suggests the company might be ready to shuffle the naming deck once more.

A new clip called “Google Pixel Pro Fold 10 | Stand in Line” just popped up on the Made by Google YouTube channel, and the wording is hard to ignore.

The latest model is still the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, so this could be a playful naming choice, a slip-up that made it past review, or a hint at a shift in Google’s foldable phone branding. We’ll likely get the real story at the upcoming Made by Google event.

The teaser plays it safe visually with just the usual folding and unfolding glamour shots, while the narrator waxes nostalgic about the days when new phones had people camping on sidewalks. Then comes the jab: apparently, Google’s new foldable is special enough to drag us back into those lines.

Old name resurfaces, new confusion ensues

The video skips naming the phone outright and instead flashes “Google Pixel Fold," which is the name of the very first model. Because nothing says “clear marketing” like making customers guess which foldable you’re actually selling.

Other than swapping in a new title, this teaser is basically a rerun of the one Google dropped a few days ago, with the same tight shots, same moody black backdrop, and the same Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg “The Next Episode” track playing in the background.

The wait is almost over anyway, with Google set to spill the details at its Made by Google event on August 20, now less than a week out.

But this isn't just any normal folding phone hinge, if we can even call that normal. It's rumored to be a fully dust-resistant hinge, something the industry at large has struggled to figure out. We first saw this leak appear in late June, noting that the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold would be IP68 water and dust-resistant, marking a first for any foldable phone.

This comes on the heels of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's release, which didn't move the needle for dust resistance at all, packing in the same IP48 rating as the Fold 6. For note, the 4 in the IP48 rating means that the device is dust resistant down to 1mm particles, which is good enough for most things, as JerryRigEverything's video shows (timestamp 6 minutes).

But I expected the first fully dust-resistant hinge to come from the Honor Magic V5, or a company like Oppo or Vivo. Definitely not Google, as the company is rarely among the hardware engineering elite. After all, the Pixel 9 unabashedly looked like an iPhone, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold hardly stood out among a crowd of far more unique foldable phones.

What's in a foldable hinge

Nearly every foldable phone on the market uses a different kind of hinge. While all early foldables used gears, most recent foldable phones have switched to a gearless system. While gears make it easy to lock the hinge in place, they also provide a point that allows dust to enter or, at the very least, a point of failure if dust were to ever get inside the hinge.

Since the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung has been using gearless hinges. They're interlocking metal parts that slide together and stay open via cleverly designed angles. You can see them in action in JerryRigEverything's Z Fold 4 video (timestamp 9 minutes), and Google has been using gearless hinges in its Pixel Fold phones for the last two years, as well.

But Pixels aren't historically known for their durability or long-term use. From overheating processors to problems with warranty claims and even parts falling off, Google doesn't exactly have a great name in this area. Again, as JerryRigEverything's Pixel 9 Pro Fold video (timestamp 6 minutes) shows, Google has work to do on durability when compared to the competition.

So, how in the world is it that Google will supposedly be the one with the first dustproof hinge? The "6" in that rumored IP68 rating means the hinge is completely sealed off from dust of any type or size, which means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's hinge is going to be as airtight as the International Space Station.

Hyperbole aside, that takes a lot of bespoke engineering hours to accomplish and, again, is something that not even Huawei, Honor, Vivo, Oppo, or Samsung have been able to accomplish with all the money they've dumped into foldable phone R&D over the years. I'm not saying it's out of the realm of possibility at all, but I certainly didn't expect it from Google's Pixel engineering team, which is only on its third generation foldable product.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold durability is just part of the picture

But let's be fair to Google, it looks like the Pixel 10 is going to bring Google into an entirely new realm of engineering excellence. The new Tensor G5 processor rumored to be inside the Pixel 10 is now supposedly made by TSMC, the Taiwanese manufacturing giant that makes the best chips in the world.

Previously, Google used Samsung Semiconductor for all its Tensor chips, the same company that makes Exynos chips, and that should tell you everything you need to know.

Google's tease of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't exactly reveal much about its hinge, but it does focus on the fact that this is a folding phone and seems to suggest that something new and exciting is happening with its folding nature.

If Google is able to deliver a foldable phone with IP68 ingress protection, it'll cement the idea that the Pixel 10 series is on another plane of existence from the rest of the Pixel series, and that's good for Google's Pixel division all around.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• Official Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro XL cases have leaked, revealing new colors and designs.
• The leaked cases show an internal magnetic ring, likely for Qi2 wireless charging support.
• Pixel 10 series is rumored to be the first US flagship with native Qi2/MagSafe compatibility.

Just days ahead of the Google Pixel 10 series launch, official first-party cases set to debut alongside the new smartphones have leaked. While the cases look very similar to those from the Pixel 9 series from last year, the leaked images reveal that Google will be adding a magnetic ring to Pixel 10 cases for the rumored Qi2 wireless charging support.

Dutch website Nieuwemobiel has shared what appears to be the full collection of official cases for the Pixel 10 series, which will be available at launch. The leaked lineup includes cases for both the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, showing the color options each model will get.

The baseline Pixel 10 cases will come in Indigo, Obsidian, Limoncello, and Frost, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL cases will be available in Moonstone, Jade, and Porcelain. Otherwise, the cases keep a similar design language to before, offering a minimal look, fabric-like texture, and the signature “G” logo on the back.

Google to add magnets to official Pixel 10 cases

However, one interesting change visible in a leaked render is the addition of a magnetic ring inside the case. While there's no official confirmation of its purpose, this design is similar to what we've seen in Apple's official iPhone cases and third-party Pixel cases that enable MagSafe-like functionality.

This doesn't mean the Pixel 10 series won't offer Qi2 or MagSafe-like support natively. According to previous rumors, the Pixel 10 line is expected to be the first flagship smartphone in the U.S. to include Qi2 wireless charging built in. This would allow Pixel 10 devices to magnetically attach to compatible accessories such as chargers, power banks, wallets, and other accessories without relying on third-party magnetic cases.

The official cases with built-in magnets would simply help ensure a stronger connection, similar to how iPhone cases strengthen the magnetic hold for MagSafe accessories.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is now the top-end Pixel flagship, just two years after the Pixel 8 Pro held the same title. And yet, the Pixel 10 Pro XL looks like a completely different product than the Pixel 8 Pro. In only a few generations, Google pivoted its design language and delivered an enhanced feature set. That helps the Pixel 10 Pro XL look like a major, holistic upgrade over the Pixel 8 Pro.

That doesn't necessarily mean every Google Pixel 8 Pro owner will want to trade in their trusty handset for a brand new one. It's up for debate whether the newer Pixel 10 Pro XL design is actually better — many Pixel fans like the old camera bar and pebble-shaped design. If you're on the fence, let's compare how the Pixel 10 Pro XL stacks up against the Pixel 8 Pro.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Pricing and availability

If your last smartphone purchase was the Pixel 8 Pro, the price tag of the Pixel 10 Pro XL might sting. Google cut the 128GB, entry-level variant of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, meaning the phone starts at 256GB and costs $1,199 as a result. You can upgrade to 512GB or 1TB configurations for an even higher cost. It's available in Obsidian, Moonstone, Porcelain, and Jade colorways.

We saw the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for the first time at a Made by Google event on Aug. 20, and pre-orders opened that same day. The smartphone hits shelves about a week later on Aug. 28.

Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 8 Pro launched on Oct. 12, 2023 at a retail price of $999. It's available in Black, Porcelain, and Bay colorways, and starts at 128GB with upgrades up to 1TB available. In 2025, you can still find the Pixel 8 Pro for sale at the Google Store and at partner retailers for as low as $599.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Design and display

The shift from the Google Pixel 8 Pro to the Google Pixel 9 series brought a slew of changes, both in design and nomenclature. The Pixel 8 Pro is the phone that would now be considered the "Pro XL" variant, so it's important to remember it is roughly the same size as the Pixel 10 Pro XL. While the Pixel 10 Pro XL isn't a design huge upgrade over the Pixel 9 Pro XL, two years of upgrades are compounding here compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has the new boxy and rectangular design language, with flat side rails and a slight chamfer. There's also the pill-shaped camera bar on the back and simply fewer curves overall. By comparison, the Pixel 8 Pro has the older pebble-shaped design language with strong curves and an in-hand feel that some might prefer from a comfort standpoint. It also has the more traditional camera bar that extends from edge to edge.

You'll have to decide which design style you prefer, as there are major differences between the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 8 Pro. From an objective standpoint, the older Pixel 8 Pro is lighter, weighing 213 grams. Newer Pixel phones keep getting heavier, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL weighs 232 grams this year.

The form factor of the two phones are mostly the same, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL being slightly thinner than the Pixel 8 Pro — the difference is 8.5mm vs. 8.8mm. This isn't exactly surprising, because the major design changes are carryovers from the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Notably, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has the larger and brighter display. It spans 6.8 inches, and the AMOLED panel supports 3,300 nits of peak brightness. The Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly smaller 6.7-inch AMOLED display topping out at 2,400 nits of peak brightness. Both phones have LTPO technology and can fluctuate between 1Hz and 120Hz refresh rates situationally.

In terms of durability, both phones have IP68 protection against dust and water ingress, as well as Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Hardware and specs

On the inside, the Pixel 10 Pro XL packs a bigger punch than the Pixel 8 Pro. It comes down to chipset and memory — the newer phone features a more advanced processor and 16GB of RAM. It should perform better than the Pixel 8 Pro as a result, which only has 12GB of memory and runs on the older Tensor G3 platform. Luckily, Google fixed overheating problems with Tensor G3, but speeds are less than desirable in certain situations.

Google is swinging for the fences with the Tensor G5 chip in the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It's the first Google chip to be fabricated using TSMC's 3nm process node, which is the same one used by Apple and Qualcomm. There are also more custom components used in the Tensor G5, like an all-new image signal processor (ISP), further improving the Pixel 10 Pro XL's efficiency and optimization.

Hopefully, this brings the Pixel 10 Pro XL more in line with Apple and Samsung phones in terms of raw power and gaming chops. These are areas where the Pixel 8 Pro is decidedly lacking compared to the competition. We'll have to run benchmark tests for ourselves, but Google is optimistic. It says the Tensor G5's CPU is 34% faster on average than the Tensor G5, and the tensor processing unit (TPU) is up to 60% more powerful.

Remember, that's compared to the Tensor G4, so the gap will be even bigger compared to the Tensor G3.

Rounding out the hardware improvements for the Pixel 10 Pro XL are battery and charging upgrades. The new model has a 5,200mAh battery capacity with support for faster charging speeds. We are finally getting 39W wired speeds, Qi2 25W wireless charging support, and 5W reverse wireless charging.

Faster charging, longer battery life, and magnetic Qi2 support are key reasons to pick a Pixel 10 Pro XL over the Pixel 8 Pro.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Cameras

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL keeps the same camera hardware as the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but that's still an upgrade over the Pixel 8 Pro in one area. The front-facing camera is now a 42MP, f/2.2 sensor — up from the 10.5MP, f/2.2 sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro. Otherwise, both phones have a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera.

Still, it's almost a certainty that Google pulls better-quality photos out of the Pixel 10 Pro XL's camera system. The new ISP in the Tensor G5 is a big part of that, but Google's computational photography and software techniques have also changed in the two years since the Pixel 8 Pro released. We're seeing more true-to-life colors compared to a tendency for oversaturation — a shift that started with the Pixel 9a camera.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL also comes with new camera features, like Camera Coach, which uses custom AI models to instruct you how to take better photos.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Which should you buy?

The choice between the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the older Pixel 8 Pro is tempting, regardless of whether you're looking at upgrading or buying either phone outright. At under $600, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is about half the price of a Pixel 10 Pro XL, which makes you think about whether the new model is really twice as good. If I was in the market for a new Pixel, I'd at least think about whether a Pixel 8 Pro would meet my needs for a seriously-low price.

That said, the Pixel 10 Pro XL packs a lineup of compelling upgrades over older models like the Pixel 8 Pro. The highlights include a fast, AI-centric Tensor G5 processor, Qi2 25W support with built-in magnets, and a bigger battery. If those hardware improvements sound exciting, it might be worth trying to get your hands on a Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Google just officially revealed the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and it's an exciting Android flagship. The company gave us our first look at the Pixel 10 Pro XL at a Made by Google event, and we've already gone hands-on with the new smartphone. While there are a lot of similarities between the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the new model offers upgrades in a few major ways, including performance and charging.

It's always tough — almost impossible — to justify annual upgrades for smartphones. They're just too expensive, even though the 256GB Pixel 10 Pro XL technically keeps its starting price point. However, the upgrades for this year's flagship Pixel might tempt a few power users. Let's see how the new device stacks up against the older Pixel 9 Pro XL.

For more news and information on Google's newest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Pricing and availability

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL launched at a Made by Google event on Aug. 20, starting at 1 p.m. ET. Pre-orders opened that same day, with widespread retail availability starting Aug. 28. In a way, the Pixel 10 Pro XL gets a price hike — Google is axing the 128GB variant of the model. That means the Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at 256GB at a price point of $1,199.

It's the same price as the 256GB Pixel 9 Pro XL, but the removal of the entry-level model raises the price floor. Upgrades to 512GB and 1TB configurations are available, and it's sold in Obsidian, Moonstone, Porcelain, and Jade colorways.

Google launched the Pixel 9 Pro XL on Aug. 22, 2024. The phone starts with 128GB of storage and retails for $1,099, with optional storage upgrades up to 1TB available. You can grab it in Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Hazel (grey), and Rose Quartz (pink) colorways. As the phone gets older, it is more prone to discounts. We could see the Pixel 9 Pro XL priced more aggressively shortly after the newer version hits shelves.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Design and display

From the outside, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL looks quite similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. You have the same general design language consistent across both phones, from the polished aluminum side rails to the pill-shaped camera bar. In fact, the dimensions of the Pixel 10 Pro XL are identical to those of its predecessor, measuring 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm. Small tweaks to the camera bar size likely nix compatibility with older cases, though.

The weight is a different story. The newer model weighs 232 grams, and that's hefty even for a phone of this size. For perspective, the Pixel 9 Pro XL weighs 221 grams and the Pixel 8 Pro weighs 213 grams. It's an unfortunate trend — Pixel flagships keep getting heavier, and this is a difference you'll feel in your hand and pocket.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has similar display specs as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. We're looking at a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED panel capable of 120Hz refresh rates and 3,300 nits of peak brightness — upped from 3,000 nits on its predecessor. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's resolution is 2992 x 1344 pixels, and that carries over to the 2025 model. For protection, we have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and rear glass.

Rounding out the Pixel 10 Pro XL's durability suite is an IP68 certification, which is just about standard in 2025. It'll provide a solid amount of protection against dust and water ingress.

With so few design changes, colors will be a key differentiator. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is offered in Obsidian, Moonstone, Porcelain, and Jade colorways. There are the classic Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white) options, and new Moonstone (grayish-blue) and Jade (green-gold) styles.

Another notable upgrade is magnetic Qi2 support. You'll be able to throw accessories and chargers on the back of the Pixel 10 Pro XL without needing a magnetic case — though those are available, too.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Hardware and specs

Under the hood, Google upgraded the Pixel 10 Pro XL's processor and battery system. This year, we have the first Pixel to feature a Tensor G5 processor manufactured by TSMC. The Google Tensor G5 chip is built using TSMC's advanced 3nm process node, leading to increased performance.

Just how much better is the Pixel 10 Pro XL? Google says the Tensor G5 processor's CPU is 34% faster on average than the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The tensor processing unit (TPU), used for AI tasks, is up to 60% more powerful as well.

Google isn't changing the camera hardware found on the Pixel 9 Pro XL — the exact same setup appears on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. However, the move to Tensor G5 is just one way the company squeezes out better shots from the same sensors and lenses. There's a new image-signal processor (ISP) that will produce the best photos we've ever seen out of a Pixel.

Google has a lot riding on Tensor G5, because the Tensor G4 found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL is underwhelming compared to the competition. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform, found in some of the best Android phones, can run laps around the Tensor G4 in benchmarks and especially while gaming. We'll be sure to run our full suite of benchmarks, so stay tuned for our review.

Notably, the battery life of the Pixel 10 Pro XL is getting better. It sports a 5,200mAh battery, up from the 5,060mAh capacity of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This might be one reason why the Pixel 10 Pro XL is heavier. Another could be the inclusion of Qi2 magnets for quick connectivity with chargers and accessories. Charging speed is increased across the board — 39W wired, Qi2 25W wireless, 5W reverse wireless.

The inclusion of Qi2 magnets is part of a broader "Pixelsnap" accessory initiative to challenge Apple's MagSafe.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which should you buy?

Compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is all about quality-of-life upgrades. There isn't new camera hardware or a design refresh this year, although that isn't exactly surprising. Instead, the Tensor G5 chipset brings considerable performance and optimization improvements. The Qi2 magnetic support and 25W fast wireless charging capabilities will make a big difference in daily use.

At the same time, the Pixel 10 Pro XL looks and feel mostly the same as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. There's no better evidence of that than the devices' dimensions — both are expected to measure exactly the same. Given that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is already running Android 16 and has six more years of updates, there's no reason to get rid of this flagship phone anytime soon.

As usual, the Pixel 10 Pro XL seems a lot more appealing to people with older Pixels that have waited longer to upgrade. That said, some features — like Qi2 25W — are sure to make Pixel 9 Pro XL users jealous.

• Google teased its Pixel 10 Pro Fold in an official short video on YouTube.
• The device is seemingly showcased in its long-rumored Moonstone color option, giving viewers a full look at its rear panel and large inner display.
• Google recently posted a teaser for its regular Pixel 10 phones, which also mocked Apple over failed Siri promises.
• Google's event for the Pixel 10 series is next week on August 20.

A week after Google teased its regular slab Pixel phones, the company is now giving its foldable its moment to shine.

Late this morning (Aug 12), Google posted a YouTube video, teasing its upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The teaser, about 30 seconds in length, takes viewers over the phone's design, which is pretty similar to what we got in 2024 with the 9 Pro Fold. Google is retaining its rounded corners and flat sides—flat screen, too—on the upcoming model.

Throughout it, the company's narrator highlights the enjoyment of opening a new phone and then "opening your new phone" because it's a foldable... get it?

Anyway, the teaser shows off the device's hinge and a clear glimpse of its camera housing on its rear panel. We're expecting the foldable to provide a triple lens system, with a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 10.5-megapixel ultrawide, and a 5x zoom 10.8-megapixel camera. The final glimpse involves the 10 Pro Fold's inner display, which the teaser gives a complete look at.

The bezels seem to be the same when comparing the 10 series to the 9 series version. The teaser also shows off the device's selfie camera at the top right corner of its inner display, which could arrive at 10MP during launch.

"Ask more of your phone"

Google's event for its Pixel 10 series launch is coming up on August 20, so we're roughly a week away from seeing everything officially.

What's almost as important is a recent Google teaser from last Monday that showed off the Pixel 10 design officially. In actuality, it was the company's second teaser after its online store, but the video teaser through some shade at Apple over features that are still "coming soon." Google poked its smartphone competitor over its Siri AI upgrade that still hasn't arrived after being teased for the iPhone 16 series.

Additionally, while Apple's timeline remains vague, Google stuck its foot in the door, saying its major upgrades are coming on August 20. Both the slab Pixel 10 phone teaser and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold seemingly show off the devices in the rumored "Moonstone" color. This seems certain due to its silver sides, but we won't have to wait long to know.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• A massive gallery of alleged Pixel 10 renders were posted on X, showcasing the phones in several expected colors.
• The Pixel 10's main highlight was its rumored third camera, which could be a telephoto lens, alongside its four colors, like Indigo.
• Late last week held a massive rumor about the Pixel 10's battery, camera, recording, and other specifications before launch on August 20.

Yet another round of alleged Pixel 10 leaks has surfaced early this week, giving us a clear look at Google's next series.

Earlier this morning (Aug 11), X tipster Evan Blass posted what's been alleged as the entire rendering set for the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL. Each model shines in various colorways, which could be the colors consumers can expect when launch rolls around in a week. For the base Pixel 10, what's been the highlight in recent rumors is its third camera, which rumors say is a telephoto lens.

This may bring the device closer to the rest of the series in terms of offered cameras. The strength will be subjected to tests once it arrives, no doubt. The renders Blass shared on X show off the phone in four colors (as rumored previously): Obsidian, Indigo, Frost, and Lemongrass.

The Pixel 10 Pro took its time down the alleged catwalk, showing itself off in three options: Obsidian, Porcelain, and Moonstone. Previous rumors claim this model should see a Jade option, too, but the leak today didn't offer a look at that variation.

When we get down to the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL, that model features all four previously rumored colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Jade, and Moonstone. For the Jade option, the 10 Pro XL's sides and even its large camera bar assume an almost brass-like hue. The other models feature sides and camera bars with colors close to the device's body, such as a more silver approach for the Moonstone variation.

There are loads of renderings that Blass has shared via a lengthy X thread. You can scroll through its entirety directly from their page.

The Pixel 10 is raring to go

The large and in charge Pixel 10 Pro XL was highlighted in a few leaks last week, which concerned its Obsidian color. The highest-tier slab phone for the Pixel series is expected to retain a design similar to last year. This means consumers can likely expect rounded corners, a completely flat display, and three cameras on its back.

Speaking of those more interesting specs, another leak late last week suggests a 6.8-inch Super Actua display for the 10 Pro XL. Its camera capabilities were rumored to include 8K recording, a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto with 100x zoom. Rumors suggest 16GB of RAM will be its maximum, with a battery that should last ~24 hours or more, depending on use. The rest of the Pixel 10 series was also alleged in those rumors, as well, giving us a better idea of what launch could hold.

We're not far now, as Google's event for the Pixel 10's launch will be hosted on August 20.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

It's kind of wild to see just how far Google's phones have come since the Nexus days. The company went from relying on other OEMs to showcase the power of Android to buying up a couple of phone divisions and releasing its own take. And now, the best Pixel phones span multiple price points and even form factors.

Of the current available options, our favorite pick is actually a two-fer. It's either the Pixel 9 Pro or the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as these phones share the same specs, with the exception of screen size and battery life. But the great thing about Google's current ensemble is that there's a Pixel phone for everyone, no matter what your budget and needs dictate.

At a glance

Best overall

It's not all that often that a company makes a "goldilocks" phone that fits the needs of practically everyone. Not only did Google do that with the Pixel 9 Pro, but there's also the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The only two differences between the two are the screen and battery size, but everything else is exactly the same.

These are easily the best Pixel phones out there, providing you with an arsenal of tools to perform basically any task. What's nice about Google's decision to keep the specs the same is that you don't have to make sacrifices just because you want a smaller phone. That's been an issue with the best phones for years, so it's nice to see Google buck the trend and stand out.

In terms of performance, benchmarks slot the G4 behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but that doesn't account for the work Tensor does to provide an excellent Gemini-powered AI experience. That, in addition to the excellent camera hardware, improved software experience, and a bunch of intangibles, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are simply fantastic.

Best foldable

Take everything you knew about the Pixel Fold and throw it out the window. That's seemingly what Google did, as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a revolutionary foldable phone that still manages to impress.

While the Pixel Fold felt outdated as soon as it was released, its successor feels like Google brought something back from the future. At the time, it was the slimmest foldable phone in North America, holding that title until the Galaxy Z Fold 7. All while housing a massive 8-inch inner display, complemented by a 6.3-inch cover screen, both with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Naturally, the Tensor G4 is at the helm, paired with 16GB of RAM, and just like the Pixel 9 Pro, it's a beast. The larger displays provide a bigger canvas for interacting with Gemini, and recent updates continue to improve the experience. Even with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold likely coming around the corner, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still one of the best phones overall.

Best budget pick

Google's Pixel 9a represents a "break" from the norm in terms of design. Instead of the camera bar on the back, the 9a's dual-camera system is simply embedded into the back, like the old days. This helps Google's budget phone stand out from the crowded budget scene in a completely different, but good, way.

Like the other devices in Google's 2024 lineup, the 9a comes equipped with the Tensor G4, but with "just" 8GB. As a result, performance drops a bit when compared to the Pixel 9, but not by very much. It's not until you get into the realm of Gemini features that you really notice the difference.

Part of that is due to the fact that while the Pixel 9a still includes Gemini Nano, it's a "limited version" called "Gemini Nano XXS." With this, Google removed some Gemini features with the 9a, such as the Pixel Screenshots app and Call Notes. That said, it still includes the more popular features like Gemini Live, Best Take, Magic Editor, and others.

Best value

You might think it's a bit odd to see a phone that's almost two years old on this list, but I assure you, it's for a good reason. For one, Google (and partnering retailers) are still offering the Pixel 8 Pro, usually at a rather steep discount.

On paper, the most noticeable difference between the 8 Pro and its successor is the chip, as the Tensor G3 provides the horsepower here. Besides that, we have a flagship camera system, headlined by the 50MP wide-angle lens, joined by a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.

You might also enjoy better battery life with the Pixel 8 Pro, at least compared to the standard 9 Pro. This is thanks to the 5,050mAh cell powering the operation, compared to the 4,700mAh battery in the 9 Pro. Beyond that, we don't see anything wrong with saving yourself a few hundred bucks and getting 90% of the same experience.

Best mid-range

Rounding out our list of the best Google Pixel phones is the Pixel 9. Seeing this as the last entry might come as a surprise to some, and understandably so. It's not that the Pixel 9 is a bad phone, but it's more about where it lands in comparison.

In his "one year later" retrospective, Android Central Managing Editor Derrek Lee echoes that sentiment when comparing the Pixel 9 to the 9a: "This phone costs $300 less than the Pixel 9, but its specs and capabilities aren't too different, save for less durable glass, less RAM, and some missing camera/media features like 10-bit HDR video or Action Pan."

That said, the phone still offers a great "Pixel experience" overall, complete with Gemini and Google's excellent camera tuning. It's just not as easy of a phone to recommend when the Pixel 9a exists, and the Pixel 9 Pro is only $200 more. Nevertheless, if this is the phone for your budget, then you'll be more than happy.

• Back to the top ^

How to choose

There's a Pixel for everyone

It can seem a bit daunting when trying to decide which of these is the best Google Pixel phone for you. Obviously, if you want a foldable phone, then the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the only choice, unless you happen to have a strange desire to grab the original Pixel Fold on a steep discount.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are the obvious picks for those wanting the "best" that Google has to offer. These have all of the bells and whistles that you could want, leaving you only to choose between screen and battery size.

Then things get a bit murky, with the Pixel 9a, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 9, all vying for the attention of the budget-conscious. Each of these have their pros and cons, so it will ultimately come down to what you value more.

If you're okay with missing out on a few AI features but want a larger battery, the Pixel 9a is probably for you. Those who don't care as much about the Gemini fluff but want a fantastic camera will gravitate towards the Pixel 8 Pro. Then, the Pixel 9 is there to fill the needs for anyone still looking for an option.

No matter what phone you decide on, just know that you're getting one of the best phones that money can buy. Google has come a long way in both the software and hardware in recent years, and it definitely shows.

Keep reading for all of my favorite deals included in the sale, and don't forget that Google will be announcing its newest flagship lineup on August 20th! Most of the following discounts are set to expire right before the Made by Google event, so don't wait too long if you're interested in grabbing a powerful, AI-boosted flagship phone for cheap.

For more tips and deal coverage ahead of the new semester, check out our ultimate Back to School shopping guide.

Amazon launches historic sale on Pixel 9 series phones

...And a bonus Google Pixel deal

Back to School 2025 deals — quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

How many updates will the Google Pixel 10 receive?

The Pixel 10 and Google's excellent software update promise

The Google Pixel 10 series is here, and we finally know just how long Google plans to support its latest flagship phones. Like its predecessor, the Pixel 10 series will continue to receive the same software update promise of more recent Pixel generations, meaning it will get seven years of OS upgrades and seven years of software updates.

Google has made this a standard for Pixel phones starting with the Pixel 8 series. This is one of the best software update promises in the industry, with other companies like Samsung and Honor also promising seven years of updates.

The difference with Pixels, however, is that they also come with frequent Pixel Drops, which bring a host of new features at least once a quarter alongside security patches. This means that users can expect new features throughout the year, not just when a major Android version drops.

In addition to Pixel Drops and monthly security updates, users will also get Android feature drops, which, like Pixel Drops, add new features for all Android phones, Pixel or otherwise. Pixels also frequently receive bug fixes to ensure that the software remains stable, making these phones incredibly reliable.

This is all thanks in part to the custom Tensor G5 chipset, which enables more advanced features, camera improvements, better efficiency, and enhanced overall performance. With this update promise, Google will support the Pixel 10 series until at least 2032, so if you're the type to hold on to your phones for a long time, then the Pixel 10 may be for you.

For more news and information on Google's latest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

• Google is rolling out a fresh new visual for your headphone and earbud battery status on Android.
• The updated notification shows color-coded rings around the icons for each earbud and the case, giving you a quick, at-a-glance update.
• Icons will pop up to show if your earbuds are charging and if the case is discharging power.

Google is updating the way Android shows you the battery life for your favorite headphones and earbuds, making the design a lot cleaner so you can quickly see how much power your audio gear has left.

Prior to this change, connected devices just showed a battery icon with a percentage under each accessory icon. Now, Google has revamped the layout to be more readable and visually clear, as first spotted by 9to5Google.

The new headphone battery pop-up comes with Google Play services version 25.30.31 and works on all Android devices.

A smarter way to check your charge

Once the update lands, the battery pop-up will look different, with each earbud and the charging case displaying a color-coded ring around its icon, plus tiny symbols at the top of each circle. Open your earbuds’ case, and you’ll get a clear visual read on their battery levels.

Above each circle, you’ll see a tiny status icon, like a lightning bolt when it’s charging, and the battery percentage for the left bud, case, and right bud sits right underneath.

In this new update, the case now has a battery-discharging icon and a green ring that's not quite full, showing it's powering up the left and right earbuds. The previous notification didn't show this information.

There have been no changes to the compact notification that shows all the percentages in a single line, according to 9to5. This new design is in sync with the ring design for the Bluetooth Device details page that was introduced in Android 15 QPR2 on Pixel.

In 2024, I would have easily recommended the Pixel 9 to anyone who asked, not because it was my favorite phone (disclaimer: I am generally not a huge Pixel fan), but because it's a generally good phone. It has cameras that most people would love, pretty decent battery life, tons of fun AI features to keep things exciting, and a software promise that would make most other flagship phones jealous.

So what's the problem? From the get-go, the Pixel 9 has had quite a bit going against it, from the $100 price increase to its "late" software and the lack of hardware you'd find on comparable phones. On its own, the Pixel 9 is a fine phone, but assuming the Pixel 10 will cost the same, it will have to do more than "fine" if it wants to justify the price.

Slow software start, but Google made up for it

When the Pixel 9 launched, Google surprisingly launched it with Android 14 instead of Android 15. Admittedly, the Pixel 9 series launched quite a bit early compared to the Pixel 8, so we can give Google some slack there, but it was still odd to get a new Pixel with old Android software out of the box.

Fortunately, it didn't take Google long to remedy this and then some. Android 15 rolled out in early September with new features like a Private Space, adaptive vibration, changes to screen recording, improved multitasking on large screens, and more. It wasn't a huge overhaul, but it was a significant update, nonetheless.

Less than a year later, the Pixel 9 also received Android 16, making that the second major software update for the Pixel in just 9 months. This was due to Google's updated software schedule, which pushed the Android 16 launch up, followed by another significant update toward the end of the year.

When I asked about the schedule change, Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, told me in an interview that it was to help its OEM partners get the latest version on their devices sooner rather than later.

"Because if you look at some of the biggest releases during the year, if we're releasing a new Android version in August or September, it's really hard to release a phone that same year with the latest release, and then you have to wait however many months before you get the latest Android release."

While he didn't explicitly say it, it seemed clear to me that the accelerated Pixel 9 schedule was part of the inspiration for this move, as Google had the hardware ready but was waiting on the software to catch up.

Of course, we've received a plethora of new features in between that time with Android and Pixel drops, such as Connected Cameras and AI-powered scam detection. However, even with Android 16, Google didn't seem all that prepared. Hence, we still have to wait for the next Pixel drop before we get the big Material 3 Expressive overhaul, which will give the OS a vibrant new look, improved haptics, and more.

You can already try this on your Pixel if you're running the Android 16 QPR beta, which also brings other features like a more customizable quick settings panel.

$100 more, for what?

One of the most surprising things Google did with the launch of the Pixel 9 is to raise the price by $100. I can sort of understand where some of this would come from, given that better hardware like the more capable Tensor G4 and 12GB of RAM may warrant a price increase, but the Pixel 9 is hardly the spec powerhouse like some other similarly-priced Snapdragon-powered phones.

I will say that I haven't been disappointed with the Pixel 9's overall performance. After all, the Tensor G4 isn't meant to compete in terms of raw power, but in day-to-day use, it still performs fine with my daily needs: taking photos, playing some games, scrolling through Instagram, and perhaps the occasional AI-generated image or summary.

The most obvious omission is in the camera department, where the Pixel 9 still features just two sensors. Fortunately, Google is pretty good at AI upscaling, but zoom is limited to 8x because it's likely the sensor can't produce good results any further than that.

Meanwhile, the $800 Galaxy S25 features three cameras with a 3x telephoto lens that can zoom up to 30x. Not that images are particularly useful at that range, but you can still get decent quality at 10x thanks to the telephoto sensor.

Google also limits the Pixel 9 camera capabilities for seemingly no reason, which could leave users reaching for the Pixel 9 Pro instead. Pro Controls, 8K video recording, and full-res photos are just some of the features missing from the Pixel 9. Night Sight Video and Video Boost are also not present, despite the Pixel 9 seeming quite capable of performing these features.

After all, the Pixel 9 features the same Tensor G4 chip as its "Pro" siblings, even if RAM is limited to "just" 12GB. Even if they perform better on phones with more RAM, it seems odd that Google is skimping out on imaging features when Pixels are known for their camera capabilities.

Fortunately, Battery life has been a bright spot for me, and I never seem to have an issue with the Pixel 9 lasting through the day, which is more than I can say for many flagships. However, charging speeds are still egregiously slow, as it takes the Pixel 9 literally forever to get a full charge if you don't have a Google-branded charger (or one with the right tech).

Unfortunately, even Google's "50% in 30 minutes" estimate doesn't really inspire confidence, and the real-life results are much worse. And unless you have the right type of charger, you're probably better off buying a Google 45W charger if you don't wanna sit around waiting.

After all, what's the point of having a great all-day battery if I'm spending all day charging it?

The Pixel 9a problem

Then there's the Pixel 9a. This phone costs $300 less than the Pixel 9, but its specs and capabilities aren't too different, save for less durable glass, less RAM, and some missing camera/media features like 10-bit HDR video or Action Pan.

In fact, the Pixel 9a has an even larger battery with a longer battery life estimate than the Pixel 9. Google had to make some design changes to fit a larger battery, but it's still impressive.

When the Pixel 9a launched, Android Central editor-in-chief Shruti Shekar questioned why it exists, as it seemed to confuse the Pixel 9 lineup a bit. She suggested Google split the difference between the two phones into one that costs somewhere in between, a sentiment I agree with.

The Pixel 10 could finally be worth it

The Pixel 9 isn't a bad phone, and I think that most people should be happy with it. However, I think they'd also be happier spending $200 more for the Pixel 9 Pro or just waiting for the Pixel 10.

According to rumors, the Pixel 10 could bring many of the changes we've been hoping to see. Leaks have revealed a triple-camera setup that may finally bring a telephoto lens to Google's entry-level Pixel flagship. Meanwhile, the Tensor G5 chip is likely going to bring some nice performance improvements, and Qi2 magnetic charging may finally be on the table.

Assuming Google doesn't increase the price, you may want to wait for the Pixel 10 to launch. If anything, the still-good Pixel 9 will likely go down in price, making it more worth it in my eyes.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

Made by Google is just around the corner, and like every year, Android Central has curated an exclusive guide. Think of it as a destination for everything we expect to see on August 20. We'll keep updating this Ultimate Guide with all the latest info, so you won't miss a thing.

It's raining Pixel 10 leaks this week, with a tipster dropping a whole load of spoilers just before the launch event, Spotify increases its prices, and Pixel Watch 4 could get some design tweaks and a new charging mechanism, Meta's new VR prototype headsets are giving Quest 4 a run for its money, and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE could launch in September.

Pixel 10 leaks just keep getting better

Read more here and here

Pixel 10 leaks have been coming in at warp speed thanks to prominent tipster Evan Blass. In an X post titled "PD" (Pixel Drop), we get a good look at the alleged Pixel 10 in some of its rumored colorways. Blass also shared images of the alleged Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro Fold in a grey colorway (supposedly called Moonstone).

Additionally, they posted videos showing the Pixel 10 Pro with a clear look at the camera bar, the power button, and the volume controls. As for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the video zooms in on the hinge of the device and shows the inner display with thinner bezels, giving it a bit more screen space than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

When we thought we'd seen it all, Blass took to X to post a series of images that look like Google's planned promo material, claiming the Pixel 10 Pro XL will feature a 6.8-inch Super Actua display. The battery can last ~24 hours or more with Pixelsnap wireless charging available. It seems the RAM size for the 10 Pro XL is capped at 16GB, alongside Google's expected Tensor G5 SoC.

The tipster also revealed the camera specs of all the devices, along with a claim that not much will change with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Spotify set to increase its subscription prices again

Read more here

Spotify is all set to increase its prices on the Premium Individual plan by a pound ($1.34). In a Newsroom post, the music streaming platform announced that it will soon change the billing prices for users in several regions starting in September. Spotify states it will raise the price of its plan from €10.99 to €11.99 per month. This pricing change will affect consumers in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Additionally, the company states that users in South Asia and the Middle East will be impacted by the price hike. While the slight change seems like nothing, it could pile up in your wallet along with your other monthly subscriptions.

Spotify says it's doing it to "continue to innovate on our product offerings and features, and bring you the best experience." While there could be additional regions added to this list, Spotify says it will be sending out emails about the change in pricing to its users, as and where applicable.

Pixel Watch 4 could get a new charging dock

Read more here and here

Google's next Watch has also been at the center of leaks this past week. Two days ago, an X user, Bedros Pamboukian, posted a link to their GitHub repository where they've allegedly discovered the Pixel Watch 4 in all its colors.

Pamboukian suggests the wearable will launch with four watch band colors and three main body 41mm variations. Those colors are as follows: Iris (silver body), Lemongrass (brass body), Porcelain, and Obsidian (obsidian body). For its 45mm version, the tipster alleges a Moonstone, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Later, Evan Blass' X post also brought a full look at the Pixel Watch 4, a purported close-up of the smartwatch in all its glory. The Pixel Watch 4 could seem to retain the familiar circular, domed-glass design of its predecessors.

It also highlights the rumored side-mounted charging system, which will feature an "indentation" with "two charging contacts" inside. It seems as if the Pixel Watch 4 will sit on its left side to charge, meaning the display can now face users, almost like a mini-clock.

Meta's prototype VR headsets could be a gamechanger

Read more here

Meta Reality Labs Research showed off two new prototype VR headsets, codenamed "Tiramisu" and "Boba 3," and showcased them at the SIGGRAPH 2025 conference.

The prototypes represent two different approaches to achieving a more realistic and immersive VR experience: one focused on hyperrealistic visuals, and the other on an ultrawide field of view.

To start, Tiramisu could potentially bring hyper-realistic VR experiences, which means that the virtual experience will be as close to the real world as possible. According to Meta, it features an angular resolution of 90 pixels per degree (PPD), which is 3.6 times higher than the Meta Quest 3's 25 PPD.

The Boba headset, developed by Reality Labs Display Systems Research (DSR) team, gets a 180-degree horizontal field of view (FoV) and 120-degree vertical FoV, using pancake lenses to keep it reasonably light at 660g.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE could land next month

Read more here

Last week, Samsung confirmed that there are more devices in the hopper for release this year, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. But we didn't know when exactly it would launch.

According to a report by Korean outlet FNNews, Samsung will launch the Galaxy S25 FE in Korea on September 19. While the report didn't mention when the global release will happen, if Samsung follows its usual pattern, the Galaxy S25 FE should launch internationally around the same date.

The report also says that the Galaxy S25 FE will retain a starting price below 1 million won (~$720), with no price increase currently planned. Like other Fan Edition phones, it is said to offer flagship features from the S25 series lineup, but at a more affordable price.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Report alleges Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4 shipping delays over 'issues'
• A Pixel 10 rumor about ditching physical SIM for eSIM has us beyond worried
• iFixit has finally stocked up on Pixel 6a replacement batteries
• This Galaxy Z Fold 7 teardown might give you night terrors over its repairability
• The Galaxy S26 Ultra could make taking night shots a lot more effortless
• Nothing's Essential Space update expands shareability to more clips and captures
• The Galaxy S20 series gets another update after Samsung called it quits
• Samsung's crucial 'Preventative Care' on the Galaxy Watch 8 is here for your heart
• OnePlus 15 could show up with a massive battery and a drastic redesign
• Google’s Genie 3 drops you into a 3D world you can explore and play with as it happens

Time flies when you're having fun, right? Well, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold made me realize that Google's taking the foldable form-factor seriously, even if it hasn't dipped its toes into the flip-style yet. So with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold around the corner, it's a good time to reflect before I need to decide whether to upgrade or not.

Since its release, I've basically been going back and forth between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6. On a few rare occasions, I just tossed a spare SIM into one of them, ditched my iPhone, and just carried two foldables for a couple of days. It's not something I really recommend, but as long as your pockets are big enough and you're wearing a belt, it's manageable.

The hardware holds up

Until the original Pixel Fold was finally unveiled, I had been clamoring for Google to join the parade before it was too late. Then the Pixel Fold landed, and while I was elated to see my wishes become reality, I came to the realization that Google might not be cut out for this kind of hardware.

Then came the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and to this day, I'm still flabbergasted by the stark difference between the two phones. In my initial impressions piece, I said that Google "really went for the 'Pixel 5 to Pixel 6' upgrade path, and if it weren't for the 'G' on the back, I'd go so far as to say these were made by completely different companies." That sentiment still rings true today.

Sure, the phone is still slippier than I would like, but that's been remedied with the Thinborne MagSafe case. It adds hardly any extra thickness to the phone, but gives me MagSafe support, something that I'm hoping will actually end up in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Besides that, I really haven't had much to complain about with the design. The cover screen is the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro, giving me a slab phone for one-handed use, but with the obvious benefit of unfolding into a Pixel Tablet Mini.

Where the software falls short

As for the software, I would be lying if I weren't a bit worried about how Google planned to combat the ongoing headaches when using apps on foldable phones. Samsung manages to clear some of the hurdles by including the "Multi-window" option to "force" apps into working via the Labs Settings.

Instead, Google took a different approach, which also played a major role in the overall design. When using two apps in split-screen portrait mode, the aspect ratio is practically identical to that of a traditional smartphone, meaning that it's basically like having an app open on two phones and holding them side-by-side. It's an ingenious solution to a seemingly unsolvable problem, given the sheer number of Android apps out there.

However, that solution immediately falls apart as soon as you want to add a third app into the mix. With the Galaxy Z Fold, you can have three apps in split-screen, along with a few more in Pop-up View. OnePlus and Oppo have the Open Canvas, allowing you to have apps open, move them off-screen a bit, and then tap the edge of the app to bring it into focus.

With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, once you pick the two apps you want to use, that's all you've got. A common example for me was having two apps open and then needing to grab something from my password manager. Instead of being able to just have the app open in a floating window so I can grab what I need without leaving the app pair, the third app just takes over as the primary.

It's more of an annoyance than anything else, but I can't help but wonder why Google hasn't added some type of implementation. I understand the desire to stand out and offer a different experience, but when every other foldable phone lets you open a floating window, it just feels like poor execution.

My favorite feature of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold

What isn't poor execution is how invaluable the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's camera has been. No, it's not quite on the same level as the Pixel 9 Pro XL or Galaxy S25 Ultra in terms of hardware, but that's not my point.

Google's "Made You Look" feature has become so important that my wife gets annoyed whenever she asks if I'm using the "Google Fold" and I regretfully inform her if I'm not. Our son is now almost 18 months old and is still distracted by everything and anything around him, unless he can hear Ms. Rachel.

However, once I take out the phone and turn on Made You Look, that's where his attention immediately goes. And if I turn on the sound so he can hear the various noises from the different animals, good luck getting him to pay attention to anything else for a few minutes. But more often than not, that's plenty of time to snap some shots when he'd otherwise be trying to run away to plot his revenge.

I've been able to take some absolutely incredible and adorable pictures of him, and it wouldn't have been possible without the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Looking Ahead

Obviously, I've rather enjoyed having the Pixel 9 Pro Fold by my side, and honestly, ever since sending it off to a colleague for additional testing, I miss having it. In addition to what I've already covered, I want to experiment with Google's new Canary Release Channel and see how far I can go in creating a Linux desktop environment on the phone.

If the Pixel 10 event wasn't right around the corner, I'd probably be very tempted to try and get another Pixel 9 Pro Fold, if not just for the Made You Look feature. But before we know it, Google will have unveiled the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and I don't want to waste an upgrade on my account beforehand.

That said, even if it weren't for the tsunami of leaks in recent days, leaving little to the imagination with Google's next foldable, I might have considered using the upgrade anyway.

I've already written about whether you should wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and even with the leaks, my feelings remain the same. But while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might have more features and a better camera, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will probably be my next daily carry, just as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold usurped the Z Fold 6.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming Pixel 10 refresh, check out our Ultimate Guide.