Recent leaks indicate that the base model of the Pixel 10 will incorporate a telephoto lens for the first time. However, this addition will likely come at the expense of the main and ultrawide camera sensors, which may be downgraded to those used in the Pixel 9a to manage production costs. Meanwhile, the camera hardware for the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL is expected to remain the same as their predecessors, with enhancements anticipated mainly through software improvements. For the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, there is a notable change with the main sensor switching to the Samsung GN8, though other camera components will likely remain similar.
This suggests that Google’s emphasis may be more on refining computational photography rather than making significant hardware advancements across the series. The Pixel 10 series is expected to launch just over four months from now, following a timeline set by the release of the Pixel 9 in August 2024. Early information, including model numbers and renders, has emerged since February, presenting a familiar design while introducing key changes. Interestingly, the renders for the base Pixel 10 reveal it will feature three rear cameras instead of the typical two, confirming a strategic shift in Google’s approach with the inclusion of a telephoto or periscope lens.
Additional details from credible leaker Kamila Wojciechowska suggest that while the telephoto lens introduces new functionality, it might compromise performance in the main and ultrawide camera sectors. In summary, the base Pixel 10 will reportedly use a 50 MP Samsung GN8 main and a 13 MP Sony IMX712 ultrawide sensor, both smaller than those found in the Pixel 9. The front-facing camera will remain unchanged, but the new telephoto lens, identified as the Samsung 3J1, will feature a slightly reduced megapixel count compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. For the higher-end models, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL will retain their existing camera specs, with expected improvements coming from software updates.
The upcoming Pixel 10 series, while offering some new features, may be perceived as a modest refresh, primarily due to the new Tensor G5 chipset being its most notable enhancement.
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