Google Pixel 10 leaks show smarter cameras, familiar designs—and a few head-scratchers
The latest leaks suggest the Pixel 10 series will once again include four models.
Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 lineup is starting to come into focus, and while the phones bring a handful of meaningful upgrades, some rumoured decisions are raising eyebrows. The latest leaks suggest the Pixel 10 series will once again include four models: the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Design-wise, not much is changing. All four models appear to stick closely to the Pixel 9’s size and structure, down to the port placement and overall silhouette. One subtle shift though is the materials might now reflect price differences more directly.
The standard Pixel 10 could feature a glossy frame and matte back, flipping the finish seen on the Pro model, which reportedly keeps the matte frame and glossy back combo.
One major addition is a triple-lens camera setup on the base Pixel 10—a first for a non-Pro model. This includes a main sensor, telephoto, and periscope zoom lens. But don’t get too excited about Pro-level results.
While the hardware may appear similar, software limitations are expected to draw a clear line between models. Features like a new “Ultra Res Zoom” and gimbal-style stabilization are rumored to be Pro exclusives, promising better sharpness and shake reduction, especially at longer zoom ranges that exceed the current 8x maximum.
On the inside, however, is where things get more interesting—and potentially game-changing. The entire lineup is expected to run on Google’s next-generation Tensor G5 chip, codenamed “Laguna.”
Unlike its predecessor, which Samsung built on a 4nm process, Tensor G5 will be the first fully custom Google chip manufactured by TSMC using its cutting-edge 3nm N3E process. That’s a big leap in efficiency, thermal performance, and raw power—exactly what the Pixel line has been struggling with since the original Tensor’s debut.
If there’s ever been a chance for Google to close the gap with Apple’s A-series or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, this might be it.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
But despite the chip upgrade, not all changes inspire confidence. The base Pixel 10 will reportedly ship without vapour chamber cooling, a key omission that could impact sustained performance during gaming or heavy AI tasks.
Perhaps more surprisingly, the Pixel 10 might also be missing Wi-Fi 7. That would be a step backwards from the Pixel 9, which already supports the newer standard. If true, it’s an odd downgrade, especially since the modem inside the Pixel 10 is said to be the same one used in the Pixel 9. Why cut support for a newer, faster standard? That part remains unclear.
On the bright side, colour options are set to expand. Expect the Pixel 10 in Blue, Iris, Limoncello, and Obsidian, while the Pro models will stick to more refined tones like Sterling, Green, Porcelain, and Obsidian.
Google is expected to officially reveal the Pixel 10 lineup at a Made by Google event on August 13, with the devices hitting stores on August 20. While the new Pixels appear to be refining the formula rather than reinventing it, decisions like omitting Wi-Fi 7 and advanced cooling may limit how future-proof or performance-ready they really are.
