When it comes to flagship smartphones, there are two distinct types of users. The first group includes early adopters who crave the latest features—whether it’s an advanced camera, robust battery, stellar performance, or a stunning display. The second group appreciates these features but is also budget-conscious. If you find yourself in the latter category, this article explores some exciting options that deliver exceptional value without breaking the bank.
For those looking at price and features, smartphones fall broadly into two categories based on camera quantity. Notably, the Samsung Galaxy S25 and OnePlus 13, both priced between $800 and $1000, offer triple cameras with impressive zoom capabilities.
Alternatively, if you prefer dual-camera options, the entry-level iPhone 16 and the recently launched Google Pixel 10, which officially debuted in New York, are worthy contenders. The Pixel 10 stands out with a remarkable upgrade: it’s the first base Pixel model to feature a telephoto lens, enhancing your photography potential significantly.
Why One More Camera Matters
During my hands-on session with the Pixel 10, I quickly recognized that this smartphone might just be the best value device you can buy right now. Here’s how the addition of a telephoto lens truly elevates its performance.
The Pixel 10 represents a significant advancement for Google, as it now competes not just with the dual-camera iPhone 16 but also the triple-camera Galaxy S25. While the new telephoto lens may seem like the only change on the surface, the camera enhancements reach much deeper.
The main camera has slightly decreased from a 50MP sensor in the Pixel 9 to a 48MP wide sensor in the Pixel 10. Both models maintain the same f/1.7 aperture and 25mm focal length. However, the ultra-wide camera takes a step down, moving from a 48MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture to a 12MP sensor.
Despite this reduction in the ultra-wide sensor, the Pixel 10’s introduction of the same 10.8MP telephoto lens found in the Pixel 10 Pro is a welcome improvement. This lens offers 5x optical zoom, although it lacks the Pro Res Zoom feature available in the Pixel 10 Pro series. For buyers at this price point, having a solid telephoto lens is particularly enticing.
A New Era for the Tensor Processor
The Pixel 10 also debuts the Tensor G5, Google’s fifth-generation processor, marking a pivotal change as Google transitions from Samsung Foundry to TSMC, the world’s largest chip manufacturer.
Built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, the Tensor G5 offers notable improvements in AI capabilities, promising faster performance for machine learning and on-device AI. The CPU is reported to be 34% faster than its predecessor and is accompanied by 12GB of RAM.
Bigger Battery and Faster Charging
Google made some enhancements in the battery department as well. The Pixel 10 features a slightly larger 4,970 mAh battery. While this is an improvement, the Tensor G5 processor’s higher power consumption may offset any noticeable increase in battery life.
The charging speed has also seen an upgrade from 27W to 29W, allowing users to achieve a 55% charge in approximately 30 minutes with a compatible charger. As an exciting innovation, the Pixel 10 includes Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, enabling fast wireless charging at 15W with the right accessory.
Software That Delivers
The Pixel 10 comes equipped with Android 16 out-of-the-box and benefits from seven years of software and security updates. This model is not just about hardware; it also includes exciting AI-driven features courtesy of Google’s Gemini technology.
One standout feature is Magic Cue, designed to adapt to your daily needs by suggesting timely actions such as adding calendar events or checking the weather. The more you use it, the better it becomes at understanding your preferences.
Affordable Yet Feature-Packed
The Pixel 10 is priced at $799 (approximately €749), making it a frontrunner in the budget flagship category. Despite some downgraded specifications, it is a well-rounded phone that caters to most users’ needs while proving that affordability doesn’t equate to significant compromises.
Notably, Google has adopted an eSIM-only model in the U.S. for the Pixel 10, removing the physical SIM card tray—an expected move in an industry trending toward this technology.
The Pixel 10 is available for pre-order with four stylish color options: Obsidian, Frost, Lemongrass, and Indigo. Pre-orders open on August 20, with an official release date set for August 28, making it a highly anticipated device this summer.
Curious to explore more about what the Pixel 10 offers? Continue your journey into the tech world with Moyens I/O to stay ahead of the curve.
What features does the Google Pixel 10 offer compared to its predecessor? The Pixel 10 introduces a telephoto lens, an updated Tensor G5 processor, and new AI capabilities, significantly improving on its predecessor.
Is the Google Pixel 10 worth the investment? For its price point of $799 (approximately €749), the Pixel 10 provides excellent value, especially with its enhanced camera capabilities and software support.
How does the battery performance of the Pixel 10 compare to other smartphones? The Pixel 10’s 4,970 mAh battery ensures good performance, though it may consume more power due to the new processor; overall battery life remains competitive.
How does the Pixel 10 rank against other flagships in 2025? With its combination of features, competitive pricing, and updates, the Pixel 10 stands as a strong contender in the flagship smartphone market for 2025.