Table of Contents
Highlights
- Triple Camera System with Telephoto.
- 4 new bold colors.
- Smaller sensors and smarter photography.
- Launch date and other updates.
Google has shown a glimpse of the first official renders of the highly anticipated Pixel 10 smartphone ahead of its formal launch on August 20, 2025. Google’s increased emphasis on striking a balance between innovation and accessibility in its base model is evident in the Pixel 10’s vivid new color palette, unexpected telephoto feature, and updated design.
A Vibrant New Color Palette
The Pixel 10′s more striking color palette is among the first things that catch the eye. Google is introducing four new hues this time. Obsidian is the traditional glossy black found in earlier Pixel generations. Slightly brighter than Samsung’s Blue Shadow on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Indigo is a beautiful royal blue with a contemporary touch. Frost is a frosty, delicate blue that evokes thoughts of Apple’s iPhone 15. A vibrant yellow-green hue that adds a new spark to the lineup is limoncello.
Porcelain, a distinctive neutral tone that has been used on several recent Pixel phones, is conspicuously absent. The removal of this well-known shade suggests a change in Google’s design ethos, most likely intending to make the Pixel 10 feel more youthful and fun without sacrificing build quality or elegance.
Camera Bar Redesign and Telephoto
The camera system, more specifically, the revised camera bar design, has undergone the most significant hardware modification. The glass section is now larger and features a triple-lens arrangement, which is a first for a non-Pro Pixel device, even though the camera bar itself retains its recognizable horizontal design.
Verified camera specifications include a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a Telephoto lens with 10.8MP.
The primary and ultrawide sensors are taken from the Pixel 9a, which is renowned for providing good performance at a reasonable cost. For the first time, optical zoom capabilities are available on the base model, thanks to the telephoto unit taken from the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Smaller Sensors, Bigger Possibilities
Google is opting to use smaller sensors in the Pixel 10 than in the Pro models, despite having a third camera. Although this may appear to be a downgrade on paper, Google’s computational photography has a history of outperforming competitors with larger sensors thanks to clever software and AI-based image processing.
This approach leverages Google’s strengths in delivering flagship-quality images without requiring expensive equipment. In fact, due to these software improvements, the Pixel a-series has consistently outperformed rivals in blind camera testing. Google is placing a wager that the same magic can be achieved with a triple-lens system with the Pixel 10.
Software and Design Cohesion
While full specs haven’t been released, it’s expected that the Pixel 10 will ship with Android 15 out of the box and include the latest AI-powered Google features. The updated design remains sleek and minimal, with a matte finish, rounded corners, and a familiar Pixel silhouette.
Launch Date, Pre-Orders & Availability
On August 20, the Pixel 10 will be officially revealed, and pre-orders will open on the same day. According to Google, shipping is scheduled to start on August 28. This means that consumers will have just over a week between the announcement and delivery.
Conclusion
The Pixel 10 appears to be one of the year’s most alluring base-model flagships, thanks to its significantly improved camera system, distinctive color options, and dependable Pixel software. With the inclusion of telephoto zoom and the striking Limoncello finish, Google is indicating that its base Pixel line is now available to everyone who wants intelligent design and innovative technology in an affordable package, not just those on a tight budget.
