Key Takeaways
1. The standard Pixel 10 will include a telephoto lens, marking a change from previous basic models that only had wide and ultrawide lenses.
2. The main camera sensor is downgraded from a larger GNV to a smaller Samsung GN8, potentially affecting low-light performance.
3. The ultrawide sensor is also downgraded, switching from an IMX858 to a Sony IMX712, which may not meet some users’ expectations.
4. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL will maintain their existing camera hardware, focusing on software improvements for better performance.
5. Google is creating a larger divide between the standard and Pro models, balancing the introduction of the telephoto lens with compromises in sensor sizes.
As the official launch of Google’s Pixel 10 series approaches, new leaks are shedding light on the devices in development. A recent report indicates that the standard Pixel 10 will finally come with a telephoto lens, similar to what the Pro models offer. Insider documents accessed by Android Authority reveal the complete camera specs for all models, showcasing a blend of enhancements and sacrifices.
Changes in Camera Features
The introduction of a telephoto lens in the Pixel 10 comes with some downsides, such as a reduced main and ultrawide camera. Since the Pixel 6, basic models have only featured wide and ultrawide lenses, whereas Pro models included an extra telephoto lens. The Pixel 10 series changes this pattern, as the standard Pixel 10 will include an 11MP Samsung 3J1 telephoto lens taken from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Compromises in Specs
However, there’s a downside: the main sensor is downgraded from the larger GNV (1/1.31″) to the smaller Samsung GN8 (1/1.95″), and the ultrawide sensor switches from an IMX858 (1/2.55″) to a Sony IMX712 (1/3.1″). These are the same sensors found in the Pixel 9a, which might not be great news for some users. Smaller sensors generally struggle with low-light performance, a limitation that Google’s AI and algorithms might only mitigate to a certain extent. The selfie camera remains unchanged from last year, while the rest of the setup feels like a remix of the Pixel 9a with an extra telephoto lens.
Pro Models Stay Steady
On the other hand, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL retain their existing camera hardware, relying on the Tensor G5’s custom ISP and new algorithms to achieve improvements. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold sees a minor adjustment, trading the Sony IMX787 (from the Pixel 8a) for the GN8 (used in the Pixel 9a), but this change is hardly newsworthy. Google appears to be creating a larger divide between its standard and Pro versions, a trend that started last year. The camera downgrade in the Pixel 10—where larger sensors are swapped for smaller ones—likely balances out the cost and space of the new telephoto lens. We will find out later this year if this strategy proves beneficial. Even with the smaller main and ultrawide sensors on the basic model, the final image quality may not vary significantly from the Pixel 9, as image processing plays a crucial role and can improve regardless of the sensors used.
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