Last year, I determined that Google’s Pixel 9 was a satisfactory Android smartphone with AI capabilities that ranged from somewhat intriguing to unnecessary. My impressions of the Google Pixel 10 were comparable.

The entry-level variant of Google’s newest flagship includes several essential hardware enhancements, such as an increased battery capacity and a telephoto zoom lens on the rear camera. Yet, for the second year in a row, Google’s emphasis continues to be on AI capabilities.

The Google Pixel 10 is a dependable option if you are in search of a sturdy Android device that captures impressive photos and endures an entire day on a single charge. It also features some significant AI capabilities for those interested. Beyond that, it’s difficult to muster enthusiasm for new smartphones in this age of gradual enhancements.

Google Pixel 10: Pricing and Specifications

This device is listed at $799, matching the Pixel 9’s price point from last year. In the current market, this is encouraging. For this cost, you receive the following specifications:

– 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1080×2424 and a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
– Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness
– 12GB RAM
– 128GB/256GB storage options
– Google Tensor G5 processor
– 4,970mAh battery

Although a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate (available on the Pixel 10 Pro) could enhance battery performance, the Pixel 10’s display is more than capable. Its peak brightness is 300 nits higher than the previous year’s model, and I never felt the necessity for more brightness in daylight. The display is vibrant and clear, ideal for daily usage and photo previews.

The one other notable modification from the Pixel 9 is the expanded battery size, which has increased from 4,700mAh in the Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 10: Design

The Pixel 10 comes in four hues: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian. My review unit was Indigo, which I found gorgeous. It’s not exactly a pink iPhone, but it’s quite close.

Apart from that, the Pixel 10 bears a strong resemblance to the Pixel 9. Google opted not to redesign it this year. The Pixel 10 keeps the Cyclops-style horizontal camera bar on the back. The only immediately noticeable visual alteration from the Pixel 9 is the addition of the third camera lens on the back.

I’m fine with this, but it emphasizes that if you’re not enthusiastic about AI capabilities, there’s not much else to be thrilled about this year.

Google Pixel 10: Performance

The Pixel 10 is driven by the new Tensor G5 processor. It’s sufficient!

The performance on the Pixel 10 is more than adequate. Applications operate quickly and smoothly, and more demanding tasks like Gemini or other AI functions run efficiently. The phone did get a little warm after prolonged use, but a decent case can remedy that. Unfortunately, Geekbench 6 was not available for the Pixel 10 at the time of writing, so I can’t provide exact measurements for this review.

Overall, performance has been smooth during my experience with the phone.

Google Pixel 10: Battery Performance

The battery life is robust and impressive.

Google asserts that the Pixel 10 can last over 30 hours on a single charge, which I couldn’t quite hit during testing. I utilized the 120Hz mode, which likely limited battery longevity. Even so, I achieved around 26 or 27 hours between charges, not including sleep time. Not bad, Google.

Google Pixel 10: AI Features

The Pixel 10 builds upon Google’s AI toolkit, sometimes in genuinely beneficial ways, but often in redundant manners.

Beginning with the positive features, the Pixel 10 provides live language translation during phone calls across various global dialects. This occurs on-device, facilitating communication that may not have been possible before. This is precisely the sort of capability AI should enable.

I tested this using my limited Spanish from high school and college. It consistently interpreted me, though discussions weren’t seamless due to processing delays. Unlike other live translation functions, it utilizes AI to translate using your own voice, which can feel jarring. I would have preferred a generic voice, but it pushes us closer to real-time universal translation.

The other potentially intriguing AI feature is Magic Cue, which responds to context. The concept is that if you have personal details stored in your data, such as a text message, Gmail, or Calendar event, Magic Cue can surface it when required.

For instance, if I had flight or hotel details stored and someone messaged me about it, the Pixel 10 would present that information in the Messages app without needing to search. I tested this by creating a fictitious dinner reservation in my Calendar for Domino’s Pizza. When I texted the Pixel 10 about the reservation, a Calendar app icon appeared in the text window, directing me to that information.

Magic Cue is an AI feature that can save time, even if it’s not a significant amount.

Regrettably, the remainder of the new AI features on the Pixel 10 are, at best, mediocre.