Google just pulled the curtain back on the Pixel 10 series, and after watching the reveal, I’ve got mixed feelings. On paper, this should feel like a milestone — ten generations of Pixels! But once you peel back the hype, the question is: is there really enough here to justify dropping another $1,000+ if you already own a Pixel 9 Pro or a Fold? Let’s dig in.
Design Déjà Vu
If you were hoping for a fresh new look, you’re out of luck. The Pixel 10 lineup keeps the same style and design we saw last year with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. They’re practically twins — hard to tell apart unless you squint.
The only real change comes in the base Pixel 10 model, which is finally getting a third rear camera. And not just any lens — Google is handing down the same 3x 10MP telephoto zoom that the Fold had last year. That’s a nice step up, but it also blurs the line between “Pro” and “non-Pro.” At this point, you have to wonder: what does “Pro” even mean anymore in Google’s world?
What’s New Under the Hood
The most meaningful update is the new Tensor G5 chip. Along with it, the Pro models pick up a slight battery boost, which should help balance efficiency with extra performance. Charging also gets a tiny bump — 30W wired (up from 27W) and 25W wireless on the XL Pro. And yes, Google finally added its answer to Apple’s MagSafe: Pixel Snap, a magnetic puck system for wireless charging and accessories.
But here’s the rub: it’s still capped at 15W on most models. That’s hardly game-changing. And since you can already buy MagSafe-compatible cases that work with existing Pixels, I don’t see this as a strong reason to upgrade.
The AI Promises (Again)
Google leaned heavily on AI in its announcement — just like last year. Smarter assistants, automatic reservations, real-world task help, the works. And while it all sounds amazing, here’s the problem: we’ve been hearing these promises for two years, and half the features still haven’t shown up. It feels more like déjà vu than innovation.
The Harsh Reality of Pricing
Now here’s where things get sticky. Google is offering just $760 trade-in credit for a Pixel 9 Pro Fold toward the Pixel 10. That means you’re shelling out another $1,000 just to get into a phone that feels… nearly identical. Even upgrading a Pixel 9 Pro sets you back around $500, and that’s just to keep pace.
Contrast that with Samsung: the Z Fold 7 launched with much better trade-in values — $1,000 for a Fold 6, $900 for a Fold 5, and even $800 for a Fold 4. That’s a huge difference and makes Samsung’s upgrade path a lot more tempting.
My Verdict: Passing on Pixel 10
For me, the math just doesn’t add up. Not enough hardware changes, recycled software promises, and a weak trade-in program make this an easy “skip year.” If you’re still rocking a Pixel 7 or the first Fold, maybe there’s a case to upgrade. But if you’ve got a Pixel 9, I’d say wait it out — you’ll only lose about $50 in trade-in value by skipping this round.
Meanwhile, competitors like Honor’s Magic V5 and Samsung’s Z Fold 7 are pushing the envelope with real improvements and better deals. Google, on the other hand, feels like they phoned it in this year.
So I’m holding off. What about you? Is the Pixel 10 series enough to win your upgrade dollars, or are you skipping too? Let me know — and if you’re curious about the Z Fold 7, I’ve got a full breakdown waiting for you.