TL; DR
- Pixel 10: Adds 11MP Samsung 3J1 telephoto (1/3”, f/3.1), but downgrades main to 50MP Samsung GN8 (1/1.95”) and ultrawide to 13MP Sony IMX712 (1/3.1”, f/2.2, no AF) from Pixel 9a; selfie unchanged at 11MP Samsung 3J1.
- Pixel 10 Pro: Same as Pixel 9 Pro—50MP Samsung GNV main (1/1.31”), 48MP Sony IMX858 ultrawide (1/2.55”), 48MP Sony IMX858 telephoto (1/2.55”), 48MP Sony IMX858 selfie with AF.
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: Identical to Pixel 10 Pro, no changes from Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Swaps main to 50MP Samsung GN8 (1/1.95”, possibly cropped) from Sony IMX787; rest unchanged—12MP Samsung 3J1 ultrawide and telephoto, dual 11MP Samsung 3K1 selfies.
As anticipation builds for the Google Pixel 10 series, new leaks have surfaced, revealing key changes to the camera system across the lineup, as revealed by Android Authority. While Google is introducing a dedicated telephoto lens to the base Pixel 10 for the first time, this comes at a significant cost—downgraded main and ultrawide sensors that raise concerns about overall image quality.
A telephoto lens at a price
For years, Google has followed a consistent strategy: the base Pixel models featured a primary and ultrawide camera, while the Pro models included an additional telephoto lens. That changes with the Google Pixel 10, which now includes a telephoto sensor. However, to make space for this addition, Google has swapped out the main and ultrawide cameras with lower-end components borrowed from the budget-friendly Pixel 9a.
The Pixel 10’s main sensor is now the Samsung GN8 (50 MP, 1/1.95-inch), a downgrade from the Pixel 9’s Samsung GNV (50 MP, 1/1.31-inch). Similarly, the ultrawide camera shifts from the superior Sony IMX858 (48 MP, 1/2.55-inch) to the smaller Sony IMX712 (13 MP, 1/3.1-inch). The only true upgrade is the inclusion of an 11 MP Samsung 3J1 telephoto sensor, which is a mediocre zoom lens found on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
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Pro Models: Stagnation over innovation
While the base Pixel 10 sees some drastic changes, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL remain unchanged from last year’s Pixel 9 Pro. Google is reusing the Samsung GNV main sensor, the Sony IMX858 ultrawide, and the same telephoto setup. This means that the Pro models are effectively getting no camera hardware upgrades, raising questions about whether software improvements alone will be enough to justify a purchase.
The only minor tweak comes to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which swaps its primary camera from the Sony IMX787 (used in the Pixel 8a) to the Samsung GN8 (used in the Pixel 9a). This change is marginal at best, leaving the rest of the foldable’s already-mediocre camera setup untouched.
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A Risky Strategy for Google
Google’s decision to downgrade the base Pixel 10’s main and ultrawide cameras is very controversial. While adding a telephoto lens might appeal to some users, sacrificing overall sensor quality makes the phone less attractive, especially if the price remains unchanged or worse, it’s hiked. The Pixel 10 now feels more like a slightly upgraded Pixel 9a rather than a direct successor to the Pixel 9.
For those who prioritize camera performance, this shift could be a deal-breaker. The smaller main sensor means worse low-light performance, while the weaker ultrawide camera is a significant step back from the Pixel 9.
| Phone | Main | Ultrawide (UW) | Telephoto | Selfie |
| Pixel 9a | Samsung GN8 50 MP, 1/1.95” | Sony IMX712 13 MP, 1/3.1” | – | Sony IMX712 13 MP, 1/3.1” |
| Pixel 9 | Samsung GNV 50 MP, 1/1.31” | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | – | Samsung 3J1 11 MP, 1/1.3”, AF |
| Pixel 10 | Samsung GN8 50 MP, 1/1.95” | Sony IMX712 13 MP, 1/3.1”, f/2.2 | Samsung 3J1 11 MP, 1/3”, f/3.1 | Samsung 3J1 11 MP, 1/1.3”, AF |
| Pixel 9 Pro | Samsung GNV 50 MP, 1/1.31” | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF |
| Pixel 10 Pro | Samsung GNV 50 MP, 1/1.31” | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung GNV 50 MP, 1/1.31” | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Samsung GNV 50 MP, 1/1.31” | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF | Sony IMX858 48 MP, 1/2.55”, AF |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Sony IMX787 64 MP (cropped), 1/1.73” | Samsung 3J1 12 MP, 1/3.1” | Samsung 3J1 12 MP, 1/3.2” | Samsung 3K1 (Inner & Outer) 11 MP, 1/3.94” |
| Pixel 10 Pro Fold | Samsung GN8 50 MP (cropped?), 1/1.95” | Samsung 3J1 12 MP, 1/3.1” | Samsung 3J1 12 MP, 1/3.2” | Samsung 3K1 (Inner & Outer) 11 MP, 1/3.94” |
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Consumers are not happy
Early reactions from the community indicate widespread disappointment. Many users are questioning why Google would weaken the base model’s main and ultrawide cameras in exchange for a telephoto lens. Some argue that the Pixel 10’s camera setup now feels closer to a budget device rather than a flagship.
Meanwhile, the Pro models’ lack of upgrades has also raised concerns. With no significant hardware improvements, Google is banking on its software prowess to keep its premium devices relevant. However, in an era where competitors like OnePlus, vivo, and OPPO continue to push hardware advancements, standing still might not be the best move.
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With the Pixel 10 series expected to launch later this year, it remains to be seen whether Google’s software optimizations can compensate for these hardware downgrades. One thing is certain: the Pixel lineup is undergoing a shift, and not everyone is happy about it.
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