Google’s Pixel series has staked a lot on its photography reputation, and the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro models seem to say: “We’re happy with what we have.” According to our latest exclusive look at the upcoming phones, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL use the same hardware as their predecessors. Still, there is something new in store for prospective Pixel 10 buyers: a new telephoto zoom camera — a first for the entry-level flagship.
While the Pixel 10’s three sensors might appear like a considerable upgrade at first glance, Google is downgrading the main and ultrawide cameras to use the same components found in the budget Pixel 9a. In a sense, you can think of the Pixel 10’s camera setup as the Pixel 9a with a zoom lens attached rather than a smaller version of the Pixel 10 Pro. These thinner and smaller modules might make room for that new lens and/or help keep costs in check, but there are bound to be negative repercussions for image quality — and that’s set my alarm bells ringing.