Compact smartphones are making a strong comeback in 2025. Nearly every brand has released a smaller device this year, proving that demand for compact phones has skyrocketed. Among these, the Google Pixel 10 has drawn a lot of attention. After using it as a daily driver for several weeks, I’ve formed a clear picture of where it shines and where it disappoints—especially when you compare it to rivals like the Vivo X200 FE, iPhone 16, and Samsung Galaxy S25.
Compact Competition in 2025
This year is unique because so many brands have entered the compact phone space. The Vivo X200 FE offers balanced specifications at just 55,000 rupees, making it one of the best-value options. Apple’s iPhone 16 from last year is now available for around 52,000 rupees, though it only carries a 60 Hz refresh rate. Still, it’s an excellent choice at that price point. Meanwhile, the upcoming iPhone 17 looks incredibly promising and could easily become one of the most talked-about devices of the year.
Against this backdrop, the Pixel 10 launches at 80,000 rupees—and that’s where the problems begin.
Performance and Tensor G5 Disappointment
The Pixel 10 is powered by the new Tensor G5 chipset, built on TSMC’s 3nm process. On paper, this move away from Samsung fabrication should have delivered major improvements. After all, TSMC also manufactures Apple’s A-series chips, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, and MediaTek’s Dimensity lineup.
Unfortunately, benchmark scores tell a different story. The Tensor G5 still lags significantly behind the competition. This becomes even more concerning when you consider that Qualcomm and MediaTek are on the verge of launching their next-gen flagship chips.
In everyday use, the Pixel 10 feels fast enough—smooth animations, fluid navigation, and stable performance in light tasks. It also stays cooler than older Pixel phones during casual use. However, under stress, like extended Messenger group video calls, the phone heats up quickly, forcing you to put it down.
When it comes to gaming, the GPU is a letdown. Even PUBG Mobile struggles to maintain a steady 60fps, with frequent frame drops and thermal issues. At this price, that’s simply unacceptable.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery endurance is one of the few areas where the Pixel 10 performs well. With the upgraded battery and the efficiency gains of the Tensor G5, the phone delivers 7 hours of screen-on time on heavy days and up to 9 hours on lighter use. This makes it one of the longest-lasting Pixel phones to date.
The new Pixel Snap wireless charging is Google’s answer to Apple’s MagSafe. Built-in magnets make it easy to snap accessories in place. Unfortunately, the official charger is priced at an eye-watering 45,500 rupees—the same cost as Apple’s solution. This positions it as a luxury extra rather than an everyday essential.
Design and Display
Design-wise, the Pixel 10 hasn’t changed much from the Pixel 9. It retains the familiar compact form factor and signature camera module. Build quality is excellent, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, plus sturdy aluminum frames. The 6.3-inch display strikes the right balance between usability and portability.
The screen is brighter than before and holds its own against the Galaxy S25 in outdoor conditions. Colors are vivid, HDR10+ support works across streaming platforms, and touch response is excellent. Haptics remain among the best on any compact phone.
The one major drawback? Lack of LTPO technology. The Pixel 10 switches only between 60 Hz and 120 Hz with no adaptive refresh rate, limiting efficiency and flexibility.
Camera Performance: Mixed Results
Google has added a 5x telephoto lens this year, which delivers excellent zoom shots. However, the main and ultrawide cameras are weaker compared to last year’s Pixel 9. The ultrawide doesn’t even have autofocus, ruling out proper macro photography.
When compared to the Galaxy S25, Pixel images appear more natural with better highlight control, while Samsung’s are punchier and more vibrant. Detail retention is generally strong on the Pixel, though its warmer color tone won’t appeal to everyone.
Low-light photography is where Pixel’s software optimizations still shine. It handles glare and light sources better, while Samsung sometimes struggles with unnatural color tones. That said, both devices falter when using ultrawide cameras in dim conditions due to smaller sensors.
On the front, the 10.5MP selfie camera is unchanged. It provides natural-looking shots with a wide field of view, though Samsung once again delivers more vibrant results.
Zoom is where the Pixel 10 excels, thanks to the dedicated 5x telephoto and AI-enhanced sharpening. The downside is that it maxes out at 20x zoom, whereas competitors push further.
Portraits remain Pixel’s weakest point. Edge detection, detail, and skin tones fall short compared to Samsung’s dedicated portrait lens. Oddly, Pixel doesn’t even allow native 5x portrait shots, requiring workarounds that often produce unreliable results.
Video recording is also underwhelming. The main sensor captures soft-looking footage with occasional jitters, though ultrawide and selfie video quality are better.
Software and AI Features
As expected, the Pixel 10 delivers a top-notch software experience. Animations are smooth, navigation is intuitive, and Google’s custom touches elevate Android beyond what competitors offer.
This year, Google has introduced new AI-driven tools like Gemini Live and Magic Q. Unfortunately, many of these features are locked to the U.S. market at launch, leaving international users in the dark. Ironically, Google criticized Apple for offering “coming soon” features, yet the Pixel 10 falls into the same trap.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Pixel 10?
The Google Pixel 10 is a good phone—but not at its full price of 80,000 rupees. It excels in software experience, battery life, zoom photography, and compact design. However, its lackluster performance, weak GPU, inconsistent camera upgrades, and overpriced accessories drag down the overall value.
Unless you can get it at a significant discount, there are better compact options in 2025, like the Vivo X200 FE for its unbeatable value or the Galaxy S25 for its superior camera system. For iOS fans, the iPhone 16 remains an excellent deal, while the iPhone 17 is shaping up to be a real game-changer.
In short, the Pixel 10 is polished but overpriced, and it struggles to justify its premium tag.
About the Author
