The highly anticipated Pixel 10 series has officially been launched, bringing with it a plethora of new camera features and significant upgrades to existing functionalities. This release promises to enhance the photography experience for users, making it a noteworthy addition to the smartphone market. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest features and improvements in the Pixel 10 lineup.
One of the most striking enhancements in the Pixel 10 series is the introduction of a dedicated telephoto lens in the standard Pixel 10 model. This marks the first time a base model has been equipped with such a lens since the arrival of the “Pro” versions. The 10.8MP telephoto lens mirrors that found on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, enabling users to achieve up to 20x Super Res Zoom, a feature that was previously exclusive to the Pro models. However, this enhancement comes with a trade-off; the primary camera sensor has been reduced from a 50MP on the Pixel 9 to a 48MP sensor borrowed from the Pixel 9a.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL elevate their zoom capabilities with a groundbreaking feature known as Pro Res Zoom. This innovative addition replaces the previous Super Res Zoom on Pro models and utilizes advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve magnification of up to 100x. Despite maintaining the triple-lens setup, this feature heavily relies on AI technology to upscale and enhance images, making it perfect for capturing distant subjects in various situations.
All models within the Pixel 10 series are endowed with robust new AI features, thanks to the integration of enhanced Gemini models. One of the standout features, Camera Coach, offers real-time, on-screen feedback to help users refine their framing and composition. This feature acts like a personal photography instructor, providing suggestions on angles, zoom levels, and even specific modes like Portrait.
The Guided Frame feature has undergone significant enhancements, now offering comprehensive image descriptions for all scenes, extending beyond just facial recognition. This upgrade serves as an invaluable asset for users with visual impairments, providing detailed audio and text cues that assist in capturing exceptional photos even in complex environments. It remains uncertain whether this feature will be available for older models or if it requires the Tensor G5 for optimal performance.
The popular Best Take feature, introduced with the Pixel 8, has been automated in the Pixel 10 series. Now, when capturing group photos, the camera can instantly analyze up to 150 split-second snapshots to identify the best facial expressions for each individual. The results are seamlessly blended to create the perfect shot without any manual effort, eliminating the hassle of sorting through multiple images.
Another first for the Pixel 10 series is the built-in support for C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity). This advanced technology catalogs and documents any AI-driven edits an image has undergone, a crucial step toward maintaining transparency in an era of sophisticated AI-powered photo manipulation. Notably, all Pixel 10 series smartphones will ship with this feature by default.
While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will not be available at launch alongside other Pixel 10 devices, it boasts unique camera features that leverage its larger internal display. The Instant View feature displays a carousel of recent photos adjacent to the viewfinder, facilitating quick reviews and comparisons of shots without exiting the camera application.
Google has made significant strides in improving Portrait mode, enhancing segmentation for more accurate subject-background separation. This software upgrade aims to deliver sharper, more professional-looking portraits. Although video modes have not received extensive updates this year, all Pixel 10 models can now shoot video at a cinematic 24fps across various resolutions. This feature, coupled with improved Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) at 2x zoom and higher on Pro models, positions the Pixel 10 as an excellent choice for aspiring filmmakers.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL also offer the capability to record video in 8K at 24fps, aided by a feature called Video Boost. While this process still requires uploading and processing through Google Photos, users can expect high-quality results that maintain the standard set by previous models.
In conclusion, the Pixel 10 series represents a significant leap in smartphone photography technology, introducing innovative features and enhancements that cater to both casual users and photography enthusiasts alike. Whether you are interested in capturing stunning landscapes or perfecting group shots, the Pixel 10 series is poised to deliver exceptional results.
