Recently, we received an exciting glimpse into the upcoming Google Pixel 10 series through leaked renders, showcasing three new handsets: the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. At first glance, these models appear remarkably similar to their predecessors, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Apart from the notable addition of a third camera on the base Pixel 10, there doesn’t seem to be anything groundbreaking in terms of design. While some might find these similarities boring, I personally appreciate Google’s decision to maintain its successful design language for another generation.
The build quality of the Google Pixel 9 series is considered among the best in the smartphone industry, and the overall aesthetics are pleasing. While a new design would certainly have been exciting, it’s hard to complain too much when the existing models are this visually appealing. However, it's important to note that despite my admiration for the design, there is one significant drawback that remains unaddressed in the new Google Pixel 10 family.
In revisiting the Google Pixel 9 Pro for its six-month anniversary, I had no initial complaints about its hardware. However, after using it again, I realized a critical issue: the Pixel 9 Pro is excessively heavy. Weighing in at 199 grams, this phone feels dense and top-heavy, which impacts its usability. Although it may not sound alarming compared to other smartphones, the weight distribution in the Pixel 9 Pro makes it cumbersome to handle.
For context, the Nothing Phone 3a weighs 201 grams, the OnePlus 13 weighs 210 grams, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra weighs 218 grams. However, these models have larger displays, ranging from 6.7 to 6.9 inches. In contrast, both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro feature a more compact 6.3-inch display, making their weight feel more pronounced.
When compared to other compact smartphones, the weight of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro becomes even more evident. For instance, the base Galaxy S25 has a 6.2-inch display and weighs just 162 grams, making it significantly more comfortable to hold. Similarly, the iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch screen and weighs only 170 grams. Despite having similar display sizes, the Pixel 9 series feels bulkier than both the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16, which detracts from the user experience.
While the Pixel 9 Pro's weight might be justified due to its larger battery and advanced camera capabilities, this argument loses weight when considering the base Pixel 9, which has the same heft but fewer features. Even when compared to the OnePlus 13, which is slightly heavier at 210 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro feels less balanced due to its compact design.
If the leaked renders of the Pixel 10 Pro are accurate, it appears that the weight issue may persist. The dimensions of the Pixel 10 Pro are nearly identical to those of the Pixel 9 Pro, with only a slight increase in thickness. The base Pixel 10 is also slightly thicker, and with the potential addition of another camera sensor, it could be even heavier. While it is possible that Google might find a way to reduce the weight of this year’s models, the similarities in design make it hard to envision a significant weight reduction.
As we look forward to more information about the Google Pixel 10 series in the coming weeks, I remain cautiously optimistic. Although I am not expecting lighter phones this year, I sincerely hope that Google can address the weight issues that have affected the Pixel 9 series. The goal of having Pro features in a compact design is critical, and while the display size is on point, the current weight detracts from the overall small phone experience.
