5 Pixel 10 features that have me counting the days until its release

The Android smartphone market in the US has settled into a rhythm. We get Samsung Galaxy and OnePlus flagships early in the year, foldables like the Moto Razr and Samsung Z series in the summer, and then Google’s flagship phones in the fall. Like clockwork, the Pixel 10 series is arriving in just about a week.

There have been plenty of leaks about the Pixel 10 series over the past few weeks, from official renders to software features, giving us a solid idea of what to expect on August 20, 2025. However, this year feels different.

Here are five reasons why I’m genuinely excited about a Google Pixel flagship, even though not much is set to change.

1

Tensor G5 chipset promises more efficiency

Google’s next chip could make the Pixel faster and cooler

One of the main criticisms of Google Pixel phones in recent years has been their processor and cellular performance. Many Pixel models have struggled with overheating and sustaining maximum performance for long periods, which in turn has affected battery life and cellular reception.

A key reason has been Google’s reliance on Samsung to produce the Tensor chipsets powering these phones. Processors from Samsung Foundry, including Samsung’s own Exynos line, are generally less efficient than rivals like Qualcomm Snapdragon, which use TSMC for fabrication.

This year, Google is reportedly moving from Samsung Foundry to TSMC for the Tensor G5 chipset. While it may not deliver a huge boost on paper, the Tensor G5 should be more efficient than previous-generation Tensor chips and could bring notable performance improvements.

I’m eager to pit my Pixel 10 Pro against the Galaxy S25 Ultra to see if Google has finally cracked it.

2

Native MagSafe-like Qi2 charging support

Magnetic wireless charging finally comes to Pixel

iPhones have enjoyed magnet-based wireless charging for years, but most Android phones, including recent flagships like the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 Ultra, have relied on third-party cases for a Qi2 MagSafe-like experience.

The Pixel 10 is set to be the first major flagship Android smartphone with proper native support for Qi2 wireless charging. As shared by reliable leaker Evan Blass, all Pixel 10 series models will include built-in magnets required for MagSafe-like Qi2 charging.

This means you won’t need third-party cases for MagSafe charging on the Pixel 10. The phone will snap automatically onto MagSafe chargers, just like an iPhone and deliver full 15W fast wireless charging.

It also opens the door to using other MagSafe accessories, not just chargers, like power banks, wallets, stands, and more, all natively supported.

3

Camera Coach that’ll help you nail perfect shots

AI tips could turn every photo into your best one yet

Gemini has been a major focus on Pixel phones for at least two generations, and this year is no different. One of the rumored features coming to the Pixel 10 series will use the power of AI and Gemini to guide users on how to better frame their shots in the camera app.

Gemini would reportedly suggest adjustments such as changing your angle or modifying the lighting for improved results. It’s unclear exactly how this will work — whether through audio feedback, on-screen text, or another method — but in theory, it sounds like a fantastic addition.

It’s always disappointing when you ask someone to take your photo and the result is underwhelming. This feature could help guide those users to frame shots more effectively.

4

A telephoto lens for even the base Pixel 10

Zoom versatility without paying the Pro premium

This is something I’ve been requesting for a long time. The baseline Google Pixel 10 is rumored to ship not only with a main wide-angle lens and an ultra-wide-angle lens, but also a telephoto sensor this time.

This is a feature the base Pixel series has lacked for years, while Samsung’s baseline phones, like the Galaxy S25, ship with the same camera hardware as their mid-tier models, including the telephoto sensor.

Thankfully, Google appears to be making the baseline Pixel a much better all-rounder with this addition. The Pixel 10 is rumored to feature an 11MP telephoto sensor, reportedly allowing up to 20x Super Res Zoom photos. It may not match the Pro models, but having a zoom lens on the base Pixel is still a big win. It’s also reportedly the same level of zoom you currently get on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Over the years, I’ve noticed I take more zoomed photos on my iPhone 16 Pro than ultra-wide shots. Even if I don’t switch to the Pixel 10 as my primary phone, having all three sensors is a major plus for buyers who don’t want to spend extra on a Pixel Pro.

(Even more) context-aware smarts for weather, travel, and more

One of the best features of Google Pixel phones is the At a Glance widget on the home screen. If you have a flight to catch or a meeting to attend, At a Glance will show you all the details right there on your home screen.

However, one of its limitations has been that it can only display what Google already knows. With the Pixel 10, it’s rumored this widget will evolve into a full Gemini Space, offering far more useful information.

The Gemini Space will reportedly provide a larger layout to show updates like live sports scores, finance recaps, weather, and calendar events. Instead of being a static card, it will pull dynamic info from multiple apps, such as Gmail, Maps, Docs, and Drive, and make it visible on both the lock and home screens.

Gemini Space is said to work much like Samsung’s Now Bar, but with Google’s own twist.

The Pixel 10 is going to be more than an incremental upgrade

Google

All things considered, the Pixel 10 is shaping up to be a very interesting flagship from Google that will once again focus less on hardware but more on the software experience.

And there’s still more coming to the Pixel 10 beyond these features, including Magic Cue Assistant, a more proactive version of Gemini that will help automate even more tasks on the Pixel 10 series. Thankfully, we don’t have long to wait, as the Pixel 10 lineup launches in just a few days.

Brand

Google

Display

6.3-inch 120HZ OLED, 1080 x 2424 pixel resolution, HDR10+

RAM

12GB

Storage

128GB, 256GB

Battery

Up to 24 hours

Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch display and a familiar design. It supports the addition of a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens to its rear camera array alongside Google Gemini and AI features.