Google Pixel 10 First Impressions: It’s All About Magnets and Magic

Google’s annual hardware event has wrapped up, leaving us with a fresh lineup of Pixel devices: the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and the updated Pixel 10 Pro Fold. After letting the announcements sink in, a clear strategy has emerged. This year, Google isn’t trying to reinvent the smartphone; instead, it’s meticulously refining its formula, doubling down on proactive AI, and finally embracing a magnetic ecosystem.

For me, the most practical and, frankly, long-overdue update is “Pixel Snap.” This is Google’s new branding for Qi2 wireless charging, now integrated with a ring of magnets in the back of the phones. It’s a revolutionary idea, assuming you haven’t owned an iPhone in the last few years.

Jokes aside, this is a game-changer for the Pixel ecosystem. This isn’t just about charging; it’s about building a world of accessories — wallets, stands, car mounts — that just work. The best part is that it’s built on the open Qi2 standard, meaning it should be cross-compatible with the existing world of magnetic accessories. It’s a move that’s both smart and refreshingly user-friendly.

Google is sticking with its pricing strategy. The Pixel 10 starts at $799, the Pixel 10 Pro at $999, and the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL comes in at $1199. The main difference? The Pro models get a higher resolution LTPO display, more RAM, higher-resolution cameras with up to 100x zoom, and a matte glass finish. The top-tier XL model sweetens the deal with a larger display, a bigger battery, and faster 45W wired charging.

Powering all this is the new Tensor G5. While Google continues to emphasize AI and machine learning over raw CPU scores, the big story this year is a fundamental shift in manufacturing. Google has finally moved production from Samsung’s foundries to TSMC, utilizing their cutting-edge 3nm process.

This is a bigger deal than it sounds. For years, one of the most persistent complaints about Pixel phones has been the tendency for Tensor chips to run hot and drain the battery under load. The switch to TSMC’s more efficient and mature process is a direct answer to those criticisms. This should translate to significantly better thermal management (less overheating) and a tangible boost in battery life, addressing the Pixel’s biggest hardware Achilles’ heel.

And thanks to co-design with Google DeepMind, the newest Gemini Nano model will run first on Tensor G5 to unlock many on-device generative AI experiences that make everyday life easier.

With a more efficient chip at its core, Google can push its software ambitions even further. This year’s headline feature is “Magic Cue,” which uses the on-device Gemini Nano model to proactively surface information within apps. Imagine you’re texting a friend about dinner, and a bubble pops up with your reservation details pulled directly from Gmail. It’s a subtle but powerful evolution of the Pixel’s “ambient computing” promise, and hopefully, not just another notification to dismiss.

Then there’s “Conversational Editing,” which lets you edit photos in Google Photos just by speaking. Saying “turn the cloudy sky blue” or “remove the plastic bag from the grass” triggers a generative fill edit. It’s a clever feature that makes complex edits feel effortless.

Then there is Camera Coach that uses Gemini models to suggest ways to improve your photos — like choosing different framing and composition for a shot.

The phones themselves have a noticeably more premium and solid feel. The biggest hardware win is for the standard Pixel 10, which now gets a triple-camera system, including a dedicated 5x telephoto lens. Bringing this to the base model is a huge value proposition. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold gets a new gearless hinge and, for the first time in a foldable, a proper IP68 dust and water resistance rating.

The Pixel 10 series feels like the most confident and focused lineup Google has ever produced. The move to TSMC for the Tensor G5 is a crucial, if overdue, step that fixes a long-standing hardware issue. Paired with genuinely useful features like Pixel Snap and the continued evolution of its AI software, Google isn’t just iterating; it’s maturing. It’s leaning into its strengths while finally addressing its weaknesses.

What are your initial impressions of the Pixel 10 lineup? Share your thoughts below!