Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartphone often comes down to matching your needs, lifestyle, and budget with the right set of features. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 cater to slightly different users, with the Pro model focusing on maximum performance and premium extras, while the standard model delivers a balanced flagship experience at a more accessible price. The Pixel 10 Pro stands out for its advanced camera system and larger, brighter display, while the Pixel 10 is designed to be a reliable daily driver with a lighter footprint. This article explores the key differences to help you decide which is the better fit for you.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Pixel 10 Pro | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, up to 1-120Hz refresh rate, 2500 nits peak brightness | 6.3-inch OLED, 60-120Hz refresh rate, 2000 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 with enhanced AI cores | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery Life | 5100mAh with faster 30W wired charging | 4700mAh with 27W wired charging |
| Cameras | Triple rear: 50MP main, 48MP telephoto (5x), 48MP ultrawide | Dual rear: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 11MP with autofocus | 10.8MP fixed focus |
| Build | Polished aluminum frame, matte back | Aluminum frame, matte back |
| Weight | ~210g | ~195g |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Build: The Pixel 10 Pro features a slightly larger body with a polished aluminum frame that gives it a more premium hand feel, while the Pixel 10 offers a lighter frame that is easier to use one-handed. Both have IP68 water resistance, making them equally durable for everyday use.
Display Quality: The Pixel 10 Pro uses an LTPO OLED panel with adaptive refresh that scales down to 1Hz for improved battery efficiency, ideal for reading or always-on display use. The Pixel 10 keeps a 120Hz refresh rate but does not scale as low, which can use slightly more power during idle times.
Performance: Both phones share the same Google Tensor G4 processor, ensuring similar real-world speed for apps, gaming, and AI-driven features. The Pixel 10 Pro benefits from more RAM, making it better suited for heavy multitasking or editing large media files.
Camera System: The Pixel 10 Pro offers a triple-camera setup with a 5x telephoto lens, enabling detailed zoom shots for travel and wildlife photography. The Pixel 10 uses a dual-camera setup that still performs well but lacks dedicated optical zoom. Both benefit from Google’s excellent computational photography.
Battery and Charging: The Pixel 10 Pro has a larger battery capacity and supports slightly faster wired charging, meaning it can stretch a bit longer through heavy days. The Pixel 10 still offers strong all-day battery life but may require a top-up sooner during intensive use.
Software Experience: Both devices launch with Android 15 and benefit from Google’s promise of seven years of OS and security updates, keeping them secure and up to date longer than many competitors.
Connectivity: Each model supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and UWB features, but the Pro model has slightly faster data throughput thanks to improved antenna design. This makes a difference when transferring files via Nearby Share or using phone-to-car connectivity.
Ergonomics: The Pixel 10 is slightly lighter and narrower, making it easier to grip and pocket. The Pixel 10 Pro may feel more substantial, which some users prefer for media consumption but could be less comfortable for smaller hands.
FAQ
Is the Pixel 10 Pro worth the upgrade over the Pixel 10?
The Pixel 10 Pro is worth the upgrade if you value the telephoto camera, larger LTPO display, and extra RAM for multitasking. If those features are not essential, the Pixel 10 delivers nearly identical performance for less money.
Do both phones receive the same software updates?
Yes, Google provides seven years of OS and security updates for both devices, so you will get the same features and patches over time.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Pixel 10 Pro lasts slightly longer on a single charge thanks to its larger battery and more efficient LTPO display.
Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to top up accessories like Pixel Buds.
Is the camera quality very different between the two?
The main and ultrawide cameras produce nearly identical results, but the Pro’s telephoto lens gives you much better optical zoom capabilities.
Which phone is better for one-handed use?
The Pixel 10 is lighter and narrower, making it easier to handle with one hand compared to the larger Pro model.
Do both phones support face unlock and fingerprint unlock?
Yes, both include under-display fingerprint sensors and face unlock for quick access.
Is the display difference noticeable in daily use?
Yes, the Pixel 10 Pro’s LTPO display is slightly brighter and more power efficient, which is noticeable in bright outdoor conditions.
Do they have the same processor speed?
Yes, both use the Google Tensor G4, so raw processing performance is nearly identical.
Which is better for photography enthusiasts?
The Pixel 10 Pro is better suited for enthusiasts because of the telephoto camera, improved zoom range, and larger image processing buffer.