Google unveils Pixel 10 series with improved Tensor G5 chip and a boatload of AI

In a strategic shift, Google has altered its product schedule for 2025, unveiling the much-anticipated Pixel 10 series alongside the Pixel Watch 4. This year’s Android 16 was released in May, a move designed to align better with the upcoming smartphone launches. The company is stepping away from its usual October hardware refresh, allowing consumers to preorder most new devices today. While the Pixel 10 smartphones maintain a similar aesthetic to their predecessors, significant internal upgrades have been made. These devices feature the upgraded Tensor G5 chip, bringing improved performance. However, the introduction of numerous AI capabilities has sparked debate among users. Notably, the absence of a SIM card slot has raised concerns for some, while the new Pixel Watch 4 is designed to be more durable, minimizing electronic waste. For fans of last year's Pixel redesign, there’s reassurance in the continuity of the design for 2025. The Pixel 10 series shares almost identical dimensions with last year's models, with only a few color variations and a larger camera window to accommodate an additional sensor. Unlike competitors such as Samsung and Apple, the Pixel 10 smartphones utilize a 100 percent recycled aluminum frame, featuring a matte finish on the standard model and glossy finishes on the Pro versions. All models come equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, ensuring durability with IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance. The base model and the 10 Pro both sport 6.3-inch OLED displays, while the Pro XL model steps up to a larger 6.8-inch LTPO panel that supports adaptive refresh rates to conserve battery life. Additionally, the Pixel 10 series will be among the first Android devices to fully support the Qi 2 wireless charging standard, branded as "Pixelsnap". This allows compatibility with Qi 2 magnetic accessories and Google's Pixelsnap chargers, delivering charging speeds of up to 15W for the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro, while the 10 Pro XL can support up to 25W.