The Pixel 10 lineup is on the horizon, and newly leaked internal documents—shared via Android Authority—have pulled back the curtain on Google’s next-generation smartphone camera hardware. While some changes look promising on the surface, others might leave tech fans scratching their heads.
Starting with the spotlight-stealer: the standard Pixel 10. Unlike its Pro siblings, it’s getting a significant refresh. For the first time, the base model will feature a dedicated telephoto lens, using an 11MP 1/3.0″ Samsung JJ1 sensor. However, the actual zoom range remains under wraps. While this addition could look good on paper, it seems to come at a cost—literally.
To offset the added telephoto hardware, Google is reportedly downgrading the main and ultrawide cameras. The previous Samsung GNV 1/1.31″ sensor from the Pixel 9 is being swapped for the smaller Samsung GN8 1/1.95″, and the 48MP Sony IMX858 ultrawide is being replaced by a 13MP Sony IMX712 sensor, even smaller at 1/3.1″. These cuts suggest a strategic trade-off rather than a true upgrade.
This shift feels more like spec marketing than meaningful innovation. In reality, a small telephoto sensor may not outperform a high-quality digital crop from a larger sensor—especially in low-light scenes where Pixel phones usually shine. It paints the Pixel 10 as a “Pixel 9a with a zoom lens,” which may disappoint hardcore fans.
Now, moving to the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL: both are set to retain their existing camera setups, with no major changes from the previous generation. So, those looking for something radically new on the flagship front may need to wait longer.
As for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the foldable will swap its current 64MP Sony IMX787 main sensor for a 50MP Samsung GN8, a sensor also used in the Pixel 9a. This, too, might be a subtle downgrade depending on how it performs in real-world conditions.
But let’s not pass judgment just yet. The upcoming Tensor G4 chipset might bring AI enhancements and a powerful new image signal processor (ISP) to the table. With Google’s software magic, even modest hardware can deliver mighty results.
Only time will reveal whether these changes are smart optimizations or missed opportunities dressed in innovation.
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