Google Pixel 10 leaks reveal major upgrades in a familiar design

Independent

7 hours ago

The upcoming Google Pixel 10 will look strikingly familiar to its predecessor – that's according to Google's official Pixel 10 teaser – but a wave of early leaks suggests it's what's on the inside that will count this year, with Google preparing a slew of major upgrades to the phone's internal hardware and AI capabilities.
While the Pixel 10 series is expected to be officially unveiled at the Made by Google 2025 event on 20 August, the internet has already given us a comprehensive look at the new line-up, which is set to include the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
With rumours pointing to a supercharged new Tensor chip and a significant camera boost for the entry-level model, we're expecting Google's next flagship phone to be one of the best phones of 2025. Here's everything we know so far.
Google Pixel 10 release date: When will it launch?
This year, the Made by Google 2025 event will take place on Tuesday 20 August, where the company will officially reveal the entire Pixel 10 line-up.
Google has a fairly consistent track record for its big hardware launches. Following the pattern of previous years, we can expect pre-orders to go live on the same day as the announcement, shortly after the event concludes. The phones would then likely be released and start shipping to customers around two weeks later, suggesting a potential sale date early in September.
Google Pixel 10 price: How much could it cost?
In what could be a welcome relief for our wallets, early leaks suggest that Google plans to keep the prices of the main Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro models in line with last year's Pixel 9. That should mean £799 for the entry-level Pixel 10 and £999 for the larger Pixel 10 Pro.
A report from Android Headlines claims the pricing structure will hold steady, but that Google will add value by bundling in a raft of freebies. These sweeteners could include extended free trials for services like Google's AI Pro subscription, Fitbit Premium and YouTube Premium – similar to the deals offered on the Pixel 9 series – making the overall package more compelling without increasing costs.
Google Pixel 10 design, display and colours
If you were hoping for a radical redesign, you may be disappointed. Leaked images suggest the design of the Pixel 10 will be almost identical to the Pixel 9, retaining the new pill-shaped camera island rather than the full-width camera bar of older generations. This means we can expect the phones to have very similar dimensions to last year's models, with reports suggesting the return of the excellent 6.3in and 6.8in Actua displays.
One significant change, reported by Android Authority, is the introduction of MagSafe-style magnetic charging based on the latest Qi2 standard. This would allow the Pixel 10 to snap satisfyingly onto a whole ecosystem of magnetic accessories like charging docks and car mounts, bringing it in line with the iPhone's snappy magnetic capability.
Leaked Pixel 10 imagery has given us a good idea of the potential colour palette. The entry-level phone will reportedly come in four colourways: ultra blue, limoncello (yellow), iris (purple), and midnight. The Pro models are said to arrive in sterling grey, light porcelain, midnight, and smoky green. However, just as with the rumoured iPhone 17, there could be a new colour. A new blue-grey moonstone colour is also rumoured to be available across the entire series.
Google Pixel 10 specs and performance
But while the exterior looks familiar, it seems Google is going all-in on software and internal hardware with the Pixel 10. The headline upgrade will be the new Tensor G5 chip, which is expected to bring significant improvements to AI and machine learning performance. One leak points to an improved on-board assistant called Pixel Sense, which will proactively offer personalised and contextual help across different apps, reportedly pulling data from your Gmail and Google Docs to help you complete tasks faster.
Android Headlines also reports big improvements to the Pixel 10's speakers and upgraded camera stabilisation for smoother video. Battery life is also tipped for a boost, with one source claiming a whopping 100 hours of power when in Extreme Battery Saver mode.
Google Pixel 10 camera
Perhaps the most significant hardware upgrade will be to the camera system, particularly for the standard Pixel 10. For the first time, the entry-level model is rumoured to have a dedicated zoom lens, a feature previously reserved for the pricier Pro models. This will reportedly join a 50MP wide lens with macro focus and a 13MP ultrawide lens.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are tipped to get an even more impressive array, featuring a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide with macro focus and a periscope telephoto lens. This will reportedly be capable of a staggering 100x zoom, thanks to an improved 'Pro Res Zoom' feature that uses AI and clever pixel binning techniques to squeeze more detail from long-distance shots.
The verdict: Google Pixel 10 rumours
While the Pixel 10 might not turn heads at first glance, rumours suggest that it's shaping up to be one of the most significant under-the-hood upgrades in the series' history, and all this without a price increase, too.
The introduction of a zoom lens to the entry-level model is a huge step, closing a major gap between it and the Pro version. Add in the powerful new Tensor G5 chip, a host of smarter AI features and the convenience of magnetic charging, and the Pixel 10 could be a seriously compelling flagship when it arrives later this month.