Google has confirmed that the Pixel 11 will launch on August 12, at a special event in New York, but you won't need to wait that long to find out everything. Google is notorious for leaking more than a porcupine's swimsuit, and the latest information to spill out possibly revealed full specs, pricing and colors.

The leak itself came from Amazon of all people (via 9to5Google), and while the retailer features a bunch of third-party sellers it seems the now-deleted listings came from Amazon itself. This means that there is a chance all of this information is bogus, though Amazon could just as easily have published information too early by accident.

The Pixel 11 was listed as coming in three colors: Obsidian, Hibiscus and Pistachio. However, descriptions instead label those shades as Midnight, Fuchsia and Moss — which lines up with previous leaks. The included photos show these colors to be (unsurprisingly), blue, lavender/purple and green.

Listings for the Pixel 11 Pro mention colors called Dune, Light Fog, Pine and Sterling. My best guess based on the images is that Dune is a pinkish orange, Pine is some kind of muted green, Light Fog is a grayish white, which leaves Sterling as the vivid pink color. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also seen in Pine and Midnight, which are black and that same muted green as the 11 Pro.

Google's already teasing the Pixel 11 series

While not officially a leak, Google has started teasing the Pixel 11 series with a short video clip on its website. Much like Samsung is known to do, Google is offering an exclusive discount to those people that sign up for Google Store updates ahead of the Pixel 11 launch.

That page also features a brief look at what we assume to be the Pixel 11, alongside an icon cycling through with rainbow coloring on the camera bar — where the LED flash is usually positioned. The phone is also gold, suggesting that a new color is on the way.

This new light is probably the rumored "Pixel Glow" feature that is expected to act as some sort of alert light on the back of the phone. Based on what we've heard, Pixel Glow will flash when you have a notification, during charging sessions and when you're interacting with Gemini.

The Pixel Glow alert starts in white, before cycling through those colors, which suggests this is actually the camera flash pulling a dual role. whether this will affect the intensity of the camera flash (or the flashlight feature) isn't clear. However, if this is a full RBG LED light on the back of the phone, it will be interesting to see if we can change the color of the flash for dramatic effect. We'll just have to wait and see.

Pixel 11 leaked specs and price

The Amazon listings reveal a bunch of Pixel 11 series specs, which line up with everything we've heard about the phones so far. That includes a 6.3-inch display rocking 1080x2424 resolution, 256GB of base storage, 12GB of RAM, 4,985 mAh battery and a price tag of $899. This suggests that Google isn't dropping the base level of RAM to 8GB, as some rumors have suggested, but the starting price will be rising by $100.

This is the same price as a 256GB Pixel 10, but since there's no entry level 128GB option, it means the cost of entry is higher. It's almost like Schrodinger's price hike, in which the price has simultaneously increased despite not actually changing for that particular model.

One thing to point out is that these listings reportedly say that the Pixel 11 will arrive with Android 16. Considering Android 17 has been released, and is widely available on Pixel phones, that seems very unlikely. To the point where it casts doubt on the rest of the information that was presented.

In other words, don't take this leak as gospel, and remain skeptical right up until the point Google tells us what's actually going on on August 12.

The cost of the other models hasn't been mentioned, but we should expect that the Pixel 11 Pro should get a similar price bump as Google kills the 128GB option. Since the XL and Fold already start at 256GB, their U.S. pricing remains unclear, but if leaked EU prices are anything to go by we should expect an additional $100 per phone.

The Pixel 11 Pro listing also mentions 12GB of RAM, which is a downgrade, alongside a 5,115 mAh battery for the Pixel 11 Pro XL and 4,750 mAh for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Those are slightly higher capacities than the rumors have suggested, but it is still a small downgrade from the equivalent Pixel 10. Apart from the Pixel 11, which is listed with 5 mAh more than the Pixel 10.

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Last year Google announced that it was getting rid of Google Assistant in cars, and would replace all voice-centric features with the newer, and more advanced, Gemini AI instead. I was thrilled about this news at the time, since my experience with Google Assistant while driving was far from great.

Over a year after that news was first announced, Google finally decided it was time to add Gemini in my car — and completely remove Google Assistant from my life. Given my absolute disdain for Assistant and what it could do, I jumped at the chance to go out and see what it was like to use Gemini out on the open road.

How Gemini works with Android Auto

I should mention that my car is about as dumb as you can get these days. It's an electric Nissan Leaf with an infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and CarPlay, but there's no interaction between infotainment and the functionality of the car itself. This isn't a fancy car that routes everything through a touchscreen menu, and everything you do relies on physical buttons or levers.

In my case, though, these things are all locked into my phone, and have no actual connection to the car. This means Gemini also has no access to any of that information, or control over car systems.

I should make it very clear that I am grateful about this. Sticking essential car features behind a touchscreen is one of the most bone-headed moves the car industry has ever performed, and I'm glad to see that things are starting to go back to the way they were. Still, I am not a luddite and fully expect to be able to use some hi-tech features in my car, like navigation, phone calls, streaming and so on — so long as it's safe to do so.

In theory, voice assistants are a safety tool since they let you control those sorts of features without having to look at, or interact with a touchscreen. Old assistants like Google Assistant were fairly limited, and that meant you had to be fairly precise with what you asked for. Similarly, my Assistant seemed to be quite fond of ignoring me, or refusing to understand what I said.

That led to me virtually shouting at my car to do something simple, because the assistant software was about as robust as a paper towel at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

Gemini works in much the same way as Assistant did. You can either summon the AI by saying "Hey Google," or by using your car's dedicated voice command button — assuming it has one, that is. Mine does, and probably gets more use than 99% of the buttons on my steering wheel.

And, just like Gemini on your phone or in your Google Home smart speaker, all you need to do is ask Gemini for whatever it is you want.

Gemini outmatches Assistant in every way

At first, I wasn't all that impressed with what Gemini could actually offer me, because I kept thinking of it like Google Assistant. Since Google Assistant was a complete waste of storage space a lot of the time, I learned to only rely on it when absolutely necessary. I didn't really feel like having a shouting match just to get the darn thing to register that I'd said "yes."

I basically had to throw out all my expectations about what assistants can do in the car, and try to rely on Gemini for more than I used to be able to do. Thankfully it didn't take long to flick that proverbial switch, and I was quickly able to start asking Gemini about more detailed and complicated things.

Google Assistant was limited in what it could do and how it would understand your commands. Gemini, being powered by Google's LLM, has no such issues. I found myself able to ask long-winded questions with a bunch of technical details, and the AI was not only able to understand what I was saying, it could actually give me an answer.

At one point I asked how long it would take my car to charge to 100%, making sure to mention the size of the battery, how full the battery was and how fast I expected to be able to charge. Gemini was able to give me an answer, and gave me tips on charging protocol — warning me that charging past 80% slows the whole process down. I can't tell you whether Gemini's estimate of 6 hours was correct, but it's certainly in the right ballpark.

At the same time, Gemini was happy to answer questions about basic things that had no relation to the car. What time is the next England World Cup game? I can't actually tell you because I couldn't care less and immediately forgot what Gemini told me, but Gemini was able to look it up while I was driving.

What I liked the most is that I could ask it about bits of data I knew Google had. What time does X business close today, and how busy is it expected to be right now? These are all things you can see on a business card in Google Maps or Search, and Gemini was able to pass that information along without issue. Even if it didn't have the right facts, such as when I asked how busy the local car wash would be, it pulled information from reviews about wait times and gave me those instead.

As for navigation, the use of real world language makes the whole thing a lot easier. I was able to ask for the fastest route to a specific location, and later tried to mix things up by asking to be put on the most energy-efficient route mid-drive. Not only was Google able to understand and facilitate that, it also warned me that I was already on the most efficient route — and that it can't do much more than that.

Gemini for Android Auto does need some work

That said, Gemini is not perfect. There are situations where it had no idea what I was talking about, and just shut down. A good example was asking where I could find a CHAdeMO charger for my car, only for Google to completely fail to understand the word in question. But when I mixed my language up, and asked for an "ultra fast charger compatible with the Nissan Leaf" it was able to show me a bunch of nearby locations within a couple of seconds.

It turns out that because Gemini didn't understand the word CHAdeMO, it just spelled the word out letter by letter. The same thing happened to the charging brand GRIDSERVE, and I can only assume it's because the name is all uppercase. Apparently the lack of lowercase letters confused the AI, and meant it couldn't understand my human method of reading out the whole word.

There can be a bit of a delay while it processes the question, though this is true of most AI chatbots. If it can't process what you need on the device, it's going to have to talk to a server somewhere and that obviously means there's going to be delays while information is transmitted back and forth.

However, I have yet to experience Gemini just straight-up not registering that I have spoken to it, which was a near-daily occurrence with Google Assistant. So, regardless of its iffy understanding of certain brand names and proper nouns, Gemini is definitely on the winning team.

Bottom line

I still need to spend some more time with Gemini in my car to get to grips with everything else the AI has to offer in my car. For the most part, though, I'm fairly impressed, especially since the AI is able to work across different Android Auto apps based on the kind of questions and commands it receives. It's a night and day upgrade compared to Google Assistant, which was usually more trouble than it's worth.

It's an upgrade that seems to do what was originally promised. Not only does it offer all the things Google Assistant could accomplish, it's able to provide more information and understanding to the driver. Considering driving is inherently dangerous, and you should not allow anything to distract you, the fact that an AI assistant can handle more of the things that might cause your concentration to lapse can only be a good thing.

Let's just hope that Gemini's uppercase reading comprehension improves a lot over the coming months and years.

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Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 foldables and whatever Apple is doing with its iPhone 18 Pro models, Google's Pixel series has had a relatively quiet summer. However, that just changed with two different leaks that revealed the release date and a potential price hike for the Google Pixel 11 lineup.

First up, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who normally focuses on all things Apple, posted on X an image of an invitation to a Pixel event in August.

Based on the image, Google is planning to introduce "the next generation of Pixel" in New York City on August 12 starting at 6 PM ET, a surprisingly late in the day launch.

The image shows what looks like two phones in semi-shadow with a hint of a bronze or gold color, which hints at a potential hue for Pixel 11.

Tom's Guide will be at the event so keep us in your tabs as we cover everything Google announces on August 12.

No word on if Jimmy Fallon will host again.

Price hike and a dropped storage size

The second leak comes from the French site Dealabs, which regularly seems to dig up pricing news for the EU. The publication reports that the Pixel 11 is getting a price hike, sort of.

The increase is coming in the form of a storage tier change. Google may finally be dropping the 128GB storage option instead offering the 256GB tier as the base version with 512GB and 1TB as larger variants.

That does mean the base model is now more expensive. It seems, at least in the E.U., prices are also going up by €100 for every model, though.

E.U. costs don't directly translate to U.S. pricing, but it's more than likely we can expect some kind of increase in America, especially if the 128GB version is being dropped.

For comparison, last year the Pixel 10 started at $799, $899 for the Pro, and $1,199 for the Pro XL. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold started at $1,799. A similar hike would jump them to $899, $999, $,12,99 and $1,899.

The report also revealed colorways for every Pixel 11 phone:

• Pixel 11: Light Sterling, Midnight Haze, Fuchsia, Moss
• Pixel 11 Pro: Light Fog, Midnight Haze, Dune, Pine
• Pixel 11 Pro XL: Light Fog, Midnight Haze, Dune, Pine
• Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Midnight Haze, Pine

Dealabs also claimed that Pixel 11 would release on August 20 with a potential August 11 announcement date. Which does track with Gurman's August 12 event.

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There may be a lot of attention on the iPhone Ultra, since it's Apple's first foldable phone, but it's far from the only folding phone that's set to arrive this year. Two Android titans, Samsung and Google, are set to release a new generation of foldables in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Google and Samsung have plenty of experience when it comes to foldables, and they're both powered by some of the most popular flavors of Android available right now. The question is, which new foldable is going to be the better purchase? We don't know everything about the Z Fold 8 Ultra or Pixel 11 Pro Fold just yet, but there have been enough rumors and leaks to give us an idea of what tyo expect.

Here's a rundown of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold battle so far.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Specs

Galaxy Z Fold Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Release date & price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is rumored to be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked on July 22, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Fold Wide) and the Galaxy Z Flip 8. A release date hasn't been confirmed yet, but it's likely that the phone will go on general sale around two weeks later in early August — after a brief pre-order window.

Pricing isn't clear right now, and considering the situation with RAMageddon and the skyrocketing cost of memory and storage, it's likely that we'll see some kind of price hike. So expect to have to pay more than the $1,999 starting price of Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to arrive later this year, likely towards the end of August alongside the rest of the Pixel 11 series. We don't have any kind of date yet, so we can only guess based on past experience.

Likewise, we have no idea how much the phone is set to cost, and whether we'll see a price hike compared to the $1,799 Pixel 10 Pro Fold. I wouldn't bet on there not being a price increase, especially if Google includes 16GB of RAM for another year.

Galaxy Z Fold Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Design & Display

We're not expecting huge changes to the design of either phone this year, though the Z Fold 8 Ultra is rumored to be coming with a slightly larger 8-inch foldable screen paired with a 6.5-inch cover display. Both screens are expected to be OLED panels, complete with 120Hz refresh rates. However the display may be creaseless, or as close as Samsung can get.

All the big changes are happening to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which was previously known as the Z Fold Wide. This new model will have a shorter and wider screen than the Ultra, with a similar look to what we expect Apple will offer with the iPhone Ultra.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also expected to lose 0.1-inches off its cover display, but with no other meaningful change. Hopefully this is due to Google reducing the size of the phone and its bezels.

The 8-inch interior display is expected to stay the same size, though, and both will presumably offer an OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. There's also rumored to be a Nothing-esque light effect on the back of the phone, known as "Pixel Glow."

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Cameras

We're not expecting Samsung to do much with the Z Fold 8 Ultra's main camera, and will stick with the same 200MP lens that debuted on the Z Fold 7 last year. However, we are expecting to see the ultrawide camera jump from 12MP to 50MP, while the telephoto lens is tipped for a modest increase from 10MP to 12MP. The optical zoom will likely stay at 3x magnification though.

All we know about the Pixel 11 Pro Fold main camera is that it should have a slight resolution boost from 48MP to 50MP. Leaked specs haven't revealed what we can expect from the other cameras, but I certainly hope that we see a minor boost on the 10.5MP ultrawide camera at the very least. If Google wants its foldables to compete with Samsung and Apple, then it's going to need to up its game.

Thankfully, Google does have the computational photography experience to boost the quality of the pictures with AI. But that can only go so far, and since the Z Fold 7 already took excellent photos it's about time Google caught up with its foldable cameras.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Performance

On the performance side of things, it's clear that Samsung will be many steps ahead of Google. Pixel phones are not known for their speed, and since the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is likely to be running another Tensor chipset (the G6), things aren't likely to change this year.

That said, Pixel phones typically have more base RAM than Galaxy phones, with the 10 Pro Fold offering 16GB to the Z Fold 7's 12GB. Higher levels of RAM are typically only available on the highest storage option, and that's likely to be the same situation this year — more so considering all the RAM shortages. The extra memory, along with the alleged AI-optimization of the Tensor chips, may give the Pixel 11 Pro Fold an edge in AI processes.

However, leaked specs suggest Google may take a leaf out of Samsung's book and reduce the base amount of RAM and keep 16GB exclusive to higher specc'd models.

When it comes to raw performance power, Samsung is likely to dominate. Z Folds typically have the flagship Snapdragon chipset, which this year would be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

On top of that, the Pixel 11 series is expected to downgrade the Tensor G6 from eight cores to seven, which will likely cause a noticeable drop in performance power. Likewise, Google is said to be using a PowerVR CXTP-48-1536 GPU, which is based on 2021 chip architecture. So you could see a performance hit for resource-intensive activities like gaming and video editing.

Don't expect to see the Exynos 2600 on the Z Fold, though. While Samsung has started using its own chips on the Z Flip series, and on Galaxy S phones in certain regions, Ultra series phones typically get the Snapdragon chip everywhere.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Battery & charging

Rumors suggest that the Z Fold 8 Ultra could upgrade the battery by increasing the capacity from 4,400 mAh to 5,000 mAh — the same as the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Sadly, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's leaked specs suggest that it will be doing the opposite, dropping from 5,015 mAh to 4,658 mAh.

While higher capacity doesn't necessarily mean longer battery, the fact that Samsung is offering more power reserves definitely works out in its favor. When you remember that Pixel phones haven't always had the best battery life in the past, a drop in capacity is rather worrying.

There's no word on how fast the 11 Pro Fold will charge, though we will likely see 15W Qi2 wireless charging make another appearance. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is rumored to be upgraded to 45W charging which, while not as impressive as the S26 Ultra's 60W is still a noticeable improvement from the 25W on past phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Outlook

Based on the rumors and leaks so far, it doesn't seem like there are a lot of major changes happening to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Certainly nothing that upsets the status quo in any meaningful way.

Samsung should have an edge on camera hardware, performance and battery life, and the crease-free display sounds promising. And Google should offer a Pixel experience in foldable form once more — which includes a lot of AI, early access to updates and some exclusive features.

It certainly seems as though Samsung has the upper hand, and while that may eventually be the case it doesn't change the fact that the Z Fold lineup is rather expensive. In fact, with everything going on, I would be shocked if there wasn't another price hike this year as well. So the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could have the value advantage.

But with Galaxy Unpacked coming in fast, and Google's own launch event likely following roughly a month later, it shouldn't be long before we can test these phones and make a proper conclusion for ourselves.

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Phones are expensive, but thanks to Prime Day, you’ll find epic discounts on several of the best phones I’ve tested. I looked through dozens of deals and this Pixel 10 Pro at 32% off from Amazon is pound-for-pound the best deal I’ve uncovered.

Normally, you’d pay a whopping $999 for this top-tier Android phone, but a $315 instant discount drops it to $684. Amazon’s offer basically makes this flagship phone cost as much as the average mid-range phone. Best of all, it’s an unlocked model that’s ready to connect to any wireless carrier.

Amazon has even more Pixel gadgets on sale for Prime Day, with savings up to 51% off for a limited time. Here are all the Pixel devices I think you should look at.

The best Pixel Prime Day deals: Quick Links

• Google Pixel Buds A-series: was $99 now $49 @ Amazon
• Google Fitbit Ace LTE: was $123 now $59 @ Amazon
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: was $229 now $160 @ Amazon
• Google Pixel Watch 4: was $449 now $344 @ Amazon
• Google Pixel 10a: was $499 now $399 @ Amazon
• Google Pixel 10: was $799 now $534 @ Amazon
• Google Pixel 10 Pro: was $999 now $684 @ Amazon

The best Pixel Prime Day deals

The wait is over as Android 17 officially rolls out today, hitting Pixel phones first with additional features that weren’t previously revealed at Google I/O 2026 or The Android Show: I/O Edition. Eligible Pixel devices will be the first to experience the upgrade, followed by a broader rollout to other compatible devices throughout the year.

Gemini Intelligence was one of the biggest reveals, though users will have to wait a smidge longer to access it, with a rollout slated for later this summer. Even without it, the Android 17 update is packed with plenty of new features to tide people over. Pixel owners are also getting a double dose of updates today, courtesy of the June 2026 Pixel Drop and new optimizations landing on Wear OS 7.

Here's everything you need to know about Google’s latest ecosystem upgrades.

More new features with Android 17

Android 17 is officially rolling out to Pixel devices first, with this update introducing massive productivity, gaming, and security overhauls. Here's all the new Android 17 features you can expect to tap into after installing the update.

• Bubbles: If you're a power multitasker, then you'll love the Bubbles feature in Android 17 that allows you to turn any app into a compact, floating window. It's the alternative to simply closing an app and going back to it because Bubbles on larger screen devices will show up as at the bottom of the screen for easier access.
• Screen Reactions: This one's really helpful for users who love to record themselves because Screen Reactions revamps the screen-recording toolbar to let you capture your device's display and your selfie camera simultaneously.
• Foldable Gaming Mode: Gamers who prefer on-screen controls can now opt for a virtual, on-screen gamepad they can use with the new foldable gaming mode specifically for devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. When enabled you get a dedicated 50/50 layout with the game on top and controls on the bottom.
• Biometric "Mark as Lost": It's nerve wrecking when you lose your phone, but the new "Mark as Lost" feature with Android 17 can let you lock it using your biometrics via the Find Hub. Even if a thief knows your passcode, they can't access your data or disable tracking.
• Granular Privacy & Anti-Theft: You can now grant apps temporary access to your precise location or share specific contacts rather than your whole book. Additional options like PIN guess limits and longer wait times have been added to stop brute-force entry.

June 2026 Pixel feature drop

Google's known for frequently releasing Pixel Feature Drops throughout the year, and its June 2026 one is no exception. The latest update is packed with new AI features, creation tools, and global expansions for supported Pixel phones, tablets, and watches. Here's just some of the most popular features coming out.

• Gemini Omni: For Gemini Pro users, you can now type a text prompt into the Gemini app to generate a custom, high-quality video by just telling it what you want.
• Lyria 3: Create original tracks from scratch. Just prompt Gemini with text or images, customize the vocals, style, and tempo, and share the track.
• Conversational Editing: Pixel users in Germany, the U.K., France, Spain, and Italy can now execute complex, multi-step photo edits simply by talking to their phones.
• AirDrop expanded support: Android Quick Share expands its cross-platform capabilities, allowing Pixel 8a and 9a users to easily share files globally with AirDrop-enabled devices.
• Ecosystem Emergency Detection: Select Pixel watches (from Pixel Watch 2 to 4) now integrate Emergency Sharing directly into Car Crash, Fall, and Loss of Pulse detection, automatically alerting emergency services and custom contacts if a severe event happens.

Refreshes your wrist with Wear OS 7

Rounding out the massive wave of updates is Wear OS 7, which officially begins its rollout to eligible Pixel Watch devices today. This latest wearable platform update prioritizes seamless cross-device utility and smarter, real-time tracking directly on your wrist. There's also new personalized help features with Gemini Intelligence, which will be coming later.

• Live Updates: Never miss a moment like the score of a World Cup game or waiting on an Uber ride with Live Updates that give you glanceable, real time details directly from your watch face.
• Cross-Device Control: Manage media playback across headphones or home speakers with a new media output switcher. For example, you can preview photos taken on a pair of smart glasses right from your wrist.
• Battery Boost: Deep, system-level power optimizations will give users upgrading from Wear OS 6 up to a 10% bump in battery life.
• Gemini Intelligence: Later this year, select Wear OS 7 devices will get a massive upgrade courtesy of Gemini Intelligence, transforming your smartwatch into a deeply personalized AI assistant. You'll be able to use natural language to build custom dashboards through Create My Widget.

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Researchers at the University of California San Diego have shown how retired smartphones can be wired together into low-cost computing clusters. These small data centers built from devices that would otherwise become waste are taking new shape into something the team calls "phone cluster computing."

The process starts with stripping down the phone to its motherboard, removing the display, battery, and cameras — partly because some components, like batteries, aren't rated for a data-center environment. What's left gets networked into clusters that run real workloads.

The reason it works is that a phone most people call obsolete still has roughly half the compute of a modern server. Because of this, the UC San Diego team hopes to scale this up to a data center built from about 2,000 retired Pixel phones, giving hundreds of students and researchers low-cost, low-carbon cloud computing, with the full system expected to launch in Fall 2026.

Why now

The amount of environmental disruption from Data Centers is astronomical, which makes the timing of this research is particularly interesting.

Demand for AI services is fueling an unprecedented boom in data center construction. Companies including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and Amazon are investing heavily in new infrastructure to support increasingly powerful AI models.

At the same time, electronic waste continues to grow worldwide. Many consumers replace smartphones every two to three years, even though the underlying hardware often remains functional. Researchers argue that extending the useful life of those devices could reduce both electronic waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new computing equipment.

Google specifically highlighted the role of "embodied carbon" — the emissions generated during the manufacturing process. By reusing existing hardware rather than building new systems from scratch, researchers hope to reduce the environmental impact of computing infrastructure.

Not every prompt needs a billion-dollar data center

To be clear, nobody is suggesting that clusters of old smartphones will replace the massive facilities used to train frontier AI models. Training systems like ChatGPT or Gemini requires enormous amounts of specialized hardware, including advanced GPUs and purpose-built AI accelerators.

But researchers believe repurposed smartphones could be useful for smaller workloads, educational research, edge computing projects and localized data processing.

Previous experiments from researchers at the University of Tartu demonstrated that old smartphones can be repurposed into tiny data centers for applications ranging from marine-life monitoring to collecting real-time transportation data. Those prototypes reportedly cost roughly 8 euros per device to assemble, making them an inexpensive alternative for certain computing tasks.

My take

What I find most interesting about this research isn't the technology itself. The tech industry often assumes that progress means constantly replacing older devices with newer ones. Yet the processors inside many discarded smartphones remain remarkably capable.

As AI drives demand for ever-larger data centers, researchers are exploring the opposite idea of simply using old hardware more efficiently. This research suggests far more of them might make a difference than we realize.

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I recently upgraded my phone to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, and for the most part, I love it. There are a few common Pixel 10 Pro XL problems Google has yet to work out yet, but I like the phone's big, bright display, fantastic speakers, and great little array of cameras, especially considering failing camera software on my previous Galaxy phone was my biggest reason for upgrading in the first place.

And as with any new phone, it's not fully broken in until it's been outfitted with a ton of accessories. Some of the items I have on my wish list are protective musts, like a screen protector and a case. Other accessories help facilitate convenient charging, like Google's PixelSnap charger with a stand, or simply add to the overall experience of owning a Pixel phone, like a Pixel Watch or some Pixel Buds Pro 2.

If you also have a Pixel phone and you're looking for accessories to make it better, scroll on to see all my current top picks.

The Google I/O 2026 keynote has come and gone, and there's no kidding about Gemini being top priority. While a vast majority of it was dedicated to new Gemini models, Google saved the tail end of the keynote to show off new "intelligent eyewear" devices that are coming out this fall.

In the past, the event has been tailored to show off new tools and features for its other platforms, like Android 17 and Android Auto, but it's interesting how AI continues to be the big focus, especially with Gemini.

Despite being shown off at last week's Android Show, there wasn't any time devoted to other Googlebook laptops that Google previously teased from other hardware makers.

Here's all the biggest announcements from Google I/O 2026 .

Biggest Google I/O 2026 Announcements

• Google Search just got the biggest upgrade in nearly 30 years
• Google unveils Gemini Spark — a '24/7 personal AI agent'
• Samsung's 'Intelligent Eyewear' glasses just launched at Google I/O, and they're coming this fall
• Google just launched Gemini 3.5 Flash — here’s all the upgrades
• Google’s new 'Universal Cart' uses AI to track deals and shop across apps
• Ask YouTube 'entirely reimagines' how you find videos — how it works
• Google’s new $100 AI Ultra plan just changed the AI race

How to watch Google I/O 2026

Google I/O 2026 — Live updates

Google I/O starts soon!

We're just a couple of hours away from the official news-dropping madness getting underway. If you're a fan of Android, Gemini or even if you just casually use Google products like Search, there's sure to be something to get you excited at the event once it kicks off.

Be sure to keep yourself locked to this live blog, as we'll bring you every important piece of information as it happens.

Are you excited for I/O?

Google I/O is about to start and we're excited to see what the company has in store for us. But what are you most excited about?

Hit the poll above and let your voice be heard!

Tom's Guide EIC weighs in

"I'm personally excited to see the new Google and Samsung glasses and how they'll stand out versus Meta Ray-Ban. Hopefully, we'll learn more about unique features and see the designs from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Just keep in mind that these glasses won't have a display..." said Tom's Guide Global Editor in Chief Mark Spoonauer.

Gemini Remy could make its debut

Google has kept quiet about what I/O will have to offer, but it has teased a future of agentic AI. This means we may see it unveil some details about "Remy," the codename attached to Google's own personal AI agent.

According to reports, Remy is "your 24/7 personal agent for work, school and daily life, powered by Gemini." It will apparently be able to interact with other Google services and be more advanced than the agentic features Google has already started rolling out to the Gemini app. That means handling tasks proactively, learning your own preferences, and keeping track of things that matter.

Some changes have already come to Gemini app

Gemini is likely to get the lion's share of reveals at I/O 2026, but eagle-eyed users have already spotted some changes rolling out to the Gemini app. There seems to be a new "Thinking level" menu rolling out to the app's model picker, with "standard" and "extended" options added to the Fast and Pro models.

The Gemini app also seems to be prepping more integrations with third-party apps, with support documents suggesting support for Canva, Instacart, and OpenTable is on the way. Which means Gemini should be able to control these apps on your behalf, based on prompts you give it.

No doubt we'll hear more during the I/O conference.

Gemini 3.5 coming to I/O?

A social media post by a Google DeepMind employee seems to confirm that Gemini 3.5 exists. This further bumps expectations that Google will announce the new model at I/O 2026, but we'll have to wait and see.

Pricing has allegedly been posted for the new AI model on X, further making us think it'll launch today.

What about the new Google Home speaker?

While I/O may not be a hardware-focused event, there is still one lingering piece of hardware that hasn't been released — and now would be the perfect time to reveal an official date.

I'm talking, of course, about the Google Home Speaker that was first teased last year. Google said it would be arriving in Spring 2026. Since Spring is currently ongoing, it's about time we got some concrete information. The last thing we need is for this speaker to become the next Galaxy Home.

Timing reminder!

In case you forgot, Google's I/O 2026 keynote kicks off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST on May 19 (that's today), and you can tune into the event through the YouTube stream embedded above.

Of course, the best thing you can do is keep this live blog open, as not only will we tell you everything as it happens, but we'll explain why you should care about each bit of news.

Googlebook's OS needs a name

Google may have revealed a bunch of details about Googlebooks, including the fact that they will be running on an Android-based operating system, but there's still a bunch we don't know. Like a name, because so far we've just been calling it Googlebook OS.

Rumors suggested that the name AluminumOS could be on the cards, but that might just have been a codename. Now that Googlebooks are confirmed, it's about time Google cleared the rest of those little details up.

Smart glasses may be the exception

While we don't expect to see any mobile hardware at I/O, Google has confirmed we will be seeing more on the smart glasses front. We don't know a lot more than the fact smart glasses will be at I/O in some capacity, but there's a chance we may get our first details about Android XR-powered glasses you can actually buy.

Rumor has it that Samsung's Galaxy Glasses will launch at Galaxy Unpacked in July, and considering Google's close partnership with Samsung, there's a good chance we'll get some news about the AI specs. Though I can't imagine Samsung will allow a full reveal at someone else's event, when it's own is only a couple of months away.

Live stream has started

We're less than an hour out from the start of the Google I/O 2026 keynote. However, up on YouTube, the livestream has already started. We're currently being serenaded by Jellectronica AI music created by Google's Lyria 3. Meanwhile, a video feed shows jellyfish from the Monterey Bay Aquarium who were tracked using Google's AI object detection tech.

We're on the ground live

Our own Jason England and Paul Antill have just arrived at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. We'll have more live coverage of the event once they make their way inside to get ready for the Google I/O keynote which is set to start in 30 minutes. So stay tuned!

And we're in

Jason and Paul have now made it inside Google I/O and are getting ready to cover the keynote live from Mountain View. I just spoke with Paul on the phone and he and Jason are currently making their way to their seats. From what I could hear, things sounded pretty busy at the Shoreline Amphitheatre with less than 20 minutes to go before the keynote kicks off.

Game together while you wait

The hosts up on stage at Google I/O are currently playing an interactive, browser-based side scrolling game called Infinite Scaler before the keynote starts. In the game, you make your way up an ever growing tower by moving left and right and jumping on pads as you dodge lasers beams, collect tokens and more. It seems fairly simple but it's neat how each room is created by Nano Banana. You can scan the QR code pictured above if you want to give it a try for yourself.

Google I/O 2026 keynote countdown has begun! What do you expect?

Howdy folks! John Velasco here for Tom’s Guide and I’ll be taking you all through everything that’s going on with the Google I/O 2026 keynote. Last week’s Android Show certainly delivered a lot of buzz with announcements around Android Auto, Gemini Intelligence, Googlebooks, and more.

My colleagues Jason England and Paul Antill are on the ground to get first hands-on experiences with whatever else new that Google reveals at its keynote? I’ve been covering Google I/O since the very first one — and while it’s always been an Android first affair — we’ve seen how it’s expanded to other exciting areas.

'Take a second at how far we've come'

Google I/O 2026 kicks off with another inspirational video showing the impact of Google's products and services, with real world implications. It concludes saying, "let's make something that matters"

9.7 trillion tokens a month processed

Google's Sundar Pichai steps out onto the stage with opening remarks, including a funny clip of his highlights over the past year.

Pichai goes onto explain how Gemini is being access by more people than ever, with 9.7 trillion tokens a month.

Gemini app usage continues to grow at a rapid rate

The Gemini app usage continues to grow and the numbers shared by Sundar Pichai is proof of that, surpassing 900 million active users with the Gemini app, which is 2x growth over the past year.

Ask YouTube rolling out — makes video searches better

Google's rolling out a new feature with YouTube called "Ask YouTube," which intelligently finds videos with the help of AI. These are digestible clips that are to the point, based on your questions and queries.

Docs Live makes editing easier with AI

Docs Live is another powerful tool that makes creating documents easier with your voice using AI help. The demo looked pretty convincing at how well it functions.

TPUs make a huge impact to processing tokens

Most consumers might not think much about how tokens are processed, but the numbers are staggering. With more people leaning on AI, Google's investing in more TPU development to keep up pace, which as Sundar Pichai bluntly says, makes a huge difference with latency.

Gemini Omni is a new model that's multi-modal

Demis Hassabis is now on stage to talk more about models, with a focus on World models, which will be used to train AI bots. He goes on to talk about its latest model: Gemini Omni,

With Omni, its multi-modal capability can help generate videos using prompts, but it can be further refined through subsequent steps. You can edit videos with conversational languages, taking a simple selfie and transforming it to something else.

AI content verification is coming to Chrome

This new feature can help better tell you if content you see is generated with AI or not. OpenAI is now going to be using Google's content verifcation, in addition to other partners.

Gemini 3.5 Flash is even faster versus previous models

Gemini 3.5 Flash combines frontier intelligence with actions. This model has been tweaked to work much faster with its output speed, beating other models. It's 4x faster in fact.

Google Antigravity

Google Antigravity updates make programming easier for developers

Updates to Google Antigravity aims to assist programmers and developers with complex coding tasks. With this update, it's helping coders to create operating systems, including the ability to play Doom.

Gemini Spark handles your digital life

Gemini Spark is coming to the Gemini app, a persoanl agent that handles you digital life. It runs on virtual machines in Google Cloud and works 24/7. It's powered by Gemini 3.5.

Collaboration is going to get a big boost with Gemini Spark

The live demo of Gemini Spark shows how this agent works across different services, like Google Docs, Gmail, and more, all to populate details and information. One example Google shows is trying to organize a party with Gemini Spark, which populates an RSVP tracker created in Google Sheets, including real time changes to it. Spark can also send follow up reminders to people who haven't RSVPed.

Gemini Spark works across devices, iPhone and Android, in the background

Spark works on Android and iPhone, which syncs across all of your devices. You basically send it your ideas and it does the rest. The demo on stage shows how you can send voice actions and Spark creates tasks in the background for it to run when you're not using your devices.

New Google AI Ultra plans revealed

If you intend on using these new models, Google's introducing new Google AI Ultra plans starting at $100 per month.

Google Search is now backed by Gemini 3.5

Next up, Google Search! It's now being turbocharged with Gemini 3.5, with the ability to perform complex tasks through search, like creating an itinerary.

'We're entering the era of search agents'

"We're entering the era of search agents." Google Search is evolving by tapping into multiple search agents, so you can get more done. One of the examples shows how Google Search works with different agents in the background, like learning about stock price changes that happen in real time, along with information that's relevant to your searches.

'The best version of search is the one that works for you'

Robby Stein from Google is on stage to demo agentic capabilities of Gemini. "We believe the best version of search is the one that works for you," explains Stein.

With this new AI overview, you can get interactive experience in search, like learning about black holes. Search will even generate animations and custom UIs on different search topics.

Search can create tasks at scale

Search has the ability to help create mini apps for you, perfect for handling tasks at scale. The example of this is finding ideas for family fun things to do during the weekend, and Search creates a weekend planner from scratch all for you.

Universal Commerce Protocol open standard for shopping

Vidhya Srinvasan from Google is on stage to talk about shopping with Google, which all starts with Shopping Graph. Universal Commerce Protocol is an open standard that's being rolled out to several Google products.

'Universal Cart is a truly intelligent cart'

"Universal Cart is a truly intelligent cart," explains Srinvasan. This new feature will look up price changes, history, and adjust you price carts with help from agents. What's really fascinating is how intelligent it is, like know that the motherboard you're buying isn't compatible with processor you've added, so it'll automatically know that and provide you with choices.

Gemini app gets updated with Neural Expressive experience

The Gemini app is getting big changes, including a new experience built from the ground up with Neural Expressive. design language. It's a visual change that will include interactive images with its responses, timelines with generated videos, and more. Neural Expressive is rolling out to Android, iOS, and the web.

Gemini Omni is also coming to the app, like the ability to create and edit videos.

Gemini Omni's ability to generate video is impressive

Gemini Omni got demoed at I/O, showing how you can create a video you've uploaded with additional prompts to transform it to something else, like being able to rotate the framing and adding other elements.

Daily Brief finds important information

Daily Brief finds the most important things in you data, and presents them in digestible form.

Gemini app is coming to MacOS

If you're using MacOS, you'll be happy to know that the Gemini app is coming to it. Apple users will be able to access many of the new agents and features with Gemini on MacOS.

Google Pics and Stitch makes creation a breeze

Google Pics is an image creation and editing tool, from flyers to infographics. It's rolling out this summer.

Meanwhile, Stitch turns rough ideas to beautiful designs. For example, it can be used to create interfaces using prompts or your voice. You can create web sites in real time, using powerful tools to design a website.

Gemini Omni, Agent, Tools, and Music are rolling out to Google Flow

If you're looking to create more videos, Google Flow is getting a big boost to generate new characters and elements by simply typing your request. On top of that, your agents can take multiple actions at one - like taking a single image and transforming it into several different clips. You'll be able to edit at scale.

Google Flow Music takes your boring music and makes it professionally mixed

Another exciting demo shows Google Flow Music takes and how a simple piano track can be transformed into a complete musical track that sounds professionally mixed.

'Our first audio glasses will arrive this fall'

If you're eager to know about about Android XR, Google says that "our first audio glasses will arrive this fall." So farm Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are partners in creating these glasses in conjunction with Samsung. And yes, they'll pair with Android and iOS devices.

First look at Samsung's new 'intelligent eyewear'

Samsung's smart glasses introduces intelligent eyewear, with a focus on design and style. Really, the premise reminds us awfully of the Amazon Echo Frames - since it's an audio-focus experience.

Order coffee through your glasses with Gemini

Maps integrate with Samsung's intelligent eyewear, including getting directions. Gemini can also perform automated tasks, just like on the Galaxy S26, like using Doordash for a coffee order. The way it functions is basically the same as Gemini on the Galaxy S26, so it's not something special we haven't experienced before. Finally, it understands contextual information. But the biggest reveal is that it has a camera!

Computational Discovery helps to make deliver accurate predictions

Gemini for Science offers tools to accelerate research and make predictions, like hurricanes.

Will shopping habit change with Google's Universal Cart?

Universal Cart could change the way we all shop online, which uses AI to proactively check your cart. Just take a peek at the demo of it on stage during Google I/O 2026 to see how the AI knows what parts you're buying for a new PC build.

Should Meta be afraid?

Google's collaboration with Samsung brought two working demos of its "intelligent eyewear" devices that aim to bring Gemini in a whole new way with glasses designed from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.

What's surprising about them, is the deep integration of Gemini to perform tasks all through voice commands. What do you think? Are they enough to make Meta and its partners afraid?

Gemini Spark is the assistant I've been waiting for

Google Spark is one of the latest AI agents introduced during the keynote. What's special about this one is that it lives in the cloud, where the agent will proactively work on tasks on its own. It behaves differently because it'll continue to work in the background.

Personally, it's the AI agent I've been waiting for because it means that I can send it tasks and it'll track, manage, and proactively work on it. If you rewatch the live event, you'll see how it can be used to help with wedding plans, including the ability to track RSVPs, send reminders to people, and more.

YouTube's about to get even more helpful

Just like everyone else, I spent a great deal of time on YouTube watching all sorts of videos. But a new feature coming soon will make it even more helpful.

Ask YouTube is an AI feature that better tailors results based on your search. For example, if you're wondering how to properly clean the sensor in a specific camera, you can send this inquiry to YouTube and it'll provide you with meaningful video results. Not only will it find videos that directly answer your question, but it'll even start the video at the exact place where it answers it.

Checking out AI mode

We are on site at Google I/O and checking out the various AI tools and devices that were announced today.

In this image, we're being shown the planner features in Google Search that can create weekend planners for you.

It's part of the new ability for Search to create mini apps for you and while connecting to other Google apps like your calendar.

Be sure to follow our TikTok

Tom's Guide is on TikTok where we're showing off what we see at Google I/O including hands-on demonstrations with smart glasses, new Search tools and more.

Be sure to give us a follow if you're on that platform.

Eyes on with Google's prototype glasses

We've had a chance to go eyes on with a prototype of Google's smart glasses.

The display was turned off so we could experience it as a version of the future audio only model. It does seem reminiscent of the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer shades.

We didn't order any cold brews though.

Project Aura makes an appearance

Google and its partnerships have at least three smart glasses launching this year.

One of them is Xreal's Project Aura. You can see the display glasses above with a puck that is supposed to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip that helps enable many of the features we can expect.

Live demo of Google's Audio Glasses

During the Google I/O keynote speech, there was a live demo of Google's audio glasses showcasing the Gemini capabilities without the need to pull out your phone.

Google AI Ultra changes the game

During Google I/O 2026, the company unveiled a new AI Ultra tier that costs $100 per month. It's meant for devs, creators and power users.

This includes the newly unveiled Gemini Spark model which Google calls a "24/7 AI agent."

My colleague Amanda Caswell gets into way more depth here suffice to say, Google is committed to AI agents and assistants that actively manage information for users.

Intelligent eyewear and Gemini edit a photo

While testing out Intelligent Eyewear we gave it a prompt to turn my colleague Paul Antill.

The prompt was, "“Take a picture and make him look like a superhero."

It did, but it also changed the name on his media tag to read "Paul Arnold."

So meet Super Paul Arnold or GL, the Googler? Also, it made his face weird more cartoonish.

Hands-on with Google's 'Intelligent Eyewear'

The dust has settled on Google's I/O 2026 keynote, but the developer conference will continue to run for the next few days as we start to get our hands on the new tools revealed on stage. One of the most interesting is Google’s “Intelligent Eyewear,” and how it stacks up against the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Our Computing Editor, Jason England, is out at I/O this week and has got some hands-on time with the prototype and you can read his initial verdict right here. Bottom line? Mark Zuckerberg has a real fight on his hands.

Google's new Search is great — unless you're a journalist

We got to take a look at Google's redefined Search box at I/O and it's fair to say the added power of AI tools is an exciting prospect when it comes to making sense of a noisy and confusing internet.

But what's clearly a generational leap in making the wider internet more personable and accessible also has big implications. It could be a very worrying sign for publications and other businesses that exist on referral traffic from Google to survive. One thing's for sure: the days of seeing 10 blue links beneath your Google search are well and truly dead.

• Read more: I hate that I love Google’s new AI-powered search bar — it makes the internet easier to digest, but my career is cooked now

Could we see more improvements to the Android desktop mode?

Last year, Google quietly revealed its new Android desktop mode, which was developed developed with the help of Samsung. We could possibly hear more about what other changes and improvements is in store for the desktop mode during day 2 of Google I/O 2026.

Available to the most new Pixel phones, we've tried out this desktop mode and said it's a good start, but certainly trails what Samsung DeX offers. Since then, we've seen Motorola's version get updated in a big way with Smart Connect for the Razr Fold.

Meta has a lot of work ahead of itself

With its debut during the keynote yesterday, Google's positioning itself in a very good way with its upcoming Intelligent Eyewear devices, developed in collaboration with Samsung.

While Meta has been in the business of making smart glasses for a long while now, with notable models like the Ray-Ban Meta and Meta Ray-Ban Display, there are features they don't have that Google's upcoming glasses offer. Clearly there's a hump to overcome, but with Meta Connect 26 happening in September, it's going to need to catch up in a big way.

Googlebook was a no-show at Google I/O 2026

Google absolutely stirred some attention when it revealed its Googlebook during last week's Android Show, but it was a no-show at the Google I/O 2026 keynote. While these premium laptops are fundamentally tied to Gemini Intelligence, we were hopeful to learn more about them, especially what its hardware partners intend to do with their versions.

Xreal’s Android XR glasses could make you rethink about Google's intelligent eyewear

There's a lot of different types of smart glasses vying for consumer recognition and Android XR is one of them, which shouldn't be mistaken for Google's "intelligent eyewear" glasses it showed off at the Google I/O 2026 keynote.

Our very own Jason England got a first hands-on look at Xreal's Project Aura, which are AR glasses in the same vein as Samsung's Galaxy XR and Apple's Vision Pro headset. But unlike them, Xreal's version looks more like an ordinary pair of glasses that looks less conspicuous.

After trying them out at Google I/O 2026, England's quite impressed by them, so much so that he says that "these are a glimpse into the exciting future of AR glasses."

Gemini Omni takes video generation to the next level

If you love video as much as we do, then you might know how involved it can be putting together a compelling video that engages people. With Gemini Omni, it's taking video creation to a whole new level.

This generative service can do amazing things, like take a photo you give to it and generate several videos based on different prompts. You can also reimagine what they look like if you're looking for something entirely unique. Either way, check out what it's capable above in the video above.

Apple can't afford to lose more ground to Google

Google continues to push the boundaries for AI, evident in all of the new Gemini models and features introduced at the I/O 2026 keynote and Gemini Intelligence features from last week's Android Show.

Considering how Google Pixel phones have some of the best AI features around, it really puts the pressure on Apple, which is slated to host its WWDC 2026 developers conference next month. We know that Apple's going to tap Gemini to power its new Siri, but what to degree is still unknown. Nevertheless, Apple can't afford to lose more ground in the AI race.

Android Auto is about to be way more dynamic

CarPlay Ultra was meant to shake things up when it was first introduced last year, with an emphasis on deeper integration with cars, but its lack of support from car makers has fizzled it somewhat.

Android Auto, on the other hand, is about to get its biggest makeover in years with a new dynamic interface that adapts to different sized displays — and not to mention, multiple screens within a car

Google has spent the past year making Gemini unavoidable. Today, at its annual I/O developer conference, it gets to show whether that bet is paying off.

Today's keynote streams live from the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California hosted by CEO Sundar Pichai. It starts at 10 am Pacific (1 pm Eastern, 6 pm BST) and typically runs 90 to 120 minutes.

To catch every moment as it happens, make sure to follow along with our live blog! Now, let's dive into exactly where you can stream the event.

How to watch Google I/O

Tuning into Google I/O is straightforward. The entire event is streaming for free at io.google and on Google’s own YouTube channel, with no sign-in or account required.

The stream will include live captions, and an instant replay will be available the moment the broadcast wraps up.

The part I'm most excited about

Google I/O almost always saves something. Previous years have produced surprise model announcements, unexpected hardware, and significant pivots to core products like Search and Photos.

Last year the story turned out to be how deeply Gemini had been woven into everything. This year, the equivalent reveal could come from almost any direction.

Let’s not forget the live demo wildcard. Google’s on-stage tech previews have a rich history of going off-script, look no further than the Sabrina Carpenter Gemini hiccup at the Pixel 9 event. Yet, for every awkward glitch, just as many moments go according to plan.

Either way, they tend to be the watercooler moments people are still buzzing about the next morning. That alone is worth keeping a tab open for.

More from Tom’s Guide

• Tired of Google's AI Overviews? Three easy workarounds to bring back traditional search
• Stop letting Google track your every move — how to clear your search history in 2026
• Where did your Google Drive storage go? 5 hidden space-hogs you can delete now

There are plenty of features hiding beneath the surface of your phone, and chances are you didn't even know most of them existed. Pixel phones are some of the worst offenders for this, with Google continually adding features and updates to the phones and seemingly expecting users to figure everything out by themselves.

Take a Message is one such feature, nestled in the depths of the Pixel Phone app, and essentially operating as a more advanced version of voicemail.

Much like voicemail, callers will be given the chance to leave you a message, which your Pixel will record and transcribe. Take a Message is an AI-powered feature that does everything on your device, which means it's more private and not subject to the whim of a faceless phone company. Once active, the feature will trigger whenever you miss or decline a phone call.

The best part is that this is all done in real time, meaning you can pick up the phone at any point and take the call if it turns out that it's important. Plus, it isn't exclusive to the latest Pixel 10 series phones and is available on Pixel devices as old as the Pixel 6 and Pixel Watch 2.

There are a couple of downsides, though. The first is that it's limited by location, and is currently only available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Ireland and Canada — or in other words, the nations where English is most widely spoken.

It's also only available if you have a cell signal and your phone is switched on. If you're in a black spot or your phone is turned off, then your regular voicemail service will handle things.

Here's how to turn on Take a Message on your Pixel phone.

There you have it. Take a Message is now switched on, and it means people no longer have to leave you voicemail messages the way they used to. Instead, it's all handled by an on-device AI that saves a recording of the call, transcribes the contents and gives you the option to listen or share that message to your heart's content.

Realistically, the functional difference between Take a Message and a visual voicemail service is minimal. If your carrier supports visual voicemail, and you have it set up already, you won't notice a whole lot of difference — and neither will the people calling you.

If visual voicemail has never been an option, then you're going to get all those benefits regardless of whether your carrier says you're allowed them or not.

This means that all Pixel owners get to enjoy a consistent voicemail experience, and one that keeps your messages a lot more secure than a normal voicemail inbox might. Hopefully, this feature expands to all Android phones in the future, or at the very least, those devices that don't offer their own take on Take a message already.

More From Tom's Guide

• 'Two-day battery life is a game changer': Honor Magic8 Pro's silicon-carbon battery is a wake-up call for Samsung and Apple
• Google is bringing AirDrop support to more Android phones — here are all the devices that will get it next
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 just tipped for July 22 launch at Unpacked — and it could be joined by Galaxy Glasses

Google I/O may not be officially kicking off for another week, but Google is revealing some of the news early during a special Android-themed presentation. The Android Show: I/O Edition came and went, bringing along exciting news around Google's ecosystem — and introducing a totally new product category.

Most notably, it's stepping into the the premium laptop segment with the Googlebook, which the company says are "the first laptops designed from the ground up for Gemini Intelligence.” These aren't meant to replace its Chromebooks, but rather, lean on AI to better help you perform complex tasks.

Speaking of Gemini Intelligence, it's going to transform the Android experience in a number of ways. For example, you'll be able to create helpful widgets on your phone to meet your exact needs. It's also coming to Android Auto, where you can tap into its task automation feature to perform complex stuff by simply speaking them.

Finally, the Android Show: I/O Edition also reveals other key integrations with Instagram that will make content creation even better with Android phones. Here's all the biggest announcements from the Android Show: I/O Edition.

How to watch The Android Show: I/O Edition 2026

Tuning into The Android Show is super easy, no matter where you are, or what devices you have to hand. The show itself was streamed on May 12 from 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST, and since it's a Google event, everything was live-streamed via YouTube.

We've embedded the story below, so you can watch the entire event right here and rewatch it. But if you'd prefer to watch it on YouTube itself, then be sure to click this link.

Going to YouTube will also give you the option to be notified when The Android Show is about to start. That way, you won't forget to tune in and miss those early announcements.

Android Show: I/O Edition: Biggest announcements

While the Android Show: I/O Edition gave us a look at what Google's working on, there's surely going to be even more in store for the Google I/O 2026 keynote next week. However, this event yielded several big surprises — so here's all the announcements.

• Gemini Intelligence: This isn't just a rebrand or an app to access AI, it's becoming the intelligence layer running underneath Android itself.
• Googlebook: Google officially enters the premium laptop segment with its new Googlebook line, a high-end series of AI PCs built from the ground up centered around Gemini Intelligence.
• Android Auto: The car infotainment system is getting a much needed makeover with customizable widgets on the home screen, support for video playback, and more.
• Immersive Navigation with Google Maps: Not only is Google Maps for Android Auto going 3D, but its new Immersive Navigation can better instruct you with directions.

What's happening with Android 17?

It wouldn't be the Android Show if Google's mobile operating system didn't make an appearance. But it's unclear what Google might actually have to announce, given how far along we already are in the Android 17 release cycle.

The first Android 17 beta was released back in February, and the software has been in the "Platform Stability" phase since March. Entering this phase means that features are all locked in, and subsequent updates are focused on fixing bugs and other issues ahead of launch.

The wide availability of the Android 17 beta means people have already uncovered most of its secrets. So we probably shouldn't expect to hear about any new additions to Android 17 later today. Though this doesn't discount the possibility of Google announcing features that are exclusive to certain devices, such as Pixel phones or AI features that have been developed in collaboration with Samsung.

Aluminum OS could be on the cards

One thing that we should hopefully hear about during the Android Show is what's happening with Aluminum OS — the name given to the new OS that aims to merge Android with ChromeOS.

We know that Google will be scrapping ChromeOS in its current form, in favor of bringing Android to Chromebooks and other desktop PCS, we just don't have any specifics on when this is going to happen. I/O and The Android Show is the perfect opportunity to clear the air and reveal when this is likely to happen.

Considering various Android phones now have a dedicated desktop mode, including Pixels, this should be happening sooner rather than later anyway.

What's left for Google I/O itself?

With Android taking center stage in its own show, ahead of the Google I/O keynote next week, some of you may be wondering what Google will have left for its developer conference next week. If last year is anything to go by, I/O itself is going to focus very heavily on AI.

We're not just talking about Gemini, either. Google has been working on so many different AI models that do a bunch of different things that there will be no shortage of things to talk about.

In fact, pulling Android into its own show is likely being done because Google has so much AI stuff to talk about and there wouldn't be enough time to discuss the operating system otherwise.

Android isn't just about phones or laptops

It is mind-boggling how far Android's reach is when you think about it. What started off as an operating system for phones (and later tablets) has now spread to countless different kinds of devices. There's even a version of Android that runs on cars, and lets you access apps and systems while you drive.

The Android Show could feature announcements for all these different versions of Android, whether we're talking smartwatches, cars, smart home systems or even mixed reality products like Samsung's Galaxy XR.

If Google plays its cards right, The Android Show could be a very exciting event — on par with I/O itself.

This won't be an AI-free event

Google has invested a lot in AI, and if you think it's going to save all of that news for the I/O keynote, then you're probably mistaken. Gemini, in particular, plays a huge role in the Android ecosystem, and any updates coming to the platform will likely feature something for Gemini to do as well.

That's especially true when you remember that the Android Show teaser features the normally-green Android mascot morphing into a color scheme reminiscent of the Gemini logo.

We can't really predict what kind of Gemini updates to expect, since some of the good stuff will be held back until next week. I expect that any Gemini news will be focused on new features and capabilities that Android users will be able to use on their devices pretty soon — while the general model updates and technical stuff will be among the talking points at I/O proper.

What about hardware?

Google I/O is normally a very software-focused event, and the inclusion of physical hardware is usually kept to a minimum. That said, there have been some exceptions in the past, such as revealing the Pixel Tablet or teasing the Pixel 7 series phones a few months early.

The Android Show is a different story, and while this is only the second time Google has held this event, there's always the possibility that hardware could play a role going forward.

The question is, what sort of hardware could we see? It's unlikely that Pixel phones or watches will make much of an appearance, since they typically get their own launch event in the late summer or fall.

Likewise, any truly innovative devices, such as AI glasses, would likely need to be kept for events that have a strong developer presence, so that work can begin on creating the right apps and software.

But who knows, if Aluminum OS finally gets its own big reveal, Google may use it as an opportunity to reveal some new laptops. But whether they will be Google-made laptops, like the Pixelbook, or devices made by trusted partners, isn't something we can predict.

There's more to Android than a show

The Android Show isn't the only newsworthy event in the world of Android right now, and it's all thanks to Apple.

The launch of iOS 26.5 means that iPhone and Android users can finally send encrypted messages to each other via RCS. That means messages you send to iPhone users will automatically be secured, without being forced to rely on third-party services like WhatsApp or Signal.

The caveat is that this feature is still in beta, and only applies to iPhone users with supported carriers sending messages to users with the latest version of Google Messages. The green chat bubble also isn't going away, so Android users will still stand out in all your group chats. Still, it sure as heck beats having to send unsecured messages via SMS, which is how things used to be.

Gemini for Home got a pre-I/O update

Google doesn't save all it's big announcements for flashy events like I/O and The Android Show. New updates do get released throughout the year, and Gemini for Home is the latest one to get some much-needed tweaks.

Notably, Gemini for Home will stop denying you access to information about alcoholic beverages when all you want is a recipe for some new cocktails. It turned out this was an issue with age-gating, and the controls used to prevent kids from asking about unsuitable topics. Now, all affected adults need to do is make sure parental controls are switched off, and they can ask for all the alcoholic information they like.

Other updates include speedier responses from the AI, and updating the "Ask Home" feature to accept voice commands. Meaning you can ask more conversational questions using a Nest Hub or similar device, rather than relying on the Google Home app.

Gemini Omni could be coming

Google's video-generating AI models are incredibly impressive, and Veo 3 blew our socks off at I/O 2025. Recent leaks now suggest that a new model is on the way, dubbed Gemini Omni.

Not much is known about Gemini Omni right now. At least one user has been prompted to "Create with Gemini Omni," and metadata suggests that this is an extension of what Google has already accomplished with existing Veo models.

The user managed to create two AI videos with the prompt, including one of two men eating spaghetti at an upscale restaurant — a reference to the infamous Will Smith video from a fw years back. The other features a professor writing out mathematical proofs on a chalkboard, with impressive results.

We'll no doubt hear more about this at I/O next week, rather than today's Android Show, but rest assured that AI-generated video is apparently not going anywhere

We need to hear more about Android XR glasses, and soon

Smart glasses are everywhere right now, and Google has been promising its own development in that area for what feels like forever. We got to try a demo model at the end of last year, but we're hoping that there will be some kind of news about a more refined model at this year's event.

And since those glasses would almost certainly run on Android XR, there could be some information during The Android Show. Even if I/O is mainly a software-focused event.

In an ideal world, we'd be hearing about actual XR glasses we can go out and buy, and how much they'll end up costing us. Or, at the very least, a rough timeframe of when they might go on sale. Considering how much the smart glasses market is heating up, Google can't afford to keep waiting for much longer.

What do you want to hear about during The Android Show?

Will we hear about Wear OS 7?

A new version of Android means there should be a new version of Wear OS coming with it, but so far we haven't actually heard all that much about it. We assume that it will be called Wear OS 7, and will likely show up on the Pixel Watch 5 before spreading to other smartwatches, but that's it right now.

Seeing as how the Android Show is about all things Android, now would be the time for Google to start offering up the first few pieces of information about the upcoming update ù and potentially even give us an idea of what to expect from future smartwatches.

You can try Android 17 right now (in beta)

While Android 17 probably won't arrive until late summer, you can take the software for a test drive right now. All you have to do is sign up for the Android 17 beta, and the best part is you don't need a Pixel phone to try it out.

Various phone makers have opted in for the Android 17 beta in recent weeks. That includes Samsung, has confirmed it will release the Android 17-based One UI 9 beta at some point later this week.

Here are the phones you can use to sign up for Android 17 beta right now:

• Google Pixel 6 and newer
• Samsung Galaxy S23 and newer
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6 and newer
• Galaxy A35, A36, A37, A55, A56 and A57
• Xiaomi 17, 17 Ultra, 15T Pro
• OnePlus 14, 15, Open, Nord 5
• Oppo Find X9 Pro
• Realme GT 8 Pro
• Motorola Edge 70 series, Edge 60 series, G86 series and G57 series
• Motorola Razr Plus 2025 and Razr Plus 2024

Don't expect Pixel 11 news tonight — or next week

There's been a lot of chatter about the Pixel 11 series in recent weeks, but if there's one thing you shouldn't expect to see during the Android Show (or even at Google I/O proper), it's Google's next smartphone.

I/O is a very developer-focussed event, with emphasis on software and all the advances that have been made in that area over the past 12 months. Upcoming hardware is pretty inconsequential to all that, and it means Google is unlikely to have anything to say about the Pixel 11 — or other unannounced smart devices. So be sure to temper your expectations before you tune in.

Will Android XR make an appearance?

We know Android XR will have a presence at Google I/O next week but it's not clear if Google's take on VR will get a mention during the Android Show today.

It's felt pretty quiet since the Galaxy XR headset launched last October. Though with Apple reportedly dropping the Vision Pro, perhaps headsets have become less of a priority.

We're also still waiting for more information on the Xreal Project Aura display glasses. Plus, Google has been teasing AI smart glasses since at least 2024.

30 minutes to showtime

Reminder, the Android Show kicks off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST; 30 minutes from now.

Of course, you can you follow along via the Google YouTube channel.

The arrival of Android OS

It's weird with the Android Show because it's not clear how much Google will save for I/O versus this extra program.

So, with that in mind, will the rumored Android/Chrome OS, Aluminum, make an appearance?

The new OS is supposed to combine Chrome OS and Android mobile together. Google confirmed the merger was happening last summer but has remained quiet since then.

Android Show I/O Edition kicks off with a brand new category

The Android Show I/O Edition kicks off teasing Gemini, Android Auto, and more, but you'll want to stick around for the end with Google introducing a brand new category.

Google just revealed Gemini Intelligence

Google's making a major rebrand to its efforts around AI, as the company formally introduced Gemini Intelligence. Gemini has been a central part of its product strategy, from Search and Gmail to Chrome and Android devices. However, Gemini Intelligence changes the framing by getting more done across different places.

Chrome gets automation feature courtesy of Gemini Intelligence

Google is bringing Gemini deeper into Chrome, by doing stuff like summarizing articles, answer questions about web pages and help with tasks such as booking travel. For example, Gemini Intelligence can quickly fill out forms with details by using the information it knows on your phone.

Gboard gets smarter with Rambler

You won't have to enunciate your words as much when you're using Gboard's new Rambler feature because it can understand your voice, even when you mess up or want to say something else. It's really fascinating how well it can also understand accents with accuracy, so you can rely on this voice dictation rather than physically type it yourself.

Build your own widget using Gemini Intelligence

Who says you need to be an Android developer to create widgets? You'll now be able to create your own widget across different devices with ease with the help of Gemini Intelligence. Best of all, you can tailor it to what you need exactly.

Instagram is getting major upgrades, but there's a catch

Google is transforming Android 17 into a creative powerhouse by introducing Screen Reactions, a native tool that allows users to record their screen and themselves simultaneously for seamless reaction videos. Plus, anew partnership with Meta brings Ultra HDR support and Night Sight integration to Instagram. However, the camera centric tools appear to be reserved for Pixels.

Emojis go 3D with Android 17

Google is finally addressing a long-standing Android weak point by introducing redesigned 3D emojis that offer a more expressive, physical feel similar to those on the iPhone. These updated characters will begin rolling out later this year, with Pixel devices being the first to receive the new look.

Android Auto gets a massive makeover

Drivers using Android Auto are about to get a totally revamped experience that are now better optimized for different screens, a more immersive navigation with 3D Google Maps, video playback support, and much more.

Gemini Intelligence comes to Android Auto

Gemini Intelligence will help you driver better and safer with Android Auto because you'll be able to lean on the AI chatbot to perform complex tasks, like ordering food at a restaurant, by simply speaking it.

Cars with Google built-in gets more accurate lane guidance

Cars with Google built-in will have a better Google Maps experience that can use the vehicle's camera to know which lane you're in and tell you explicitly which lane to get into for your exit.

Watch videos through Android Auto

Paris Hilton was tapped to talk about the new video playback support with Android Auto, which is a long time coming. Not only will you be able to play videos on YouTube, but it'll transition to an audio-only format when you start driving.

Google announces a new product category: Googlebook laptops

It's not meant to replace its Chromebooks, but Google saved the end of its event to talk a bit about its new product category: Googlebook laptops.

Google is challenging the MacBook’s dominance with the launch of Googlebook, a new category of premium, Android-powered laptops built specifically for Gemini Intelligence. These high-end computing devices feature deep AI integration, such as a Magic Pointer for contextual tasks, and a seamless ecosystem that runs Android apps natively.

Key partners tapped to create Googlebook laptops

Major partners like Acer, ASUS, and Dell are set to produce these sleek devices, which include a signature glowing Glowbar on the keyboard to distinguish these Googlebooks from other laptops.

Stay tuned for more at Google I/O 2026

And that's a wrap! There's a special developers cut of the Android Show that'll be running shortly, but there's still going to be way more new things introduced at Google I/O 2026.

Gemini Intelligence redefines Android experience

Google just gave us a massive preview of the future at the Android Show, headlined by the debut of Gemini Intelligence for deeper app automation. Beyond the AI, users can look forward to a complete visual overhaul with 3D emojis and enhanced cross-platform compatibility that makes Android and iPhone communication smoother than ever. From revolutionary multitasking tools to smarter system-wide integration, Android 17 is shaping up to be the most ambitious update in years.

Gemini Intelligence isn't a feature, it's a system deeply integrated into its platforms

Google isn't just making Gemini Intelligence a feature that devices running Android can tap into, but rather, it's a totally new system that will be a fundamental pillar across everything. One of the best examples of this is how it's being used in Chrome to perform tasks that normally would take time.

The best example is filling out a form on Chrome about your travel arrangements, like the details of your passport. Rather than waste the time looking back and forth between a snapshot you've captured with your camera, Gemini Intelligence can search all the information it finds and populates the details into the form for you.

Apple’s rumored to launch its first foldable phone perhaps later this year, and while an iPhone Fold is tempting, it’s probably going to be priced a lot like some other book-style foldables at around $2,000. If you want that foldable experience without draining your savings, I suggest taking a peek at the Pixel Fold, which is currently down to an all-time low of $449.

Woot is offering an insane 75% instant discount on Google's first foldable, bringing the price down to $449. That’s actually better than the deal I saw earlier this year when it hit $479 at a 73% discount. Considering the phone launched at $1,799, this is a massive saving for those willing to pick up a slightly older model. Here’s why I think it’s worth getting.

When it launched, Google promised five years of software updates — meaning it should last until May 2028. That’s music to my ears because it should receive Android 17 when it is released later this year. With Google I/O 2026 slated to start in less than two weeks, we’ll soon know exactly which new changes and features to expect.

Regarding the iPhone Fold, it’s still hard to wrap my head around the idea of paying upwards of $2,000 for any phone. I don’t expect Apple to be ultra-aggressive with pricing, but this Pixel Fold deal certainly exposes the price disparity. Even though it’s three years old at this point, the Pixel Fold remains a solid device, packing a 5.8-inch outer screen and an even larger 7.6-inch OLED main display.

There’s also the matter of the cameras, where the Pixel has an inherent advantage over the iPhone Fold’s expected dual-camera setup. Specifically, the Pixel Fold features a dedicated 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Leaks indicate the iPhone Fold will likely pack a 48MP main shooter and a 48MP ultrawide, meaning it would have to rely on the main camera for all zooming tasks. Based on my experience shooting with the best camera phones, no amount of sensor cropping or digital zoom can match the quality of an optically backed telephoto lens.

Finally, you’re getting a new phone that is unlocked out of the box, making it incredibly easy to connect to your wireless service. I still can’t get over the $449 price point — it’s effectively less than buying a Pixel 10a, which is currently the best cheap phone around. Yet, the Pixel Fold gives you two displays, a more versatile camera system, and all the multitasking advantages that come with the foldable form factor.

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Human beings are creatures of habit, and they like familiarity in most aspects of their lives. Smartphones are no exception, and there's definitely something comforting about being able to look at your phone and know where everything is. So it's no surprise that redesigning the software always seems to be as well-received as a punch in the face. iOS 26's switch to the Liquid Glass aesthetic was no exception to that trend.

Often, we see rival phone makers brazenly following Apple, and Liquid Glass has been swiftly copied by various companies. Vivo has adopted a similar design on its own phones, and the likes of Oppo and Samsung have added more glass-like elements to their UI. But do you know who won't be mimicking Apple's style on its phones? Google.

Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, has explicitly said that Liquid Glass is not coming to Pixel 11. It seems that some people saw the teaser for the upcoming Android Show: I/O Edition, featuring the Android mascot turning translucent, as confirmation that some sort of Liquid Glass-like effect would be coming to Android, too.

But that is not the case. "Not happening!" Samat said on X before adding, "Ya'll are wild." That's pretty definitive and doesn't leave a lot of room for any misinterpretation. An Android-ified version of Liquid Glass isn't coming to Pixel 11, and presumably won't be arriving on any other Google handset either.

As to why the Android mascot turns translucent, with that colorful light show going on inside it? I have no idea. If I were to guess, I'd say that it's probably something to do with Gemini and AI, since various versions of the Gemini logo use similar colors — in addition to the traditional Google hues.

Considering how hard Google has been pushing AI over the past few years, it's guaranteed that Gemini is going to continue playing a huge part in Android going forward. So it makes sense that there would be a lot of emphasis on artificial intelligence throughout the Google I/O developer conference.

It's impossible to say how well Liquid Glass has been received by the masses, because people are far more likely to complain online than sing its praises. But considering some of the criticism Apple has received for implementing Liquid Glass, and the fact that customization options were only added months later, it would be crazy for Google to copy the design — especially so quickly.

We don't know what Google has planned for I/O, aside from a heavy focus on AI, but you can read up on what we expect to see in our Google I/O hub.

The Android Show is set to take place on May 12 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, while the I/O conference itself kicks off with a keynote address at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

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Google Pixel leaks are a very common occurrence, and the mass leaking of specs feels like it's been an annual tradition since the months running up to the launch of the Pixel 3. I have very mixed feelings about the fact that Google's mobile division is about as secure as a wet paper bag.

On the one hand, it's quite useful to have an idea of what's coming ahead of the big launch event, but I'm also fully aware that specs alone can be misleading — and could potentially cause issues. I say this because a boatload of Pixel 11 series specs leaked earlier this week, including information about the batteries in all four devices.

Unfortunately, the news isn't good, leaving me worried that Google still isn't taking Pixel battery life seriously.

The state of Pixel 11 batteries (as we currently know it)

The leaked Pixel 11 specs came from a leaker who goes by the handle Mystic Leaks. They didn't reveal every last detail about the four phones, but the list does include battery capacities. While the figures themselves aren't too disappointing, they are all noticeably lower than those of the Pixel 10 series.

Assuming these specs are correct, the Pixel 11 comes out the best with a loss of just 130 mAh of battery capacity, while the Pixel 11 Pro ups that difference to 163 mAh. The 11 Pro XL loses 200 mAh, though it retains the respectable-sounding 5,000 mAh of capacity in the process. Sadly, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes out worst for wear, losing 357 mAh of battery.

Considering the Pixel 10 Pro Fold didn't have amazing battery life to begin with (12 hours and 13 minutes), that's likely going to have an impact on its daily lifespan.

I will point out that these figures are rather high for premium phones. The Pixel 11 Pro XL's 5,000 mAh cell is about standard for the largest flagship variants, but the entry-level model usually ends up with significantly lower battery capacity than its compatriots. The Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 have 4,300 mAh and 3,692 mAh, respectively, which are peanuts compared to the Pixel 11's rumored 4,840 mAh.

In fact, it's almost unheard of for the entry-level phone to have a bigger battery than its Pro counterpart, but Google may be about to do it for two years in a row. What I mean is, compared to other popular phones, Pixel owners are eating pretty well in the battery department.

But that doesn't change the fact Google has a turbulent history with battery life, and the loss of any capacity is cause for concern.

Battery life has been a recurring problem on Pixels

There's a reason why you've never seen a Pixel phone on our best phone battery life page: the battery life on Pixel phones used to be absolutely awful. Things have gotten a lot better in recent years, but even the best Pixel batteries can't seem to hold a candle to the likes of OnePlus, iPhone, or even certain Galaxy smartphones.

The Tom's Guide battery test involves setting a phone's display to 150 nits and running a custom script that forces a phone to continually surf the web over a 5G connection until the battery runs out. Out of all the phones we've tested, the longest lasting is the OnePlus 15, which scored 25 hours and 13 minutes — a result that's aided by the phone's enormous 7,300 mAh silicon nanostack battery technology.

Meanwhile, the longest-lasting Pixel 10 series phone is the Pixel 10 Pro XL, with the 5,200 mAh battery lasting 14 hours and 20 minutes. The worst result of the Pixel 10 series came from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which lasted 12 hours and 16 minutes before dying.

That's still a considerable improvement compared to the Pixel 7, which only lasted 7 hours and 13 minutes when it was released in 2023. Before anyone suggests that this was due to Google adding a smaller battery, it's worth noting that the 4,355 mAh battery is only slightly larger than the one in the newly released Galaxy S26. Samsung's entry-level flagship lasted 11 hours and 28 minutes in our battery test, and while that's far from impressive, it's still leagues ahead of what Google was doing just four years ago.

Obviously, the sheer difference between the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 10 series is down to the fact Google has made huge leaps and bounds in the battery life department. Gains were made with the release of the Pixel 8 series, and we saw a huge increase in battery life with the Pixel 9 — with the momentum continuing until Pixel 10.

But those older phones were still released relatively recently, and memories of that battery life remain.

Battery life is more than just battery capacity

It's important to remember that, when it comes to battery life, the physical capacity is only part of the equation. The Pixel 7 Pro's 5,000 mAh battery and eight hours and three minutes of tested battery life is the perfect example of that in action.

A smartphone is effectively a jigsaw of various components working together, all drawing power from the same source. It only takes one or two of those components to get greedy before the battery life significantly worsens. Take the iPhone 12, the first 5G phone Apple released, which recorded a battery life of eight hours and 25 minutes.

That's pretty poor, even for 2020, and it's a considerable decline compared to the iPhone 11's 11 hours and 16 minutes. But, as we discovered in our testing, forcing the iPhone 12 to stick to a 4G connection saw that battery life increased to 10 hours and 23 minutes. It's still lower than the iPhone 11, but it proved that the 5G modem was using considerably more power than it should.

Pixel phones do not have a reputation for using the most energy-efficient components, and the modem has come under fire more than once. But things might be changing for the better, with Mystic Leaks claiming that Google will replace the power-hungry Exynos modems with a more efficient MediaTek M90. This was actually one of the first Pixel 11 rumors to surface, and they've stuck with that claim with the latest leak.

The leak also claims that Google will be building the Tensor G6 chipset on a TSMC 2nm node. That matters because the Tensor G5 was built on a TSMC 3nm node, and the G4 was built on a Samsung 4nm node. Smaller chips have greater transistor density, and this usually manifests in greater performance, power and energy efficiency.

So, regardless of the situation with the modem, the Tensor G6 might also offer some extra efficiency on its own. By how much isn't clear, but as we've seen with the likes of Apple's A-series chips, recent Snapdragon flagships and the M-series chips on MacBooks, the relative efficiency of the main chipset can make a huge amount of difference.

This means more efficient components could have a much greater positive impact on battery life than simply throwing extra capacity at the battery — assuming that Google doesn't mess it up somehow.

Bottom line

While I hope Google knows what it’s doing and won’t slip back into a laissez-faire attitude toward battery life, I can't help but worry that cutting capacity is the wrong move. That said, rumors of more efficient components offer some hope that Google is focusing on optimization elsewhere.

At the very least, Google needs to recognize that it's still lagging behind its biggest rivals. Energy efficiency is a huge part of that equation, but so is raw capacity. If nothing else, throwing a few extra milliamp-hours at the hardware certainly wouldn’t hurt.

However, we have to remember that this is all elementary until we can actually get ahold of the Pixel 11 series and test the battery for ourselves. That's the only way we'll find out whether Google has succeeded in maintaining its pro-battery trajectory, or if it's messed up so badly we have another Pixel 7 situation on our hands.

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It's rare for us to go into a Google Pixel launch event without knowing pretty much everything the upcoming phones will have to offer. The Pixel 11 launch may still be a few months away, but it seems that this year will be no exception to that trend now that tipster Mystic Leaks has posted a full list of specs for the upcoming phones.

As expected, Mystic Leaks has specs for four separate Pixel 11 models: The standard Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro, a larger Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. According to these leaked specs, all four will come with a Tensor G6 chipset, built on TSMC's 2nm node. Mystic Leaks seems to corroborate past rumors, claiming that the chip will feature seven cores instead of the usual eight: A single ARM C1-Ultra core (4.11 GHz), four ARM C1-Pro cores (3.38 GHz) and two ARM C1-Pro cores (2.65 GHz).

Each phone is also said to come with a Titan M3 security chip, an aged PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 from 2021 and a MediaTek M90 modem. They will also include a new "Tensor Processing Unit," Google's name for its own neural processing units, and a new GXP image signal processor.

Mystic Leaks also claims that the Pro models will ditch the thermometer this year, which is making room for the rumored Pixel Glow RGB LED array. He also says that Project Toscana, which was developed as a Face ID-style infra-red facial recognition, isn't ready and won't be arriving this year.

Pixel 11 series leaked specs — what we know

The standard Pixel 11 is listed as coming with a 6.3-inch OLED display, with 1080 x 2424 resolution, a 60-120Hz refresh rate, 2,000 nit brightness and 3,100 nits of peak screen brightness. That's mostly the same as last year, with an additional 100 nits of peak screen illumination.

Other specs include a 4,840 mAh battery, which is smaller than the Pixel 10's 4,970 mAh, 8/12GB of RAM, and a brand-new main camera. Details on that camera aren't disclosed, but Mystic Leaks speculates that it could be 50MP.

The Pixel 11 Pro is said to come with a 6.3-inch OLED display with 1280 x 2856 resolution, a 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 2,450 nits of brightness, which increases to 3,600 nits at its peak. The Pixel 11 Pro is the same, with a larger 6.8-inch 1344 x 2992 resolution. If these specs are accurate, it means both phones get a minor bump to screen brightness compared to last year.

Both phones are also expected to come with either 12 or 16GB of RAM, new main and telephoto camera lenses, and a small downgrade in battery capacity. The Pixel 11 Pro is listed as having 4,707 mAh, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL supposedly has 5,000 mAh. That's decreased from 4,870 mAh and 5,200 mAh, respectively.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold's screen size isn't listed, but it is claimed to have a 2076 x 2160 foldable display and a 1080 x 2342 cover display. There's a width variation of a few pixels on both screens, with the foldable display measuring slightly wider than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's, while the cover display is slightly narrower. This shouldn't make a huge amount of visible difference, though, and bezel size is likely the cause of the variation.

Brightness is rated for 2,050 nits (3,500 peak) on the foldable display and 2,450 (3,600 peak) on the cover display. Mystic Leaks claims that there's a new camera on the way, a choice of 12 or 16GB of RAM and a 4,658 mAh battery. That's considerably lower than the 5,015 mAh battery in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Pixel 11 specs leak — our thoughts

When it comes to leaked specs you have to err on the side of caution, because there's no telling how accurate they might be. That said, there's nothing particularly out of the ordinary with what's listed here, with the leak offering a fairly reasonable number of upgrades — including screen brightness and brand new camera lenses.

The various claimed downgrades have given me some pause for thought, however. The obvious one is that claims of RAM reduction, and if this proves accurate, my guess is that lower-storage variants will have to deal with the memory downgrade. In the face of RAMageddon and the skyrocketing cost of memory, this isn't really a huge surprise.

Dropping the Tensor G6 to six cores, instead of the usual eight, also seems like a downgrade. But it's worth noting that the seven cores listed offer faster clock speed than their Tensor G5 equivalents. That chip had a single 3.78GHz core, five 3.05 GHz cores and two 2.25 GHz cores. How much of an impact this change will have on performance isn't clear, and we won't know for sure until the phone undergoes some thorough testing.

Sadly, the inclusion of the CXTP-48-1536 GPU doesn't fill me with confidence. Rumors have pointed to this GPU before, and the fact that it was first released back in 2021 makes it positively ancient by computing standards — and hardly the kind of tech you'd expect in a premium flagship.

The loss of battery capacity is also pretty worrying, especially given Google's poor track record with battery life. Things have been improving over recent generations, but the Pixel still lagged quite far behind all the other phones with the best battery life. While there's still a very good chance that Google will make up for the loss with better power efficiency, especially with a 2nm chipset, I'm going to have to see some valid results before my mind is put at ease.

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Google Pixel phones are among the best Android phones you can buy, and showcase how much Android is capable of — in terms of both hardware and software. It's the closest thing we have to a Google-made iPhone, and the Google Pixel 11 is likely to be no exception to that when it arrives later this year.

The pressure is on for Google after offering a very mixed set of upgrades with the Pixel 10 series. The Pixel 10 itself was leaps and bounds ahead of the Pixel 9, thanks to a bunch of Pro-level hardware, but the Pixel 10 Pro was barely a step up from its predecessor. Google needs to make sure not to fall into that trap with the Pixel 11, and offer something substantial, even if it isn't groundbreaking.

Whether it will succeed or not is another matter, and we're not likely to find out until the launch event this summer. Until then, here's everything we know about Pixel 11 so far.

Google Pixel 11: Rumored specs

Google Pixel 11: Rumored release date & price

Following two consecutive years of August Pixel releases, Google will likely stick to that timeline once again. Late August is that perfect sweet spot between the release of Galaxy Z Fold 8 and iPhone 18, which makes it the perfect time to launch a brand new Pixel phone.

The Pixel 9 was released on August 22, while the Pixel 10 arrived a little later on August 29, so we should probably expect something in the last week of the month.

Pricing is still a huge unknown at this point, but it's possible that we'll see some kind of price increase. Not only has the cost of RAM and storage gone through the roof, but I'd also be surprised (and disappointed) if we didn't see the base storage increase from 128GB to 256GB.

Google already did it with the Pixel 10 Pro XL last year, and the change is long overdue, especially after Apple decided to make 256GB storage standard on every iPhone 17 model. Unfortunately, I don't see that change happening without some sort of price increase to go with it.

Google Pixel 11: Design & Display

We're not expecting major design changes with the Pixel 11 this year, and leaked CAD renders from OnLeaks suggest that the basic design will remain the same for the next year. However, there appear to be a few small changes, including slimmer bezels and an all-glass camera bar.

According to leaked specs from Mystic Leaks, the phone will have a 6.3-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2424 resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate, which is the same as the Pixel 10. Display brightness may get a small boost, with the leak suggesting that, while HDR brightness is limited to 2,000 nits again, the peak brightness may 3,100 — 100 nits more than last year.

Google has previously said that Pixel phones will undergo a redesign every two to three years. While those renders suggest there are no major changes, other rumors claim that Google will add a new feature called "Pixel Glow," which is expected to be similar to Nothing's Glyph lights. The feature has shown up in code from the Android 17 beta, but other than the name, we don't know a great deal about it.

Google Pixel 11: Cameras

There haven't been any leaks about the Pixel 11's camera upgrades, and following the addition of a telephoto lens on the Pixel 10 I wouldn't have expected any major upgrades. But a new specs leak claims that all four Pixel 11 phones will get a new main camera lens — possibly one with 50MP resolution.

Further details are unknown, but it seems that the standard model will miss out on the telephoto lens upgrade rumored to be coming to Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL

That said, there's a lot more to camera performance than hardware specs, and there's a very good chance that Google will include a bunch of camera features and upgrades — enhanced by the Tensor G6 chipset.

It's currently unclear what those features might be, but there is speculation that Google could include a new infrared under-display camera to power an advanced facial recognition system similar to Apple's Face ID. However, a more recent leak suggests that this system isn't ready to be included on Pixel 11.

Google has attempted such a thing before, notably on Pixel 4, but this would be the first time it included an iPhone-style infrared camera. That should offer better security than camera-based face unlock systems, but we'll have to wait and see how such a feature would hold up to scrutiny.

Google Pixel 11: Performance

Pixel chips are not known for being particularly powerful, and the Tensor chips haven't really made much headway in that department. Google may say that they're better suited for AI processing and other software enhancements, but it doesn't change the fact that Pixel phones have been lagging as a result of Tensor's weak performance.

Sadly, the Tensor G6 isn't expected to make many improvements, especially in the graphics department. According to leaker Mystic Leaks, the Tensor G6 will utilize a Power VR CXTP-48-1536 GPU — which first released back in 2021. That's right, Google could be using a five-year-old graphics processor in the Pixel 11, and that doesn't bode well for its performance.

The good news is that the same leak suggests the G6 chip will use a 4.11 GHz Arm C1 Ultra core, which is the best core Arm produces — and bodes well for computational performance at the very least. It will be joined by four C1 Pro cores running at 3.38 GHz and two slightly slower C1 Pro cores that clock in at 2.65 GHz. However, the leak suggests that the G6 will also drop to seven cores, compared to the eight-core CPU in the Tensor G5.

A newer leak also promises that the chip will be made with TSMC's 2nm node, which should offer better performance and energy efficiency than a 3nm chip. Though we won't know exactly how much of an improvement is on the way.

It's also a possibility that Google may reduce the amount of RAM, likely due to the ongoing AI-induced memory shortages. Mystic Leaks suggests that Google may offer an 8GB memory option, but didn't elaborate on which Pixel 11 variants may offer it instead of the usual 12GB. My guess is that it would be certain lower storage variants, since that's what the likes of Samsung does, but we don't know that for sure right now.

Google Pixel 11: Battery & charging

We haven't heard anything about the Pixel 11's battery just yet, but I wouldn't hold my breath for any major changes this year. — especially where battery capacity is concerned. Since the Pixel 10 already offers a substantial 4,970 mAh of power, there isn't a lot of room for the Pixel 11 to add more.

Unfortunately, recent leaks suggest that the capacity will actually be reduced to 4,840 mAh. While it's not a huge loss of capacity, it would be disappointing to see a company with such a poor reputation for battery life deliberately hinder its newest devices.

Pixel battery life has improved over the past few years, but it's still quite far behind the likes of Apple and OnePlus. With the lower capacity in mind, we'd like to see some improvements to efficiency and better overall battery life as a result, even if the battery itself doesn't change that much.

Of course, we did see some major charging upgrades on the Pixel 10 Pro XL last year, with 45W wired charging and 25W Qi2 wireless charging. It would be nice to see some of those speeds make their way to smaller models, including Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro. We also expect that Google will keep Qi2 charging, with Pixelsnap's magnetic connectivity around for the foreseeable future.

Google Pixel 11: Outlook

There are still a lot of unknowns where the Pixel 11 is concerned, which is actually quite surprising. Google is not known for keeping on top of leaks, and, rarely, we don't know everything about the newest Pixel before it actually launches. There's still time, though, and we're likely to hear something before the launch date rolls around.

We're not expecting a major upgrade this year, and while disappointing, that's to be expected considering the sheer amount of changes made to the Pixel 10. Of course, some of what we have heard does sound promising in certain areas, but the rumored downgrades may make this another unimpressive release by Google. I just hope that the Pixel 11 will be a little more impressive than these early leaks have let on.

We'll just have to wait and see what leaks in the coming months before we make up our mind, and failing that, see what Google has in store at the launch event. Hopefully, Jimmy Fallon isn't there this year.

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After testing the Nothing Phone 4a Pro, we named it one of the best cheap phones for its excellent display, extra-long battery life, and overall great cameras, which includes an 8MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom — all for less than $500.

But what happens if you want to spend just a bit more? That's the question I had after looking at photos taken by the Pixel 10. It looked as though Nothing's new mid-ranger was better or equal to the Pixel 10 — which would make the 4a Pro an even greater value.

So I decided to do an in-depth comparison by taking both phones out and shooting more than 100 photos in a variety of conditions to see how these two phone cameras compare.

Camera specs compared

Even though the Pixel 10 is $300 more expensive than the Nothing Phone 4a Pro, the camera specs seem to skew in favor of the 4a Pro.

Nothing equipped its phone with a 50MP main camera (f/1.88 aperture) with an 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2) and a 50MP telephoto lens (f/1.88) capable of 3.5x optical zoom. The front-facing selfie camera is 32MP (f/2.2).

In contrast, the Pixel 10 has a 48MP main camera (f/1.7), a 12MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2) and a 10.8MP telephoto lens (f/3.1) with 5x optical zooming capabilities. In the front is a 10.5MP selfie camera with f/2.2 aperture.

The main cameras sound fairly evenly matched on paper, though the Pixel 10 appears to have an advantage in the ultrawide department. However, the Pixel's telephoto and selfie hardware sounds considerably less impressive than the Nothing Phone 4a Pro. It may have 5x optical zoom, but with such low resolution and wide aperture, you have to wonder whether it can compete with the 4a Pro.

But this is the point to remind everyone that camera specs only tell part of the story, and the only way to know for sure is to actually test the cameras side-by-side.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Daytime

While the Nothing Phone 4a Pro's main camera lacked some clarity during my review, further examination of new images shows that that may have just been an outlier. In daytime shots, the photos are fairly evenly matched across the board.

Nothing's camera tends to ramp up the colors and offer a slightly more vivid look of whatever is in frame, while Google is slightly more subdued but real to life. Still, in terms of actual quality, this such a little difference between these two cameras that I couldn't pick a clear winner.

Winner: Draw

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Ultrawide

As the camera hardware suggests, the Pixel 10 has a clear advantage when it comes to ultrawide-angle photography. The quality of the photos is noticeably better, and the colors are more vivid and true to life.

On top of that, it seems as though the Pixel manages to capture better dynamic range, as seen in the shot of the shadowy tree below. Despite being engulfed in shadow, the tree in the Pixel's photo is clearer, brighter and isn't as affected by the glare from the sun.

Winner: Google Pixel 10

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Zoom (3.5x)

When it comes to telephoto photos, the hardware is definitely on Nothing's side, and that's reflected in the photos it takes at 3.5x magnification. While the Pixel manages to produce brighter photos, the quality just isn't there.

Nothing's higher resolution telephoto lens means that there's significantly more detail in each shot — especially when you zoom in. It's especially noticeable on my dog's fur, with Google merging it all together into a beige mass, while Nothing is able to pick out more individual strands of fur with a lot more clarity.

Winner: Nothing Phone 4a Pro

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Zoom (5x)

Increase the magnification to 5x zoom and Nothing's quality takes a dive, meaning both sets of photos are a lot more evenly matched. Clearly, Nothing's high-resolution telephoto lens is great for taking photos with real zoom, but push beyond the 3.5x magnification limit and things start to go south very quickly.

It's tough to be able to choose between the two, because the quality produced by both phones isn't particularly good. That said, the golf course sign proved to clinch the deal for Nothing, because the lettering is a lot cleaner and less noisy on Nothing's shot. However, it was a very close call and not a result Nothing should be particularly proud of.

Winner: Nothing Phone 4a Pro

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Low Light

In my original review, I praised the Nothing Phone 4a Pro for its low light performance, but noted that it did look slightly worse than the Pixel 10 on account of it not capturing as much light. I confirmed it after looking at the latest batch of photos.

The photos produced by the 4a Pro are by no means bad, but the Pixel produced pictures that are brighter and more detailed, making the most of the minimal light that was available in the surrounding areas.

There was one notable exception: A potted plant photographed in almost total darkness came out brighter on the Nothing Phone, compared to the far blacker and less distinguishable Pixel 10's photo.

Winner: Google Pixel 10

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Selfie

The last time I tested the selfie camera on the Pixel 10, it made me look a lot pastier than I really am, but the Nothing Phone 4a Pro managed to add some of the real-life color to my face. Other than that, the photos appeared to be fairly evenly matched.

Upon looking at the new shots, I can't say that this assessment was wrong. The Nothing Phone 4a Pro does seem to more accurately capture the colors in frame, but not to the extent that it makes a lot of difference.

The actual quality seems to differ based on the lighting, with the Pixel managing to capture better details in high brightness, and the Nothing Phone 4a Pro picking up more in shady spots. It's worth bearing in mind, but doesn't change the fact that there's no clear winner here.

Winner: Draw

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Portrait

Portrait mode is much the same in terms of quality, though the photos produced some weird results when the bokeh effect came into the mix. The Nothing Phone 4a Pro seemed to get a little confused at times, and added the effect to spots that didn't need it — including across my shirt and the tip of my dog's tail.

Then again, the Pixel 10 managed to take a Portrait photo and reversed the bokeh, blurring me and leaving the background clear. I'm not even mad about that, just confused as to how that actually happened because it doesn't make a lick of sense.

Winner: Draw

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Color

When it comes to color, it seems as though Nothing's camera is attempting to make everything look extra vivid and bright, while Google is going for a more subdued, but accurate take on what it sees.

There's nothing wrong with the Nothing photos, but there's something a little otherworldly about seeing them enhanced to the level that they're at — and that clinches this one for Google's more relaxed take on the color palette.

Winner: Google Pixel 10

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Macro

Neither phone seems to explicitly advertise a specialist macro mode, either, but after some experimentation, I found that they both seem to recognize when extreme close-up photography is required.

Nothing again manages to produce brighter photos, but Google's macro shots are a lot clearer and more detailed across the board. Whether I'm taking photos of plants, lichen, dandelion seeds or even bugs, it definitely has the upper hand.

Winner: Google Pixel 10

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Panorama

I'll admit, it's quite rare that I take a panorama shot, on account of how awkward they are to take. Google's system, which involved matching up your camera with virtual dots while the software stitched together each shot, is kind of a pain and much slower than Nothing's continuous shot approach.

But it seems Google may have the right idea, since its panorama shots come out looking significantly better. The main thing I noticed was Nothing's Panorama mode actually stops before you do a full 360-degrees, which means part of the photo is always missing. The quality just isn't there, either. Pixel panoramas have better detail and contrast, plus coloring that is more true to life than Nothing offers.

Winner: Google Pixel 10

Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Verdict

It is fair to say that the Nothing Phone 4a Pro does a fantastic job of standing up to the more expensive Google Pixel 10 in the camera department. While it certainly falls in some categories, there's no denying the fact that Nothing has done a heck of a job making sure its cameras are as good as they can likely be for this price.

But while the 4a Pro is a great generalist camera, the Google Pixel 10 excels in more specialist categories, such as low light, macro, and panorama modes.

Yes, it's possible to get an excellent camera that's competitive with flagship devices for considerably less money. You just need to pick the right one, and Nothing Phone 4a Pro should definitely be on your short list.

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The Google Pixel 10a may have been one of the laziest upgrades Google has ever produced, but it's still an incredibly good value phone when you remember the $499 price tag. But seeing the Google Pixel 10 drop back to its lowest ever price is enough to make you forget about your cheap phone.

The Google Pixel 10 is now just $549 over at Amazon, which gets you the entry-level model with 128GB of RAM. While not quite as cheap as the Pixel 10a, that extra $50 goes a very long way — and nets you some impressive hardware in the process. At this price point, that easily makes it the better deal for prospective Pixel buyers.

So what exactly does the Pixel 10 have that the Pixel 10a doesn't? The extra camera lens is an obvious upgrade, since Google added a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 10 also offers a brighter display, with our testing recording a peak brightness of 2,333 nits compared to the Pixel 10a's 1,896.

This means better screen performance in a variety of lighting conditions, especially when it's particularly bright. The Pixel 10's Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display should also offer better protection against scratches and other damage.

There's also the Tensor G5 chipset, which is significantly more advanced than the G4 powering the Pixel 10a. This means better performance, and some extra AI features that the 10a is too weak to handle. The addition of Magic Cue, which offers contextual information and suggestions during regular phone use, is one of the biggest things missing from the 10a.

Battery life isn't as good, with the Pixel 10a offering 15 hours and 16 minutes in our testing, compared to the Pixel 10's 13 hours and 13 minutes. But you do get the added benefits of Qi2 wireless charging, and support for magnetic Pixelsnap and MagSafe accessories.

Plus, you get all the benefits of owning a Pixel phone, including first access to Android updates, exclusive features via Google's Pixel Drops, and seven years of software support — which is among the best you can get on any phone.

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The Google I/O developer conference is happening later this week with Google promising to share its "AI breakthroughs and updates in products across the company, from Gemini to Android, Chrome, Cloud and more."

Google also revealed that agentic coding will be on the agenda, along with news about the latest Gemini model updates. We also know what we definitely shouldn't expect, now that this year's installment of The Android Show: I/O Edition has passed.

The Android Show covered various topics, including what to expect from Android 17, Google Maps, Android Auto and new Gemini Intelligence. Not to mention the new Googlebook laptops, which will run on a new hybrid version of Android and ChromeOS.

That means the upcoming I/O address could cover all the other things Google is up to. From AI models, improved video generation and editing tools, and maybe even the long-gestating Android XR. There's plenty we still don't know about the mixed reality software, after all.

Here's what we know about Android, AI and everything else we know about the upcoming Google I/O developer conference.

Google I/O 2026: Date & location

Google has confirmed that I/O 2026 will commence on May 19, starting with a keynote address at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. BST. The conference will then run through May 20, with Google hosting talks, panels and other presentations over the course of those two days.

As with past I/O keynotes, this will all take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre at Google's Mountain View headquarters in California. A live-stream of the event will be available on the Google I/O webpage, and this being Google, we'd expect the keynote to stream on YouTube as well.

Google also hosted an Android-specific event for the second year running, named "The Android Show: I/O Edition." Like last year, this was a live-streamed event and we have a rundown of everything that happened during the stream.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for AI

AI has been the major talking point at I/O for the past few years, and with the way the world is going, that isn't likely to change for 2026. AI was such a big deal last year that Google devoted almost the entire keynote address to its advances in artificial intelligence.

We've already heard about Gemini Intelligence at The Android Show, which will see Gemini embedded within the Android operating system — rather than as a standalone app you need to open. The idea being that Gemini can see and understand what you're trying to do, without forcing you to jump around to different tools.

Rumors also suggest that Google will unveil a new "Extended" thinking level for Gemini, as well as add support for certain third-party apps. Rumor has it that GitHub, OpenStax, Spotify and WhatsApp are involved, though I suspect more would arrive in time.

We should expect Google to go especially hard during I/O proper. AI research is happening at a breakneck pace, and you can be sure Google has made a lot of advances since last year. However, it's been quiet on the details, only confirming that agentic coding and model updates will be up for discussion.

It's been speculated that Google could reveal Gemini 4 at I/O, and we're likely to hear about updates to the Veo text-to-video model at the same time. Whether that can trump last year's phenomenal update isn't something we can predict right now. It's also about time we heard more about Project Astra, which was first teased a couple of years back as a universal AI assistant.

It's difficult to predict what might be revealed on the AI front. Not only does Google have a lot of diversity in its AI research, but it's also known to have surprise announcements that completely steal the show.

Though at the same time, I/O is a developer-focused conference, so there might not be a lot of consumer-centric reveals. It's impossible to say right now, but we can certainly expect some very big things on the AI front.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for Android

We weren't entirely sure what to expect from Android 17 before the Android Show, since already quite far into the beta release cycle. The beta has been in the "Platform Stability" stage with the release of beta 3 at the end of March. This should have meant the software was locked in, with no new features, but this didn't stop Google from revealing some new ones at I/O.

Obviously, we know that Gemini Intelligence is going to play a bigger role in Android going forward, but there is plenty more on the way as well.

Features announced include being able to create custom widgets with AI, Gemini-powered tools for Chrome on Android, improved scam protection, a "Pause Point" to give you a break from doomscrolling, new 3D emojis, and a huge upgrade to Android Auto and Google Maps — complete with 3D visuals and improved lane guidance.

AirDrop support is also being expanded to more devices, along with a new QR code feature that lets you transfer files through the cloud. That will also be compatible with iPhones, which should help make transferring files across platforms even easier.

Instagram will also be getting more creator-friendly tools thrown into the mix. That includes an improved Android tablet app, as well as adding Ultra HDR and Night Sight support directly into the Instagram camera.

We didn't hear anything about Android XR at the Android Show, so that may still be on the cards for the I/O keynote. I personally hope it is, because it's been a while since we heard any concrete information about the mixed reality software.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for devices

I/O is usually not a big event for devices, though there are often some exceptions. The Googlebook reveal at the Android Show is one such exception. Then again, considering this was primarily Google's reveal of the new desktop Android experience, the revelation that compatible devices are on the way shouldn't be a surprise.

In the past I/O has been host to the Pixel A-series or the Pixel Tablet, but it was rare that we got consistent device reveals. We're obviously not going to see the Pixel 10a, since it's already on sale, and there's no chance of a Pixel Tablet 2 coming anytime soon.

Even the brief glimpse Google gave us of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro in 2022 was a one-time deal.

All these revelations came before Gemini, and before Google was investing so heavily in AI tools and features. Which is a long way of saying that Google has an awful lot of other stuff to cover, and there isn't enough time to dwell on the next wave of Google phones and devices.

That's what dull launch events hosted by Jimmy Fallon are for.

Google I/O 2026: Everything else

Google is obviously a very big company, and that means there are a lot of different products that could be on the agenda at I/O. There are the major players like Chrome and Nest, plus more niche areas like Waymo's autonomous taxi service and Google Pay.

Whether they'll get any attention in the keynote address is another matter entirely, though. It's more likely that these areas of the company will be part of their own talks, which aren't live-streamed.

It's always interesting heading into Google I/O, especially with how Google has changed its software release strategy over the past few years. But aside from knowing what the general beats are likely to be, we don't know much about anything specific Google may have in store. We'll just have to wait for May 19 to find out.

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For fans of Android, Pixel handsets are a brilliant showcase of what the operating system can do. As Google makes both the software and hardware, the phones work pretty seamlessly, with owners not only benefiting from long-term software support, but the earliest access to new versions.

But there’s a slight feeling that the Pixel Pro series has been treading water for a while. In our Pixel 10 Pro review, we described the handset as feeling like “a slightly fancier version of the Pixel 9 Pro.” Will the Pixel 11 Pro be yet more of the same or a big leap forward? Here’s what’s rumored so far.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Specifications

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Expected release date and price

For the past two years, Google has settled on August as the month to reveal and release its flagship phones (with the cheaper ‘a’ series appearing a few months later). The Pixel 9 series launched on August 22, while Pixel 10 handsets arrived a little later the following year, with an August 28 release date.

It would seem likely that Google will opt for this again, though it’s always possible it will be later — the previous eight generations of Pixel all launched in October, after all. But given Apple uses September as its iPhone launch month, it doesn’t seem likely Google will want to go second.

In terms of pricing, given the soaring cost of memory, we’d be very surprised if there wasn’t a price increase in store this year. The Pixel Pro has sat at $999 for three generations now, and another $100 price increase seems likely.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Design

We’re not expecting huge design changes for the Pixel 11 Pro. Given the existence of the smaller Pixel 11 and larger Pixel 11 Pro XL, the 6.3-inch screen size is likely to be maintained, and the camera bar is something of an iconic calling card for the Pixel range at this point.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be small adjustments, and we may have some pointers to these courtesy of the prolific leaker OnLeaks. The tipster has produced some CAD renders of the vanilla Pixel 11 handset for Android Headlines, which show thinner bezels and an all-black camera bar.

Of course, the Pixel 10 Pro has far less bezel to lose than the regular Pixel 10, and camera bar color is something that could be pure speculation. Nonetheless, it’s a reminder that while small tweaks are likely on the way, it will still be recognizably Pixel.

However, according to a recent leak from Mystic Leaks, the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL will maintain the same 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch displays as before, with identical resolution. Suggesting that, if there is any lost bezel, it'll be accounted for in the phones' dimensions rather than their display space.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Performance

The biggest change for the Pixel 11 Pro is likely to be on the inside, with the upgrade to the Tensor G6 chipset.

While Google’s handsets are among the best Android phones you can buy, their Achilies heel has always been in terms of performance, with the Tensor chipset struggling to keep up with the Apples, Qualcomms and MediaTeks of this world. While last year’s G5 was a big step up from the G4, it still couldn’t compete with its high-end rivals in terms of raw performance, as the table below shows.

The Pixel 11 Pro could be another big step up, as the G6 chipset will reportedly be built to the 2nm manufacturing process, which means improved performance and efficiency thanks to increased transistor density.

That’s undoubtedly a positive, but you may want to temper your expectations. Cast your eyes up to the table above again, and you’ll see that the jump from Tensor G4 to G5 also saw a reduction in nanometers. While the performance improvement was substantial, it was still a way short of its rivals. We’ll have to see if the same is true again in 2026.

According to leaked specs, the Tensor G6 will make another nanometer jump, utilizing TSMC's 2nm node. Those specs say that the new chip will have seven cores, instead of eight, comprised of a single ARM C1-Ultra core (4.11 GHz), four ARM C1-Pro cores (3.38 GHz) and two ARM C1-Pro cores (2.65 GHz).

The GPU is rumored to be a PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536, which was first released in 2021, and suggests that the Pixel 11 won't be offering many graphical improvements compared to its predecessors.

That said, it’s not all about pure power, and it’s been reported that the G6 chipset will see a significant upgrade in terms of security, with the Titan M3 chip. It’s not clear what that will mean in practical terms just yet, but with us putting more of our lives into our phones than ever, and cybercrime a growing threat, more security certainly isn’t a bad thing.

It’s also rumored that Google will also be adopting a different modem for the Tensor G6: MediaTek’s M90. “This modem is significantly faster and more energy-efficient compared to the current Tensor G5's modem, the Exynos 5400(i),” the leaker, Mystic Leaks, writes. It will include “top-of-the-class features and record-breaking network speeds, possibly putting an end to Google Pixel's notoriously bad battery life as early as next year.”

Elsewhere, we’re not expecting to see any advances on the 16GB RAM found in the previous generation, but it would be surprising if the Pixel 11 Pro didn’t bump its base level storage to 256GB. The last generation had a 128GB option, but with even Apple retiring the limited capacity for its iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e, it feels like time for the upgrade — perhaps going someway to justify a predicted price rise.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Camera

To date, there haven’t been many leaks concerning potential Pixel 11 Pro camera upgrades, which is a shame, given the photographic specs of the Pixel 10 Pro were identical to the previous version.

According to Mystic Leaks, we're likely to see upgraded main and telephoto cameras on both non-folding Pro models. Details are scarce right now, but the leaker speculates that the main lens could offer a small resolution boost to 50MP.

Naturally, cameras are more than just the raw specs, and a lot comes down to resolution and aperture figures. Post-shot processing is a huge part of picture quality, and the Pixel 10 Pro’s photos were noticeably better than the predecessor, as you can see from the side-by-side shots in our review.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Outlook

On paper, it doesn’t seem like the Pixel 11 Pro will be a big step up on the Pixel 10 Pro — which in turn wasn’t much of an improvement on the Pixel 9 Pro. We’re expecting a similar look and camera specs, which is quite disappointing in a year when we’re also bracing for price rises.

But a lot depends on how it performs. With the Tensor G6 adopting the 2nm manufacturing process, we could see a leap forward in terms of both performance and battery life. Especially when paired with the new modem, which promises far better internet speeds.

There also simply aren’t that many Pixel 11 Pro rumors at the moment, and while that might be a sign of "more of the same", it could also be that Google has got better at clamping down on leaks. If that’s the case, then the Pixel 11 Pro may just surprise us when it launches in August.

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One of the best new features that arrived with the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is no longer exclusive. Gemini's screen automation is now rolling out to Google's Pixel 10 series, as part of the March Feature Drop.

This means both Pixel and S26 owners will be able to use Gemini's automation tools to place orders in compatible apps. They include Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash and Starbucks. In fact, Tom's Guide Phones Editor John Velasco did just this last week, using Gemini to order from Dunkin' Donuts, via DoorDash on a Galaxy S26, and was seriously impressed with the results.

Now, you can do the same with a whole new series of phones. Just follow these steps to get the whole process set up.

One thing to note is that screen automation is not available for everyone just yet. I didn't get the option to agree to the terms on my Pixel 10 Pro, which means I'm currently locked out of ordering myself food or a cab using Gemini. If you're in the same position as me, you'll just have to do things the old-fashioned way until screen automation rolls out to your phone.

However, once the feature is available, you can take advantage of the fact that Gemini is a conversational AI. So you're able to use real-world phrasing, rather than being restricted to specific commands. So if you want to order a specific coffee order that isn't necessarily on the menu, or book a ride with enough room for multiple people and their luggage, then Gemini should be able to understand and make it happen.

Things to remember

As convenient as it is to be able to make orders using your voice, there are some caveats you will need to be aware of. The first is that Screen Automation doesn't complete the process for you. It will do everything right up to checkout, and it's up to you to actually confirm the order — ideally, making sure Gemini got all the details right in the process.

John also noted that the ordering process was considerably longer using Gemini than it would have been if he'd done everything himself. His order took about two and a half minutes to process, versus the 30-ish seconds it normally took.

It's also worth mentioning that you don't get to make unlimited requests. How often you can use screen automation depends on the level of Gemini subscription you have. Free users are limited to 5 requests a day, while AI Plus subscribers get 12 requests. AI Pro ups the limit to 20 requests, and the most expensive AI Ultra plan comes with 120 requests.

The automation process also requires Gemini to take screenshots, which could potentially expose any information that is visible in your apps. If you have set Google services to "Keep Activity On", then those screenshots are viewed by "trained reviewers" — otherwise known as real people. So if you value your privacy, the least you can do is switch off the activity history.

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One of the best parts of owning a Pixel phone is the speed at which Google adds new features and updates — the most substantial of which are the quarterly Feature Drops. The March Pixel Feature Drop has a bunch of new features, but one that may have slipped by you is the addition of AI-generated system icons.

Typically, users can't change the system icons on Pixel phones without a custom launcher and icon pack, but the new update finally gives you an alternative to this. In addition to the stock Pixel launcher's barebones icon options, Google has added the ability to "create" new icon packs using generative AI. Though this may not be quite as exciting as it sounds.

Normally, when you create something with AI, there are prompts involved. Whether you're asking AI to generate text, images, videos, or something else entirely, you typically retain some control over the process.

That's not really the case here, and you're effectively handcuffed to the styles and designs Google has provided.

How to use Pixel's AI-generated icons

The problem with Pixel's AI-generated icons

Google does offer several different stylistic options for those who want to use AI-generated icons, but it isn't really enough. Had these icon packs been developed by human artists, you can understand why there would be a firm physical limit on how many Google could actually include. But when AI is doing all of that for you, and only when prompted by the user, why not offer something a little more robust?

It's not as though Google's AI models aren't equipped to understand user prompts, since prompt-based functionality has been employed across Pixel and other Android phones in recent years. Considering how ugly some of these AI-generated icons actually are, having a prompt-based system would help offer something for almost everyone.

One thing I have noticed online is that a lot of the popular app icons have consistent default designs for everyone. Chrome, the camera, WhatsApp, and so on all look more or less the same. So these designs are not actually being generated by the user unless they explicitly ask for something else.

If I were to speculate, I would guess this was to "lighten the load," so to speak, and make sure Pixel phones aren't being asked to generate custom, unique icons for every single app on your phone. So the actual generation is only being done for apps that Google hasn't accounted for.

That way, your Pixel doesn't get stuck in a slow, performance-heavy process that could affect other phone functions. So it may just be that Google has only offered a limited number of styles to avoid overloading your phones.

Though if you think about it another way, rolling out the same AI-generated icons to everyone is no different from creating your own custom pack of app icons. The only difference is that you cut out the cost of having a human being make them from scratch. That seems like some outrageous penny-pinching from a company worth trillions of dollars.

Bottom line

The main problem with third-party icon packs is that they can't include icons for every possible app you may have installed. They may be able to offer alternatives for common app staples like Chrome, Gmail, Instagram, or other hugely popular platforms, but given the thousands of apps that are available on Android, there's no way any single developer can account for each one.

Still, Google could have tackled this feature in a very different way. One of the things I always liked about Android was that you had a lot more choice in how you customize your phone.

With Apple's advances in this area, that's not necessarily the case anymore, but the ability to create your own custom app icons with AI prompts could have helped Android and Pixel phones stand out. At the very least, it would mean you're not shoehorned into using the designs Google says you can use.

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The Google Pixel 10 Pro was first released just over six months ago to solid acclaim. While it's true that the phone isn't that much different from its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro, it doesn't change the fact that it is, by most accounts, a very good phone — one of the reasons it's on our list of the best phones. It's so good, in fact, that I've been using it as my main day-to-day phone for the past six months.

I've gotten to know the phone very well in that period of time, and that means I have more than a few thoughts on what it's actually like to own a Pixel 10 Pro. Some of my thoughts have been firm and resolute since day one, whether they be good or bad, but I've also changed my mind on a lot of things as well.

Here are my pros and cons for the Pixel 10 Pro, after six months of daily use.

Google Pixel 10 Pro: What I like

The weak performance doesn't matter

A lot of people are quick to criticize Pixel phones for poor performance, on account of Tensor chips' consistently low scores in benchmarking tests. I've been guilty of that, as have some of my colleagues here at Tom's Guide, but in the six months I've been using the Pixel 10 Pro, I've noticed that benchmarking scores don't matter all that much. Or, at least, they don't matter to me.

What matters to me is that the phone runs smoothly and without noticeable issues or lag. As someone who doesn't use their phone for resource-heavy tasks, like editing or gaming, I have yet to have any issues with the Pixel 10 Pro. I have other devices to do those things, and all my phone needs to be able to handle is basic everyday tasks. Browsing, music, messaging, some streaming, and so on.

The 10 Pro does all those things very well, to the point where it actually plays Netflix better than the Roku plugged into my TV. The fact that the basics work the way they're supposed to means the lack of iPhone and Galaxy S26-tier performance highs doesn't actually matter.

Qi2 magnets are fantastic

While Samsung seems content with leaving embedded magnets out of the Galaxy S26 series, Google had no such qualms about following Apple MagSafe's example. While Qi2 wireless charging does have a bunch of practical charging benefits, the magnets are certainly a highlight for me.

The ability to magnetically clip your phone onto stands has been an absolute dream, especially in my car. The best car phone mounts are so much more convenient when you bring magnets into the equation. The same is true for wireless charging. In both cases, I can just slap my phone onto the charger without worrying about whether it's positioned correctly or held securely enough.

Pixel cameras always impress

I won't lie, I've taken plenty of bad photos with the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Stuff that's blurry, poorly lit, badly framed, and so on. I should take more advantage of the Camera Coach feature, but I've never really felt the need. The vast majority of the photos I take are pretty good, or at the very least good enough for my purposes.

The Pixel 10 Pro may not be the best camera phone you can buy, but it's certainly close to it. It's got solid hardware to take the photos, backed up by powerful AI and machine learning to help enhance the things that go wrong.

Sure, some people may not like the idea of AI-assisted computational photography and post-shot processing, but I shudder to think what my photos might look like without it.

The display brightness is blindingly good

With a peak brightness of 2,518 nits per our testing, there can be a lot of lumens pumping out of the Pixel 10 Pro's screen. I'll be the first one to admit that you need adaptive brightness switched on, because turning it off and attempting to use your phone at night is a one-way ticket to temporarily blinding yourself. Though it does mean I have yet to find a situation where I can't see what's happening on screen.

Admittedly, the weather has been pretty gloomy over the past six months, so I haven't been able to spend a lot of time using the phone in super-bright sunshine. So in another six months, I may have a completely different opinion of how good this screen brightness really is. But considering this is one of the brightest phone screens you can buy, as confirmed in the Tom's Guide lab, I can't imagine I'm going to find something better anytime soon. Apart from the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

There's no faulting Google's update schedule

Back before I started using more mainstream Android phones (namely Pixel, OnePlus and Samsung Galaxy devices), I would jump around between various phone brands that weren't quite up to speed on the whole software side of things. What few updates you actually got came out at a painfully slow pace, and often that means waiting months following major Android updates.

The bigger brands are a lot faster, and nobody is as fast as Google at rolling out new Android updates. Often, I can read about an impending update that will bring a bunch of features or fixes, and check my phone to find it has already been installed overnight. Sure, it's because Google controls Android and gives its own phones priority, but even then, I'm pretty amazed at the speed at which the new software rolls out.

Moreso when you consider that it'll be getting pumped out this way for at least 6 and a half more years.

Google Pixel 10 Pro: What I Hate

Battery life is not good enough

Pixel phones and battery life have a turbulent history, though in recent years things have been changing for the better. That said, I often struggle to get through the entire day while keeping the Pixel 10 Pro alive, and often find myself hitting 10% battery and still having a few hours before I head to bed. Considering I once lauded the Pixel 9 Pro for having such good battery life, this has been quite a disappointing experience.

It seems that, as much as Google improves its battery performance, it still lags quite far behind flagships from Apple, Samsung and OnePlus. There's a reason it doesn't appear on our best phone battery life page.

Heck, the OnePlus 15 managed to last over 25 hours in our battery test, compared to the Pixel 10 Pro, which doesn't even scrape 13 hours and 45 minutes. With batteries this size, Google really needs to do better on Pixel 11 and beyond.

The Pixel 10 Pro does have a slightly larger battery than the Pixel 9 Pro, which should, in theory, translate to more battery life. Anecdotally, I've found that the battery does last a lot longer than the Pixel 9 Pro seems to.

But I will caveat with the note that the Pixel 9 Pro battery seems to have worsened ever since I installed Android 16. So we'll have to rely on the data from the Tom's Guide labs to see what's going on.

128GB of starting storage isn't enough

The 128GB storage era is ending, and soon. There isn't a single new iPhone with 128GB of storage, and Samsung recently implemented 256GB as standard as well. Google has started down this path, ditching the 128GB storage option for Pixel 10 Pro XL, but left the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 with the smaller storage option.

I'll admit that this is a good start, considering both Apple and Samsung made the change on their most expensive phones first before moving on to other devices in their lineup. But as someone who has currently used around 95% of my 128GB phone, and has always struggled to keep space free on the cheapest storage options, Google really should have taken things a step further.

Even if it meant charging an extra $100 for the privilege.

I keep forgetting it doubles as a thermometer

I've said it before, and I will say it again. I do not understand why Google still has a temperature sensor on the Pixel 10 Pro. It's the kind of feature that would have been incredible had it been released during the pandemic, but it arrived long after fear of COVID-19 had wound down and demand for a mobile thermometer was at its lowest.

Frankly, I forgot that this feature even exists. Not in a "I refuse to use it" kind of way, but from time to time, I will suddenly remember that my phone has a temperature sensor on the back. I've never remembered anytime it would have been useful, either, such as when I was just double-checking whether my son had a fever or not. He's fine, but by the time I realized that my phone could have been helpful, I was already midway through using a standard baby thermometer.

What good is a feature that nobody remembers is even there? It's about time Google just ditched it and put its efforts into something more practical.

I don't really use most AI features

Google has invested a lot in AI in recent years, and Google Pixel phones have been the way for it to showcase them in a true Google-y environment. But I don't actually use the majority of them, with Circle to Search being the key exception. Circle to Search is just so darn convenient and easy to use that you can't not take advantage of it.

But the rest — barring the occasional use of an AI photo editing feature — typically remain unused. I've long maintained that I don't really care about AI features on my phone, and the main reason is that I never feel the need to actually use any of them. Gemini often seems to be so slow to respond that I often find it's a lot easier to complete tasks the normal way.

And it's rather a shame that so much emphasis is now on adding all kinds of AI features to phones, when I really couldn't care less about having them. Now I know how old-school car lovers feel when they have to use a touchscreen.

Bottom line

Back in October I said that I regretted upgrading to the Pixel 10 Pro, on account of how similar it was to the Pixel 9 Pro. I'm still firmly in that camp, but not because the Pixel 10 Pro is a bad phone. It is a capable device that has a lot to offer, more than I am apparently willing to use. But I certainly wouldn't be unhappy if I'd stuck with the Pixel 9 Pro for another year.

But I can certainly appreciate the small things that Google changed with the current generation. However, some of the things that haven't changed are really starting to grind my gears, like the weak battery life, and the constant stream of features that I don't actually want to use. Here's just hoping that Google makes some more significant changes to the Pixel 11 Pro, and we don't end up with another Pixel 10a situation.

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The Google Pixel 10a has only just landed, but you can already pick up some rather impressive deals for the phone. After all, $499 might be asking a little too much considering the lack of meaningful upgrades compared to the Pixel 9a. But knocking $100, or even $200, off the price tag makes it a much more appealing purchase.

Sounds unrealistic for such a new phone, but you can actually get a $100 gift card when you buy the Pixel 10a at Best Buy. It may not be money off the price, but that's a free $100 you can then spend on something else you might need. On top of that, Best Buy will also reduce the Pixel 10a to $399 if you sign up for AT&T or Verizon during the checkout process.

Those deals stack too, so you could get the phone for the equivalent of $299 — which is fantastic value.

We'll be the first to admit that the Google Pixel 10a is not a particularly exciting upgrade. It doesn't offer a whole lot of new hardware, and it even came powered by the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pixel 9a from last year. But that doesn't mean it's a bad phone. In fact, in our Pixel 10a review, we concluded that it's easily still the best value phone you can get your hands on right now.

Changes this year include improved battery life and charging speed, plus a slight redesign that makes the camera completely flush with the rear of the phone. That's not something you see very often, if ever, on a modern smartphone. Plus, there's support for the Pixel Satellite SOS feature, which can get you help even when there's no cell service.

This year's A-series also comes with additional AI features that you can't find on the Pixel 9a yet. There's support for the new Nano Banana image generation model, Auto Best Take, Camera Coach, desktop mode, Call Assist and more. All the old classics, like Circle to Search and Gemini Live, are here for you to enjoy as well.

I previously argued that it might be a better value for money to pick up the Pixel 9a instead of the 10a. But with discounts as steep as this, and at this early stage in the Pixel 10a's lifecycle, you might as well pick up the newer model.

With prices increasing on just about everything, it’s refreshing that Google kept its most affordable brand-new Pixel at the same price as before. Now that I’ve spent over a week with the Pixel 10a, I have a much better sense of what this best cheap phone contender actually offers.

In my Pixel 10a review, I noted that this device has the fewest hardware upgrades of any successive model I’ve tested in recent memory — like how it recycles the same Tensor G4 chip found in the previous Pixel 9a. But despite the lazy upgrade, the Pixel 10a continues to offer the best value of any phone on the market right now.

Over the weekend, I captured even more photos with its cameras (the same 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide pairing as before) and dove deeper into the software. Here’s what I like and don’t like about the Pixel 10a so far.

Google Pixel 10a: Pros

New Pixel desktop mode

I cannot emphasize enough how valuable the new desktop mode is on the Pixel 10a. While the previous version I tested was still locked away for developers, it’s now a native feature with the Pixel 10a.

This new desktop mode essentially gives me a Windows-like interface when I connect the phone to a monitor via USB-C. I’ve tested this new mode in great detail, and I’d go as far as to say that it rivals Samsung DeX. It’s the perfect tool to fall back on if I happen to leave my laptop at home but still need a desktop-like experience at work.

120Hz refresh rate

In 2026, I still can’t believe phones like the iPhone 17e are stuck with 60Hz displays. Looking at the Pixel 10a, I’m constantly reminded that 120Hz should be the minimum. It doesn’t just make game graphics look better; it also gives the phone a generally snappier feel across all the different interface animations.

Longer battery life

Despite having the same 6.3-inch Actua display, 5,100 mAh battery, and Tensor G4 chip as its predecessor, I’m shocked to find that the Pixel 10a lasts significantly longer. In Tom’s Guide’s battery drain test, it reached an average of 15 hours and 16 minutes — a solid improvement over the 13 hours and 8 minutes averaged by the Pixel 9a.

Call Screening works like a charm

If you haven’t experienced Pixel’s Call Screening, you’re missing out because it’s one of the best examples of how helpful AI can be in a daily routine. Instead of letting a call go to voicemail, the Pixel 10a screens it on my behalf and presents me with different responses I can choose from based on the conversation. Honestly, Call Screening feels like having an actual human managing my line to handle every incoming call.

Google Pixel 10a: Cons

No meaningful camera performance improvements

When I review phones, the first thing I test is how the cameras perform. In the case of the Pixel 10a, I’m disappointed that not only does it feature the same hardware as before — a 48MP main camera paired with a 13MP ultrawide — but there also don't seem to be any changes to its image processing algorithms. As a result, the photos I captured with the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a look practically identical. Just look at the side-by-side photos above to see what I mean.

Still missing magnets for Qi2 magnetic charging

Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait another year for the Pixel A-series to potentially offer Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. That’s because the Pixel 10a lacks the embedded magnets required for PixelSnap support — a feature the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup uses to enable magnetic charging. This means that if I want to use the Pixel 10a with my MagSafe wallet or any of my 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers, I still need to buy a specialized magnetic case.

Reuses the same processor

One piece of hardware that often gets upgraded in a new device is the processor. However, that’s not the case here with the Pixel 10a, as Google chose to repurpose its Tensor G4 chip. As a result, there’s no performance boost whatsoever.

In the past, the Pixel A-series was typically powered by the latest chip, which would’ve been the Tensor G5 this time around. While this isn’t the first time Google has opted for an older chip, it certainly doesn’t help that other parts of the hardware are also identical to its predecessor.

Despite the lackluster hardware upgrades, the Pixel 10a continues to have a robust software experience made better by new AI tools like Auto Best Take and Camera Coach. In fact, it's going to come down to new Pixel Drop updates to make this phone better as time passes.

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The Pixel 10a might be the hottest new Google phone on the block, but we can't forget that there should be more flagships coming later this year. That should include the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and newly revealed renders are perhaps giving us our first look at the upcoming foldable device. Anyone hoping for major design changes is going to be disappointed, though.

The renders come from OnLeaks in collaboration with Android Headlines, and like all OnLeaks renders, are based on leaked CAD files. This means, assuming the files are legitimate, that the renders could be a fairly accurate representation of what the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will look like when it arrives later this year.

As OnLeaks himself has pointed out in the past, CAD files don't show everything — meaning the renders won't be perfectly representative of the final phone.

It doesn't take much to notice that very little has changed from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The phone looks mostly identical to its predecessor, though the camera bump does seem to have been altered slightly.

It's still a dual-stacked block, rather than the camera bars found on non-folding Pixels, but this time, components like the flash and microphone are embedded in the same glass as the lenses — rather than metal. They've also moved to the top left side of the camera bump, rather than being stacked together on the right.

Android Headlines notes that the bezels look the same size, and the internal edges are raised once again to help protect the foldable display. The site also claims that the aluminum and glass material combination will return for another generation. That makes sense, considering Google isn't one to invest in more premium metals like stainless steel or titanium.

It is worth noting that this new model will apparently be slightly thinner. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold was 10.8mm (0.42 inches) thick when folded; the 11 Pro Fold will apparently measure 10.1mm (0.4 inches) instead. Unfolded, the thickness is reduced from 5.2mm (0.2 inches) to 4.8mm (0.18 inches).

It's not the biggest change in the world, but it should help Google better compete against the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Renders don't show much beyond the outward-facing changes of the phone and don't tell us anything about what Google's changed inside. But this phone will undoubtedly come with a Tensor G6 chipset. But we will just have to wait and see what future leaks and rumors tell us about the internal specs, including the RAM, battery size and more. For now, all we have is this glimpse at the design.

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Now that I’ve been using Google's latest budget phone for more than a week, I have a better feel for how a Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a matchup plays out. These are two of the best cheap phones around, primarily because they both launched at that sweet $499 starting price.

Yet, part of me is disappointed. As I've stated in my Pixel 10a review, it’s one of the laziest upgrades in recent memory. Seriously, it looks identical to its predecessor and packs much of the same hardware — including the Tensor G4 chip, 5,100 mAh battery, and dual-camera system. It’s so similar to the Pixel 9a that it makes me wonder why Google even chose to release it.

That’s why I’ll detail everything in this Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a face-off, so you can determine for yourself if it’s actually worth the upgrade.

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Specifications

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Price and release

Google launched the Pixel 9a on April 10, 2025, at the same $499 price point as the previous Pixel 8a. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10a launched back on March 5, 2026 — also debuting at $499.

Even though Google still keeps the Pixel 9a on its site, it’s a bit strange that the company is still asking $499 for it. However, I’m already seeing other retailers discounting the phone to $399. That $100 gap puts a much stronger emphasis on the actual value each phone offers.

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Design

From a cursory glance, the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a share very similar designs — most notably their flat edges and rounded corners. While the Pixel 9a was famous for bringing back a flush camera look, the Pixel 10a iterates on that by making the lenses truly level with the rest of the back. As a result, the subtle raised border found on the Pixel 9a is now gone.

At the same time, the Pixel 10a benefits from a sturdier construction, featuring an upgrade to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for better scratch resistance. There are other minor changes you can see in the gallery above, such as the different SIM slot placements. Both are available in four colors, but I really prefer the deeper, richer berry and lavender tones on the Pixel 10a.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Display

Both phones feature 6.3-inch Actua displays with identical resolutions and 60–120Hz refresh rates. But while Google claims the Pixel 10a has an 11% brighter screen, our lab testing reveals that isn't the case.

In fact, the Pixel 10a’s OLED panel recorded a peak brightness of 1,873 nits — falling short of the Pixel 9a’s stronger 2,076 nits. While these results prove the Pixel 10a has a dimmer screen, I can still barely tell the difference when playing the exact same video outdoors under direct sunlight.

However, I can’t overlook what the numbers show.

Winner: Pixel 9a

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Cameras

I’m a camera snob, so I’m always critical of camera changes in year-over-year upgrades. Sadly, there are none to be found with the Pixel 10a, as it recycles the same hardware as the Pixel 9a: a 48MP main shooter and a 13MP ultrawide on the back, paired with a 13MP selfie camera on the front. In fact, everything about them is identical — right down to their fields of view, apertures, and sensor sizes.

Daytime scenes come out practically identical in the comparison above, as both phones produce the same exposure and colors. However, zooming into the sign hanging above the door, I can see a tiny bit more definition from the Pixel 10a.

In the shot of the tree in my backyard above, the ultrawide cameras appear to deliver the same results — including the contrast between the shadowed foreground and the brighter areas on the right.

Likewise, I don’t find one phone to be any better than the other when it comes to selfies. You can see from my pose above how they capture the same scene, including fine details like my facial features and the texture of my hoodie.

There’s nothing to distinguish their zoom performance either, as they both top out at 8x digital zoom. I’ll admit the shots above are usable, but neither phone draws out more detail or definition than its rival.

Under low light, it’s no shocker that I don’t see a boost in how the Pixel 10a handles the challenging conditions of my backyard in the dead of night. While the dedicated Night Sight mode brightens the scene with proper exposure throughout, the details on the tree are smudgy at best — just as they are with the Pixel 9a.

I also shot video with both phones to better illustrate their differences. In the 4K 30fps clips above, there isn't an overwhelming difference in detail or exposure, but the Pixel 10a does a better job of mitigating the shakiness introduced when I begin to run.

Yes, there are some differences that show the Pixel 10a being the better camera phone, but the improvements are minimal at best. The real reason it takes the lead is because of two new additions to the camera experience: Camera Coach and Auto Best Take.

I like how the former guides novice shooters to capture better-looking photos with on-screen instructions, while the latter uses generative AI to ensure I can put picture-perfect smiles on everyone’s faces.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Performance

Whether it was a cost-saving measure or not, I’m disappointed that this year’s Pixel 10a retains the same Tensor G4 chip found in the Pixel 9a. Unsurprisingly, our benchmark testing reveals no improvement whatsoever — which is a real shame for a generational update.

Technically speaking, the Pixel 9a actually delivers better Geekbench 6 scores, though the lead is negligible. Similarly, the gap in graphics processing is non-existent, as the Pixel 10a produces practically the same frame rates in 3DMark’s Wild Life Unlimited test.

Beyond these synthetic tests, I can tell you that neither phone feels faster or snappier than the other in daily use. I do still appreciate the 120Hz refresh rates, which give the UI animations that signature buttery feel.

Winner: tie

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Battery life and charging

You’d think there wouldn’t be a difference in battery life, seeing as both phones carry the same 5,100 mAh battery and Tensor G4 chip. Yet, the Pixel 10a surprised me by lasting longer in our battery drain test, with an average time of 15 hours and 16 minutes. That’s two hours longer than the Pixel 9a's result, which leads me to believe there are software-based power optimizations allowing the Pixel 10a to get more life from the same cell.

One of the few hardware upgrades in the Pixel 10a is its charging speed, which has been bumped up to 30W wired and 10W wireless. Unsurprisingly, the Pixel 10a charges faster via wired charging — reaching 31% capacity in 15 minutes and 64% in 30 minutes.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Software

In the short time since the Pixel 10a was released, my Pixel 9a has received software updates that quite frankly narrow the gap between their experiences. They both run vanilla Android 16, complete with the same personalization and AI tools. For example, their Call Screening features are still the best out there, especially how Google Assistant provides contextual responses I can select directly from the screen without ever having to speak to the caller.

Likewise, they have access to practically the same AI tools I’ve come to rely on. Since I already subscribe to Gemini AI Pro for $19.99 per month, I have access to more AI credits for video generation, Gemini Live (which lets the phone tap into the camera to see what I’m seeing), and even Nano Banana Pro for image generation.

Although it wasn’t available at the time of my initial Pixel 10a review, a recent update added the new Pixel desktop mode to my Pixel 9a. This means I can use both phones similarly to a laptop when connected to an external monitor, which further drives home my point about the value these phones offer.

Apart from the inclusion of Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, the only other feature exclusive to the Pixel 10a is support for Satellite SOS, which is distinct from the standard Emergency SOS feature found on both devices.

While both phones are backed by seven years of software support, the Pixel 10a naturally benefits from being the newer release. All told, the software experience is practically identical, save for the two AI camera tools and the Satellite SOS functionality on the Pixel 10a.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Verdict

Until Google and more retailers drop the price of the Pixel 9a, there’s no way I’d recommend getting it over the Pixel 10a — despite the fact that it’s essentially the same phone. The changes are minor at best, but its longer battery life, faster charging, and new AI photo tools do make the Pixel 10a the better device.

However, it gets complicated if you can find the Pixel 9a at a discount. Walmart is currently the only major retailer to discount the Pixel 9a to $399, which I think makes it compelling enough to buy.

That $100 difference is significant, in my opinion, given that the 9a shares the same Tensor G4 chip and camera hardware. But until the price is officially lowered across the board, you might as well pick up the Pixel 10a.

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• Forget Samsung DeX! I tried desktop mode on the cheap Pixel 10a and it’s just as good
• iPhone 17e's best upgrade is MagSafe and that's actually a big problem

I'm still annoyed by the few hardware upgrades that Google gave the new Pixel 10a. But despite that, it proves to be one of the best cheap phones around — and the software has a lot to do with that. However, it's still hard for me to swallow given how it Google's asking $500 for practically the same phones as the previous Pixel 9a.

Despite this, I mention in my Pixel 10a review how the software drives much of its value. In fact, there’s one specific new feature that justifies the price — and I’m not talking about the new AI features.

Instead, I’m referring to its brand-new desktop mode that gives Samsung DeX a run for its money. As much as I lament the Pixel 10a’s shortcomings, this "easter egg" makes up for them in a huge way. Here’s why.

It goes toe-to-toe with Samsung DeX

I’ve spent a great deal of time using Samsung DeX over the years to help untether me from my laptop — or, at the very least, keep my load as light as possible when I travel. That’s why I’ve occasionally ditched my laptop for a Galaxy phone that supports Samsung DeX.

Ever since the Android 16 desktop mode was first teased at last year’s Google I/O 2025, it was revealed that Google’s been working with Samsung to develop it — which is no wonder the Pixel 10a desktop mode looks and feels remarkably like Samsung DeX.

It matches it on just about every front because the experience is so similar. After connecting my Pixel 10a to a portable monitor, I’m greeted by a familiar desktop that lets me run multiple apps simultaneously. From what I can gather so far, it can support between five and seven apps simultaneously, but the system minimizes older apps whenever I run new ones, presumably to free up memory.

Just like DeX, I can also snap two windows side-by-side, but it doesn’t have the multi-window Snap Assist feature found in Windows to handle several windows on screen at once. Still, this side-by-side view is way easier to juggle than on any smartphone display.

If that’s not enough, I can also create up to four desktop workspaces to better organize my apps. For example, I’ve kept one desktop workspace strictly for my social media feeds, another for work-related stuff, and a third for typing out my stories in Google Docs with Age of Origins running next to it.

Supports touchscreens and AR glasses

The simplest way to set up the Pixel desktop mode is to connect an external monitor via USB-C, provided your monitor supports that option. For monitors that only offer HDMI, I’ve used a handy MagSafe USB-C hub with my Pixel 10a to get them connected.

Another feature that makes this setup more versatile is its support for touchscreen displays. I connected one I had lying around directly to my Pixel 10a and was surprised to find that touch input works seamlessly. It essentially transforms the phone into an Android tablet — and when paired with a mouse and keyboard — it becomes the laptop replacement I’ve been craving.

However, there’s an even better solution. Instead of an ordinary monitor, you can use this Pixel 10 desktop mode with a pair of smart glasses. I’ve paired it with the Viture Pro XR and Xreal Air 2 Pro, which offer an even more immersive experience because the entire desktop is confined to my field of vision.

Within the Pixel 10a’s settings, I can also adjust the display size, resolution, and orientation of the connected screen — all of which help tailor the experience to my specific needs.

What’s missing

There’s still room for improvement, though, as the Pixel is missing several features that Samsung DeX offers. Most notably, there is no option to transform the Pixel 10a into a virtual touchpad to navigate the desktop interface — which is why I had to pair a wireless mouse. In contrast, a Galaxy phone automatically becomes a virtual trackpad once DeX is activated.

Secondly, it doesn't allow me to rearrange the extended display like the new Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S26. What I appreciate about Samsung’s implementation is that I can still use the phone in conjunction with the connected monitor. With the Pixel 10a, the phone is treated as a separate entity.

Yet, there is one thing this Pixel desktop mode offers that Samsung DeX does not: multi-user support. This is a game-changer because I can separate my work and personal accounts, ensuring each has access to its own specific apps and files.

Without question, this is the one redeeming quality that could convince you to buy the Pixel 10a. More importantly, it really drives home the point of how much value this phone offers at $499.

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• I took 200 photos on the Leica Leitzphone and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL to see which is better — and it’s not even close

For the past few months, I've been using my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL as my daily driver, and there are very few things I'd change about it. As a photographer and someone who likes capturing candid moments, I love my Pixel 10 Pro XL's cameras, and this smartphone is one of the best camera phones out there. But for the past week, I've been using a phone that's been making me question my loyalty to my Pixel, and it's all because of its cameras.

On February 28, Leica revealed its first-ever smartphone called the Leitzphone, and it's powered by Xiaomi. It packs a triple-camera system designed by Leica, and borrows imaging tech from the German giant's best mirrorless cameras, and the photos it captures are vibrant and stunning.

Naturally, I was curious to see how the photos compared to my Pixel, so I decided to put the Leitzphone — which costs around $2,100 — and the $1,129 Pixel 10 Pro XL through a head-to-head showdown to determine which is better.

I took 200 photos in varying situations to compare their main cameras, optical and digital zooms, macro photography, low-light performance and more. Here's how that went.

All photos in this face-off were shot in the standard color profile on both phones. None of the photos have been edited in post-production. All photos were shot in the JPEG format, and not RAW.

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: the cameras

Before we dive into the comparison, let's talk about the two contenders' cameras, starting with the Leica Leitzphone. The Leitzphone features four cameras: three on the back and one selfie camera on the front. The triple-camera system around the back comprises of a 50MP f/1.67 main camera with a 23mm full frame equivalent focal length; a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera with a 14mm full frame equivalent focal length; and a 200MP 75-100mm f/2.39-2.96 telephoto camera with an optical zoom resulting in up to 400mm (17.2x) optical-level zoom.

All three cameras feature optical image stabilization which enables you to shoot handheld, even at the maximum focal length/zoom, and autofocus which is quick to lock onto wildlife and humans. You also get access to Leica's 13 color profiles, including Chrome, Vivid and Monochrom High Contrast, and unlike on the Pixel 10 Pro XL where these filters can be applied only during editing and after the fact, you can use these while shooting, so they're much better than software filters and don't flatten images.

Next up, the Pixel 10 Pro XL. This phone also features four cameras. Around the back, you'll find a 50MP f/1.68 main, 48MP f/1.7 ultra-wide, and 48MP f/2.8 5x telephoto camera, and a 42MP f/2.2 selfie camera is located above the screen on the front. To take photos in 50MP, though, you'll need to enable it via the 'Pro' settings in the camera's menu. These photos are labelled as 'hi-res' and take up more space on your phone.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL packs a 5x optical zoom and 100x Pro-Res Zoom which uses AI to upscale the image. While it does a solid job, you obviously lose some detail in processing, which I'll talk about in one of the sections below.

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Daytime

The photos of the flowers were taken just as the sun was rising, and while the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has captured a lovely photo, it's a bit dull and looks like it was taken at dusk instead of daybreak. The Leica Leitzphone, on the other hand, has done a great job of casting light on the flowers, making them pop. Light is spread evenly through the Leitzphone's shot, as even the tree in the background appears detailed and bright.

There's also a noticeable difference in the sharpness of the two shots. The flowers in the Pixel 10 Pro XL photo look like they're slightly out of focus, and the image looks flat. The Leitzphone image appears full of life and character, and the camera has even captured the tiny water droplets well.

Winner: Leica Leitzphone

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Dynamic range

Dynamic range performance is fairly strong on both the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Leica Leitzphone. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has captured an image that's a little low on contrast but it has boosted the shadows and revealed more details, such as the guitar strings — but the image looks quite noisy, with noticeable grain in the guitar's body.

The Leitzphone image is more high on contrast, which I like, and the light emitting from the lamp doesn't appear blown out, and it is evenly distributed through the tube-like shape. Both phones do well to balance the light and shadows, in my opinion, so we'll call this a tie.

Winner: Tie

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Colors

When it comes to capturing colors, there's a very clear winner — and it isn't even close. The Leica Leitzphone captures colors in a similar way to many Leica cameras, and by that I mean they're vibrant, vivid and popping. In the photo of the purple flowers above, all the shades of green, purple and orange have been reproduced accurately, and the image appears true-to-life. The camera has also done well to ensure the flowers look like the primary subject, thanks to great subject separation.

The image taken on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, on the other hand, appears flat and dull. The flowers lose character because they look washed out, and look almost like a RAW file you'd edit or color-grade in post-production.

Winner: Leica Leitzphone

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Macro

Macro photography is another area the Leica Leitzphone upstages the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL in. While the Pixel 10 Pro XL has done a decent job at capturing the details in the robin ornament, the Leitzphone has done better. The wooden carvings and etching appears more highly detailed, and you can make out each individual one. It's also more in focus compared to the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Personally, I don't use macro mode on my Pixel 10 Pro XL much, and I've found it to be mostly hit-or-miss. Doing the comparison test against the Leitzphone has only furthered that belief. The Leitzphone image is more high on contrast as well, which gives the photo a dramatic effect that I love.

Winner: Leica Leitzphone

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Digital zoom

Both the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Leica Leitzphone feature powerful digital zooms. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a 100x ProRes Zoom and the Leitzphone has a 120x zoom. But when it comes to capturing detail and ensuring subjects are in-focus, the Leitzphone is the winner. The Leitzphone's version of the photo of the European robin is sharper and brighter, and you can make out the individual kinks in its feathers too.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has added a watercolor effect to the image, so the bird has lost all its sharpness. The branches in front of it are low-res too, especially compared to the sharp and detailed branches captured by the Leitzphone.

Winner: Leica Leitzphone

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Optical zoom

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 5x optical zoom and the Leica Leitzphone packs a 17.2x optical zoom. Both are great as they can help you get close to your subjects (such as wildlife) without disturbing them, but when it comes to image quality, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is the winner. It has a tendency to reveal more details in shadows, as you can see above, and the 5x optical zoom has done well to capture the macro threads as well as the different colors in the Eurasian blue tit ornament.

Don't get me wrong: the Leitzphone image is good too, but it's darker than the one taken on the Pixel 10 Pro XL so if you want to reveal more detail, you'll have to lift/boost the shadows in post-production.

Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Selfie

When I showed the selfies taken on the Leica Leitzphone and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL to my partner, she said she preferred the one taken on the latter, so it depends on the style you prefer. Personally, I think the Leitzphone selfie looks better as the lighting is more evenly distributed and my face is lit up better.

In the Pixel 10 Pro XL selfie, it looks like the light doesn't cover the entire frame, and stops about a third of the way to the right. The Leitzphone image also looks a little softer but doesn't do so at the expense of losing any detail.

Winner: Leica Leitzphone

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Portrait

The Leica Leitzphone performs beautifully when capturing portraits, as you can see in the photo of my partner above. The Leitzphone captures more detail, such as the dimples and lines around her mouth, and her eyebrows appear sharper than they do in the photo taken on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Light distribution and exposure seems more even too.

While the Pixel 10 Pro XL has done a good job, it has softened her face so some detail has been lost. Both cameras have also done well to add some background bokeh, but the Leitzphone has excelled at blurring the green blanket and the kingfisher plush.

Winner: Leica Leitzphone

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Ultra-wide

The Leica Leitzphone's and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL's performance is almost on a par with one another's, but I think the latter takes the cake here by a small margin. The Pixel 10 Pro XL's ultra-wide camera has a wider 123° field of view compared to the Leitzphone's 115° FOV. This difference isn't massive and won't always be noticeable, so both phone cameras are good for photographing landscapes.

In terms of colors and image quality, I think the Pixel 10 Pro XL does a better job of making the building on the right appear brighter, and there isn't as much flare from the street lamp on the left either, especially compared to the photo taken on the Leitzphone. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has also captured more detail in the shadows, such as the defined edges of the trees.

Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Low-light

While the Leica Leitzphone's low-light performance is solid, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL's is ever-so-slightly better. These photos were taken right after dusk on an overcast day, so it was the perfect test for the cameras. As you can see, the Pixel 10 Pro XL does a better job of balancing exposures throughout the scene, and it makes the river appear more true-to-life compared to the Leitzphone.

The reflections of the lights in the water are also captured better on the Pixel 10 Pro XL, as they seem to flow into the water and not look like they've been stamped on, especially compared to the Leitzphone's photo. And once again, edges of the trees and the buildings appear more defined and much brighter.

Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Leica Leitzphone vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Verdict

In this 10-round photo shootout, there's a clear winner, and the Leitzphone takes the crown by a score of 7-3.

Both the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Leica Leitzphone feature formidable cameras, making on-the-fly photography easy while packing plenty of detail into images. The Pixel 10 Pro XL performs better than the Leitzphone when it comes to ultra-wide, low-light, and optical zoom performance.

But in practically every other area, the Leitzphone performs better — whether that's revealing hidden details in macro photography or capturing beautiful colors and portraits. This doesn't come as a surprise to me, as this phone has been developed by a premium brand known for its imaging tech and incredible cameras.

For more comparisons, check out my Leica Leitzphone versus Leica Q3 Monochrom article to find out how the smartphone fared against a mirrorless camera.

More from Tom's Guide

• Can a Leica lens on a phone beat a Leica camera? I compared the Leitzphone and the Q3 Monochrom to find out
• I just tried the new Leitzphone with a powerful Leica lens — and this might be the phone to finally take me away from Google Pixel
• I spent two weeks shooting exclusively in black-and-white with the Leica Q3 Monochrom — and it revealed so many hidden details

Nowadays, most people have a camera in their pocket, attached to their smartphone. This has resulted in all of us being able to capture memories and our day-to-day life without necessarily needing one of the best cameras at hand. Even though I own a mirrorless camera, I still take lots of photos (and videos) on my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.

One of the things I love about my Pixel 10 Pro XL is just how good its camera is, as well as the array of editing features at my disposal. I often play around with the many filters on my phone, and I gravitate towards the black-and-white filters quite a bit.

I've also spent the last two weeks testing a black-and-white camera with a mono sensor: the Leica Q3 Monochrom. Testing this camera got me thinking, "How does the Q3 Monochrom compare to my Pixel?"

It goes without saying that this is an extremely unfair comparison: one has a dedicated mono sensor (and costs nearly $8,000!) while the other uses software filters to add effects to color images. I'm not here to tell you which is better — that much is obvious, the Q3 Monochrom is the winner and it isn't even close. But I'm here to show you the differences, and tell you that the Pixel 10 Pro XL and its monochromatic filters shouldn't be underestimated.

A quick rundown of specs

Before I dive into the (soft) comparison, let's talk about the specs of both the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Leica Q3 Monochrom. The smartphone features 50MP f/1.68 main, 48MP f/1.7 ultra-wide, 48MP f/2.8 5x telephoto, and 42MP f/2.2 selfie cameras. To take photos in 50MP, though, you'll need to enable it via the 'Pro' settings in the camera's menu. These photos are labelled as 'hi-res' and take up more space on your phone.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL also packs a 5x optical zoom and 100x Pro-Res Zoom which uses AI to upscale the image. While it does a solid job, you obviously lose some detail in software processing. The Pixel 10 Pro XL also captures all photos (JPEGs and RAWs) in color, and you need to apply black-and-white filters while editing after you've taken them.

Next up, the Q3 Monochrom. It features a 60.3MP CMOS sensor and a mono sensor so it captures photos in black-and-white only. You get optical image stabilization for shooting at mildly slow shutter speeds. It features a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens so it's good for street, architecture, landscape and portrait photography. The camera also offers up to 14+ stops of dynamic range for extensive highlights and shadows adjustments in post-production.

Having 60.3MP at your disposal means you can crop right into images, and these images (and their crops) are suited to large-format printing too. So while you can't zoom in as you can with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the images pack heaps of detail for extreme cropping.

Comparing grayscale and tonality

One of the primary differences between shooting with a dedicated black-and-white camera versus software filters is that the former will always add more depth to the images. They won't look flat, as they would compared to smartphone images and software filters. This is true in the case of the Leica Q3 Monochrom and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, where monochromatic images taken on the former have more of a 3D pop to them, and the edges are more refined, so there's good subject separation.

Have a look at the images in the gallery above. Each comparison series consists of two images, where the first is taken on the Q3 Monochrom and the second is taken on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. If we weren't comparing apples and oranges, I'd say the Q3 Monochrom is the winner when it comes to image quality. Instead, I want to talk about the grayscale and tonality of both the camera and smartphone.

While Google's HDR+ and Tensor G5 chip are brilliant at balancing exposure, color images which have the black-and-white filter appear crunchy or over-sharpened, as you can see in the gallery above. On the other hand, the Q3 Monochrom's images look natural and more true to life. The Pixel 10 Pro XL's images lack the moodiness and character of the Q3 Monochrom's images. Again, this is a limitation of the Pixel's small sensor compared to the Q3 Monochrom's full frame sensor.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL still does a commendable job as smartphone photography goes, and given the several filters you have at your disposal make it a versatile shooter, perfect for on-the-fly photography and editing.

Comparing macro modes

Both the Leica Q3 Monochrom and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL feature dedicated macro modes. On the Q3 Monochrom, you can turn the macro ring on the lens barrel to reveal a different set of lens markings, and doing so reduces the minimum focus distance from 70cm to 17cm. Meanwhile, macro mode on the Pixel 10 Pro XL is automatically enabled when the phone is 2cm to 4cm away from the subject (or you can force-toggle it via the gear icon on the camera screen.

Macro mode is excellent for getting stuck in the detail and capturing hidden details in flowers, leaves, insects, and even food. Again, I'm not going to say whether the Q3 Monochrom is better than the Pixel 10 Pro XL or vice versa, but that both are great at taking macro photos, as you can see in the gallery above. As earlier, each series consists of two images, where the first is taken on the Q3 Monochrom and the second is taken on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

In the photo of the robin ornament taken on the Q3 Monochrom, the kinks and wood carvings appear softer and more pleasant to the eye. The image is highly detailed and sharp, as is the one taken on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. The image taken on the Pixel, however, makes the wood carvings appear more jagged and pronounced, which isn't how the ornament looks in real life. Still, the smartphone has done an excellent job at capturing the macro details, such as the white dot in the eye.

Similarly, the image of the leaf taken on the Q3 Monochrom is packed with detail, and you can make an even more extreme crop of it. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has excelled at capturing the dust particles and details in the leaf's veins as well. It also goes without saying that applying the black-and-white filter on the Pixel's photos after the fact has made the images a little flat.

Where the Pixel 10 Pro XL wins

There's one area the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL wins in compared to the Leica Q3 Monochrom, and that's value for money. Look, Leicas aren't the most accessible cameras when it comes to their price. The Q3 Monochrom is a very niche digital camera too, as it shoots only in black-and-white, so it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

On average, a brand new (not second-hand) Leica costs at least six or seven grand. The Q3 Monochrom retails for $7,790 at Adorama / £5,800 at Wex, nearly five times the cost of a Pixel 10 Pro XL, which costs $1,199 / £1,199 at Amazon for the 256GB model.

Of course, if you want a dedicated black-and-white camera, there's no doubt about it that the Q3 Monochrom is a winner, and very easy to recommend. But if you're strapped for cash or aren't a professional/serious photographer, I believe you can continue banking on your Pixel 10 Pro XL for casual photography.

Where the Leica Q3 Monochrom wins

It should come as no surprise that the Leica Q3 Monochrom upstages the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL when it comes to packing heaps and heaps of detail, and capturing a wide dynamic range for extensive editing in post-production. This applies to most mirrorless cameras, whose sensors are much larger than those found on smartphones, so they offer superior light gathering, dynamic range and shallower depth of field.

And this is why it's unfair to compare the Q3 Monochrom and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, because the latter's 1/1.3-inch main and 1/2.55-inch tele and ultrawide sensors just can't compete with the former when it comes to sensor real estate. This comparison piece isn't a "buy this, not that" type of feature, as both the camera and the smartphone have different use cases. As a photographer, I will continue to use my mirrorless camera and my smartphone, side by side, and I'll pull one or the other out depending on the situation.

As I said when I compared the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the OM System OM-1 Mark II for wildlife photography, my Pixel is my go-to for on-the-fly photography, or when I'm at a concert where I can't take my mirrorless camera. While it doesn't compare to professional equipment, it's still a formidable piece of tech, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL's excellent cameras continue to fuel my loyalty to the brand.

Once you're done reading this, make sure to check out my full Leica Q3 Monochrom review and our Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review for the complete low-down on the image quality.

More from Tom's Guide

• The Leica Q3 Monochrom shoots only in black-and-white and costs nearly $8,000 — here’s why I love it
• I've been photographing wildlife for 4 years — here's what happened when the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL went toe-to-toe with my mirrorless camera
• Best mirrorless cameras in 2026

Ever since the debut of the first Tensor chipset, Google has been very outspoken about the extra security afforded by the Titan M2 security chip. That said, it always feels like improvements to that security fall to the wayside compared to things like AI performance. But this might change with Pixel 11, and the upcoming Tensor G6 chip.

According to Telegram leaker Mystic Leaks, there's evidence that the Tensor G6 will come with a new Titan M3 security chip. Apparently, the chip is codenamed "Google Epic" and will run on firmware currently referred to as "longjing." Sadly, there isn't much else we can glean from this particular leak, but we can make a few assumptions about what's to come.

The original Titan M2 chip handles the greatest security needs for your phone, including encrypting storage before you unlock your phone, validating the Android OS, offering a secure enclave for biometrics and cryptographic keys, as well as general protection from different kinds of attacks.

Google even claimed it could protect against “electromagnetic analysis, voltage glitching, and even laser fault injection.”

Obviously, we can expect the Titan M3 to offer even stronger security features and protection. I'd wager Google will ensure the Pixel 11 can withstand even more serious attacks from bad actors, while offering improved security to sensitive data that's stored on your phone. Considering how much sensitive life data we keep on our phones, that's the bare minimum it can do.

It would also be nice if the Titan M3 chip could tie into recent security features that have been added to Android. Such as the automatic theft protection lock, and the Identity Check features that are designed to prevent thieves from accessing sensitive features like Find My Device or biometrics. Heck, it'd be fantastic if Google could use Titan M3 to add extra security to Android's Private Space and better secure whatever has been hidden there.

Make Pixel the most secure Android phone for all your apps and data, no matter what you have stored on it.

There's a chance Google may reveal some details about Titan M3 and the extra security it will offer at Google I/O in May. The conference is developer-focused, and the additional security updates could be relevant to the upcoming Android 17 update. That said, Google is likely to keep most of the details under wraps until the Pixel 11 launch — which is likely to be towards the end of summer.

More from Tom's Guide

• There is no good reason to buy a Pixel 10a — buy a Pixel 9a instead
• I've used the iPhone 16e for a year — and the iPhone 17e shouldn’t launch without these 3 upgrades
• Google Pixel 11 could feature the one thing Apple has that Android can't compete with — what we know

It appears that Google is working on a new, more advanced alternative to Face ID that could help the Google Pixel 11 and other Android phones catch up to Apple’s iPhone.

Android Authority reported on an anonymous source that claims Google is working on the so-called “Project Toscana,” which is said to be the company's latest attempt to create advanced facial recognition on phones. The source claims that Google recently tested Toscana with UX testers, and that the feature was used on a Pixel phone with a single-hole-punch camera, as well as on two Chromebooks with external cameras.

The report goes on to state that the tests were performed under various lighting conditions, with results similar to those of Apple’s iPhone. Unfortunately, it’s not confirmed what tech is being used for the new facial recognition system. The most likely possibility is that Google may implement infrared (IR) technology, which hasn’t appeared on a Pixel phone since the Google Pixel 4.

What is the difference between Google and Apple facial recognition?

While face unlock has been a part of both Google and Android phones for a while, the feature never quite reached the same level of functionality as we saw on the best iPhones.

Apple’s iPhones make use of what is called the TrueDepth camera system, which projects over 30,000 invisible IR dots onto the user's face. These dots are used to create a 3D depth map of the face for the phone. Then, an IR flood illuminator makes sure that the scan can capture and scan your face in both bright lights and in darkness.

In comparison, Google Pixel 7s and above use a combination of the front camera and machine learning to create a 3D model of your face, which is then stored on the device. In comparison, Apple's design is often more accurate, especially in low light, and tends to be much faster. Not only that, Apple’s phones are better able to react to changes to your face, like growing a moustache, than Google and other Android phones can manage.

There’s still a lot that we don’t know about Project Toscana, although there were rumors that Google was working on under display IR camera for the Pixel. It’s worth noting that, even though the leaker stated that they used a device with a punch hole camera, the Chromebook's circuitry and motherboard were exposed, so it’s doubtful that these are the final designs.

Google hasn't confirmed when the Pixel 11 will be released, but if the past few years are any indication, we should be seeing it towards the end of summer. In the meantime, let us know what you would like to see from the phone in the comments.

More from Tom's Guide

• Samsung Galaxy Unpacked February 2026: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Ultra and everything else to expect
• There is no good reason to buy a Pixel 10a — buy a Pixel 9a instead
• Google Pixel 10a launch — here's all the best AI features you can use

Last week I commented that the string of Pixel 10a rumors that made their way online painted a very poor picture for the phone. The rumors suggested that most of the core specs would be the same as last year's Pixel 9a — right down to the two phones sharing the same Tensor G4 chipset.

Now that the Pixel 10a has been officially revealed, it seems that most of those rumors were correct. And that makes the Pixel 10a seem like a very bad deal. So bad, in fact, that I wouldn't recommend buying it right now. Not while the Pixel 9a is readily available, and potentially a much better value.

Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a

The Pixel 10a is not identical to the Pixel 9a by any means. There are some differences in the general design, which can't be ignored. The 10a has a brighter display, offering up to 3,000 nits compared to the 9a's 2,700 nits. There's also the totally flat back, with no camera protrusion, and the more durable Gorilla Glass 7i display glass.

There are some differences in the software as well, with the Pixel 10a getting some AI features that aren't currently available on the Pixel 9a — like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take. However, this may change in a future Pixel Drop update, since there's no hardware reason why the Pixel 9a couldn't also support those features.

The colors options are similar, but not identical. Pixel 10a comes in Lavender (light purple), Berry (pinkish red), Fog (white) and Obsidian (black). Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony. They're slightly different color tones, more muted in the case of Iris and Peony, but they probably wouldn't fail a vibe check from passing observers.

The question is whether these differences mean it's worth buying a Pixel 10a over the Pixel 9a? I'd argue not. Certainly not right now, when the Pixel 10a is available at full price. $499 might not be horribly expensive as far as smartphones go, but we're likely going to see the Pixel 9a get even cheaper in the coming weeks.

Old phones always get price cuts

Considering we saw the phone drop to as little as $199 last December, you'd be absolutely mad to pay two and a half times more for a phone that's barely any different. That'd be like paying full price for an iPhone 17e right before the launch of iPhone 18, an event that is all but certain to end with the iPhone 17 getting a $100 price cut.

In fact, some regions have already seen the Pixel 9a drop in price on the official Google Store. While the discount doesn't seem to be active on the U.S. store, buyers in the U.K. can buy last year's model for £399. That's £100 cheaper than both the Pixel 10a and a Pixel 9a that was purchased last year.

I will caveat this by pointing out that Google is offering a fairly generous trade-in bonus for the Pixel 10a. Google is advertising a $284 price tag with an "instant trade-in," but it requires a newer, more high-end phone to get the full savings. Google's trade-in calculator is offering as much as $550 credit for certain devices, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This means, as always, the most valuable trades come from recent phones that were both expensive and somewhat desirable. It's up to you to decide whether that's a good deal or not. Personally, I'd rather keep my old device and pick up a cheaper version of the Pixel 9a instead.

Amazon has also dropped the price of brand new Pixel 9as to varying degrees. Depending on the color you choose, you will be asked to pay between $399 and $429 for a 128GB model.

That's a hefty discount already, and the Pixel 10a has only been available to pre-order for less than a day. We can certainly expect that number to drop at more retailers once the phone officially goes on sale on March 5.

But this won't last forever

There will, of course, be a tipping point to this. Retailers will start running out of Pixel 9a stock at some point in the near future, at which point actually buying one will become a lot harder. Used models will likely be available, and for a generous discount, but the supply of brand new models will have dried up.

We should see prices keep dropping as retailers attempt to offload those devices if you're patient, but waiting too long means you run the risk of missing out entirely. Hopefully, by that point, we'll have started seeing the first major Pixel 10a discounts pop up online. It's common for the first Pixel phone deals to pop up a couple of months after release, and I doubt the Pixel 10a is going to be an exception.

So even if you miss out on generous Pixel 9a discounts, odds are you'll be able to find a cheaper Pixel 10a instead. At which point, I would recommend picking it up. While we haven't done any in-depth testing yet, the fact that it's so similar to the Pixel 9a suggests that it's going to be an excellent phone to have.

Albeit, just not one that's really worth picking up while the Pixel 9a is readily available, especially at a discount.

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The first Pixel 10a pre-order deals are starting to roll in. The new phone, which could be a top contender for best cheap phone of 2026, will be available for purchase on March 5.

Fortunately, the Pixel 10a has kept its $499 starting price. Like its predecessor, it features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED 60-120Hz display, Tensor G4 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. There's also a 48MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide camera, and 13MP selfie camera. That's almost identical to its predecessor, which is why I wouldn't recommend paying full price for this phone.

In terms of Pixel 10a deals — Verizon is offering the phone for free when you purchase it online with an eligible unlimited data plan. It may be a few days before we see more confirmed deals, so make sure to bookmark this page as I'll be listing the best Pixel 10a deals as they're released.

Quick Links

• Verizon: free w/ new line + unlimited
• AT&T: $2/month w/ unlimited
• T-Mobile: $20/month + unlimited
• Best Buy: $499 w/ free $100 gift card
• Amazon: $499 w/ free $100 gift card
• Google: from $49 w/ trade-in

Pixel 10a deals

Pixel 10a hardware

The $499 Pixel 10a is a true budget smartphone. It's powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip and coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. You also get a larger 6.3-inch Actua display, 48MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide camera, and 13MP selfie camera. If that sounds oddly familiar, it's because it's the exact same spec sheet as its predecessor, the Pixel 9a.

In our Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a comparison you'll see why we called the Pixel 10a one of the smallest phone upgrades of the year. Very little hardware has changed, if any, and the software differences aren't likely to be much larger either. In our Pixel 10a hands-on, we said we're thrilled it remains $499, but if you currently own a Pixel 9a, there's no reason for you to upgrade.

Normally I’m stoked about the next phone in Google’s Pixel A-series, but this year’s update has me stumped and concerned. That’s because it doesn’t look like there’s a whole lot new with the Pixel 10a.

In fact, it recycles much of the same hardware as its predecessor, the Pixel 9a — like last year’s Tensor G4 chip, the same 5,100 mAh battery, and what appears on paper to be an identical dual camera system.

Make no mistake, I love the iterative design changes and the fact that it remains one of the best cheap phones around with its price firmly intact at $499. However, it’s tough to convince me that it’s worth getting when there are so very few hardware upgrades.

In my Pixel 10a review, I’ll show you side-by-side snapshots I captured against last year’s model, tell you if the battery life is any longer, and cover whatever is new about the software — all to better inform you if it’s worth getting or skipping.

Google Pixel 10a review: Specifications

Google Pixel 10a review: Price and release

First announced on February 18, 2026, the Pixel 10a goes on sale starting March 5 at the same $499 starting cost as before. That’s for the base model, which comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

What’s more amazing is that Google has kept the price unchanged since the Pixel 7a — an impressive feat in its own right. By holding the line at $499 for another year, Google has given the phone even more merit as a top-tier budget option at a time when other phone makers have leaned into price increases.

You still have four colors to choose from: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian. For a budget model, offering four distinct colorways is more than generous.

Google Pixel 10a review: Design

Google brought back flush camera designs with the Pixel 9a last year, but it makes an iterative change here by refining the camera module. This time, I can truly say that it’s flush with the rest of the phone — with no awkward angles or wobble while it’s resting on its back.

There are other minor changes to the design, too, like the placement of the SIM slot, but the phone’s charming aesthetic remains as consistent as before. It’s one of those phones that isn't overly large to use, nor is it heavy at all.

With flat, metal-accented edges and rounded corners, the Pixel 10a’s design is minimalism at its finest. It also helps that it now has an improved IP68 rating, reinforced with upgraded Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front to improve its scratch and drop resistance.

Google Pixel 10a review: Display

I’ve watched dozens of videos on YouTube since getting my hands on the Pixel 10a, and quite frankly, the 6.3-inch Actua display is just as superb as before. While my eyes tell me the colors are rich and vibrant, our lab testing reveals that the display is actually a smidge dimmer than its predecessor.

Specifically, it reaches a recorded peak brightness of 1,873 nits — in contrast to the Pixel 9a’s higher 2,076 nits. Don’t be fooled by the difference because the Pixel 10a’s display is still brighter than the average phone, making it well-equipped to handle the challenges of direct sunlight. I just wish it had been even brighter.

Despite that, the 120Hz refresh rate continues to be a valuable edge over the iPhone 17e. Not only do games benefit from smoother-looking animations, but small details like snappier interface transitions make the screen feel nearly on a par with a flagship display.

As much as I’m bummed that it’s technically not as bright, it’s hard to find fault when it performs so well during everyday use.

Google Pixel 10a review: Camera

My biggest dilemma with the Pixel 10a is, without question, its cameras. The specs indicate that nothing about them has changed — a fact that wouldn't normally alarm me, but typically, I expect to see at least some form of hardware progress. Instead, it's the same 48MP main camera paired with a 13MP ultrawide, featuring the exact same apertures as before. Around the front, it’s the same 13MP selfie shooter.

Don’t get me wrong, the A-series has always proven to deliver outstanding camera performance, and the Pixel 10a continues in that same tradition. But despite being a capable shooter, I’m disappointed that there isn’t a more meaningful improvement over the Pixel 9a. Here’s why.

Starting with the main camera, you can see how it produces nearly the same results as the Pixel 9a. From the colors to the exposure of the scene, the two images look virtually identical to one another. However, when I zoom in on the sign hanging above the door, the wooden textures appear to have just a smidge more definition on the Pixel 10a.

Likewise, I don’t see much of a difference with the ultrawide camera, which covers the exact same field of view as the Pixel 9a. While I appreciate the added utility of the ultrawide sensor, I can’t discern any significant details that would make one camera better than the other with the shot of the tree in my backyard above.

For this next comparison, I want to illustrate how the Pixel 10a compares to the iPhone 16e. Both phones produce great shots, but I really like the stronger contrast of the iPhone 16e, which makes the edges of the roof shingles stand out more. Furthermore, its warmer color temperature makes the entire shot look more inviting than the Pixel 10a’s low-contrast appearance.

Quickly looking at the selfies above, I was initially convinced they were the same image because of how well I maintained my pose. But that’s exactly what I wanted to illustrate: the Pixel 10a offers no discernible improvement over the Pixel 9a. From the texture of my hoodie to the details of my facial features, the results are identical in every way.

I’m not surprised at all that the iPhone 16e beats the Pixel 10a in the zoom department, especially since it also beat the Pixel 9a during my 200-photo shootout. There’s clearly better detail and definition in the statue with the iPhone, whereas the image looks noticeably softer with the Pixel 10a.

It’s really a shame that there’s no movement forward with the Pixel 10a’s camera performance. While it does take exceptional photos worthy enough to be one of the best camera phones around, I would’ve loved to see more substantial improvements.

Surprisingly enough, the 4K 30 fps clips I shot above with the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a show one meaningful improvement for the new phone: its stabilization. When I start running in the clip, I can tell that the Pixel 10a is doing a better job of mitigating the camera shake. Apart from that, the rest of the video performance is identical to the Pixel 9a.

Google Pixel 10a review: Performance

I can’t remember any phone in recent years that uses the exact same chipset as the prior model. Instead of running the newer Tensor G5 chip found in the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup, Google has chosen to give the Pixel 10a the Tensor G4 — the same one that powered last year's Pixel 9a.

I really hope this was a cost-saving move, because quite frankly, the numbers don’t lie. In fact, the Pixel 10a’s performance in nearly all synthetic benchmark tests is identical to the Pixel 9a’s. While this still translates to a peppy phone that is more than adept at handling basic tasks, I expected some year-over-year improvement. Unfortunately, the Geekbench 6 scores tell a different story.

The phone’s graphics processing hasn't changed much either, as the Pixel 10a generates roughly the same frame rates in 3DMark’s Wild Life Unlimited test. However, it clearly underperforms against the iPhone 16e — a performance gap I suspect will only widen with the forthcoming iPhone 17e.

Google Pixel 10a review: Battery life and charging

Strangely, the Pixel 10a lasts longer on a single charge — a result I was surprised to find. In our battery drain test, the Pixel 10a reached an average mark of 15 hours and 16 minutes. That’s more than two hours longer than the Pixel 9a, which leads me to suspect that the software may be hiding new power optimizations that extend its longevity.

I’ve been using the Pixel 10a for almost a week now, and I usually have about 15% battery capacity remaining each night. My usage wasn't overly demanding, but the phone certainly benefited from its efficiency.

While I still would have liked to see a bigger battery, one of the few hardware upgrades it does receive is faster 30W wired charging. In my testing, it reached 31% in 15 minutes and 64% after 30 minutes — a noticeable step up from the Pixel 9a.

Google has boosted the wireless charging speed to 10W, up from the Pixel 9a’s 7.5W. As much as I’m delighted by this hardware upgrade, the 10a still lacks the internal magnets that enable PixelSnap support for the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup.

Google Pixel 10a review: Software

Navigating the Android 16 experience on the Pixel 10a, anyone familiar with the platform will feel right at home. As expected, Google puts a heavy emphasis on AI, and the Pixel 10a is no exception. You have access to Gemini Live, Nano Banana, and Circle to Search — which, don't be fooled, are also available on other Pixels, including the 9a.

However, there are new additions that give the software an edge. For example, the 10a gains Camera Coach and Auto Best Take, both of which illustrate how helpful AI can be with everyday tasks. Camera Coach leans on AI to provide tips and instructions for capturing a better shot. Since I shoot photos for a living, I’m less inclined to follow its direction, but those who aren't as confident will appreciate the guidance.

Meanwhile, Auto Best Take uses generative AI to analyze faces so I can choose between different expressions. You can say goodbye to closed eyes and awkward faces because the magic of Auto Best Take practically ensures picture-perfect smiles for everyone.

Another meaningful addition is support for Satellite SOS, a first for the A-series. This is an invaluable tool for getting help when you're without Wi-Fi or cellular service. While these are all great features, most aren't strictly new to the Pixel ecosystem. However, one feature on the Pixel 10a garnered my attention more than anything else: the new Android 16 desktop mode.

When I connect the Pixel 10a to an external monitor, the experience is on a par with Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S26, complete with multiple workspaces and the ability to run several apps at once. One advantage it has over DeX is support for multiple users, which is awesome for keeping work and personal accounts separate.

Beyond that, the software largely mirrors the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup. Just like its siblings, the 10a comes with a pledge of seven years of major Android and security updates — ensuring it continues to gain features via Google’s Pixel Drops for years to come.

Apart from that, Google is pledging seven years of Android and security updates. That’s still the gold standard, especially for budget phones.

Google Pixel 10a review: Verdict

In the past, I’ve often praised the Pixel A-series for the value it presents, and the Pixel 10a continues to drive that point home. Yet, there’s a part of me that’s disappointed because the hardware upgrades are some of the laziest I’ve seen in years.

While the battery life and charging speeds have certainly improved, the camera performance doesn’t move the needle forward in the way I’d expect from a year-over-year upgrade. However, with the addition of more AI features and Google’s new Android 16 desktop mode, the phone’s utility has been diversified in a meaningful way.

I still wish we had seen more substantial hardware gains, but it’s hard to linger on that for too long when the price remains firmly at $499.

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One of the best things about buying a Pixel phone is the sheer amount of AI Google has crammed into each device. The Pixel 10a is another device that puts heavy emphasis on AI, though maybe not quite as much as we would have hoped.

If you were expecting to see all the best Pixel 10 AI features in this phone, then you're going to be very disappointed. Features like Magic Cue are nowhere to be found, though smaller additions like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take are easily available.

So, what AI features does the Pixel 10a have to offer? Here's the full list:

Auto Best Take

It can be challenging to take group shots, and the bigger the group, the harder it is to make sure everyone actually looks presentable. Doubly so if there are any young kids in frame. Google's Auto Best Take feature takes all the hard work out of it, snapping multiple shots and stitching them together to form a single photo of everyone looking their best. A single tap of the shutter button is all it takes.

Camera Coach

If you're struggling to take the best photo, and you have a bit of time, then Camera Coach can help you out. Using Gemini, it's able to analyze the scene and offer tips on how to improve the final shot. Whether it needs to be framing, composition or something else entirely, Camera Coach can point you in the right direction.

Gemini Live

Easily one of the most powerful Gemini tools, Gemini Live lets you stay connected with the AI at all times. That way, you're able to have a "free-flowing" conversation with Gemini, without having to continually prompt the chatbot to start listening by saying "Hey Google" or tapping your phone.

Gemini Live can also utilize screensharing and your camera, letting you ask Gemini questions about what it can see. Whether that's on your phone screen or directly in front of you and in range of the camera.

Connected Apps in Gemini

If you want to really make use of Gemini, you can utilize the Connected Apps feature to get it to do different tasks across your phone. Simply ask Gemini to do something in one of the compatible apps, and it can save you the trouble of doing it yourself. That can include playing music on Spotify, calling one of your contacts, setting alarms or snapping photos with the camera app.

This is particularly useful for smart home devices, with Gemini capable of controlling anything linked to your Google Home account.

Circle to Search

No Android phone would be complete without Circle to Search. The simple press-and-hold gesture lets you access a whole host of useful tools, regardless of what your phone is currently doing. Features include Google Lens, the ability to select or translate text from images, song recognition and quick access to Google Gemini's voice controls without having to say "Hey Google" first.

Magic Compose

If you're looking for help with your writing, Google's Magic Compose is there to help. It's a great way to get yourself started with different suggestions on how to start writing your reply or continue a conversation, while also offering the ability to rewrite your existing words into different styles and tones of voice. So if writing isn't your strongest skill, this will be able to help out.

Pixel Weather's AI Summary

The new Pixel Weather app utilizes the on-device Gemini Nano model to analyze and summarize the day's weather. That way, you have a rundown on what to expect from the sky throughout the day.

Photo Editing Tools

It wouldn't be a Pixel phone without the suite of photo editing tools that take advantage of AI. Features include Add Me, which lets you take a photo of a group and then "join" the group later through the magic of generative AI.

Audio Magic Eraser filters out unwanted noise in the background of videos, while Reimagine also uses AI to change various aspects of your photo, like the background or general surroundings. You can even use voice and text prompts to edit your photos, so long as you do it in the Google Photos app.

Call Assist

Like any good Pixel, the Pixel 10a also comes with various call assistance tools that utilize AI to make your life easier. Hold for Me lets you avoid the irritating hold music by leaving your phone in line for you, while Direct My Call will get you to the right person or department faster and skip all those pesky automated menus. U.S. users can also use the Wait time feature to find out how long they're likely to be on hold before they actually make the call.

Then there's Clear Calling, which isolates any distracting sounds in the background and makes sure your voice comes through nice and clear. Finally, Call Screen filters out spam calls and lets you know who's calling before you even pick up the phone. All thanks to the AI assistant conversing with the caller beforehand.

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Google has finally unveiled the long-awaited Google Pixel 10a, the latest in Google’s affordable line of smartphones with a host of Gemini-backed features and more.

The Google Pixel 9a remains one of the best cheap phones that you can currently buy for under $500, so the follow-up has some big shoes to fill. Google's last phone offered a bright display, a wealth of AI features and versatile cameras, so the hope is that the new phone builds upon this bedrock.

The Google Pixel 10a takes everything we liked about the Google Pixel 9a and adds to it with improved camera features and even satellite communication for the first time. Here's everything you need to know about Google's latest smartphone.

Improved smooth design

Google has refined the overall design of the a-series with this latest release, improving both the durability and the feel of the phone in your hand. Firstly, the Pixel 10a features a completely flat back, with the camera bar now lying flush alongside the backglass, making it much easier to hold and to slip into your pocket.

Google’s new affordable phone isn’t just smoother, it’s also durable, thanks to the IP68 rating and the improved Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass on the display. This new cover is rated to better protect against scratches and cracks, meaning your phone can take a lot more punishment before you need to take it in for repair.

Google has also improved the amount of recycled material used in the phone’s construction, including recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten for the first time. The phone also features a 100% recycled Aluminium frame and an 81% recycled plastic back cover.

Battery and cameras to die for

Google hasn’t just worked to offer a better look at the Pixel 10a; Google also claims that the phone has the best camera available for phones under $500. Coming with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide, which looks to continue the trend of offering what could be the best camera experience for the piece for another generation of affordable phones. Not only that, but users also have access to Macro Focus and Night Sight to capture crisp images in close-up and low light.

The cameras would be impressive on their own, but the Google Pixel 10a is also the first in the series to offer some of Google’s best photo features. These features include Auto Best Take, making sure everyone in a group photo has their best face on. The Pixel 10a also comes with Camera Coach, which uses Google Gemini to help you take the best images possible with advice for lighting and composition.

One of the other strengths of the Pixel a-series is the battery, and the Pixel 10a doesn’t look like it will disappoint in 2026. Google claims that the phone offers 30 hours of battery life, and up to 120 hours when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on. Of course, a long battery life doesn’t mean much if the charging speeds mean you spend hours waiting for the phone to reach 100%. The Google Pixel 10a offers 30W wired charging when using a Google 45W USB-C charger.

Google Gemini taken to the max

One of the biggest strengths of the Google Pixel series is how they make use of Google Gemini, and with the Pixel 10a, it isn’t only the cameras that are seeing a benefit.

The Google Pixel 10a comes with full support for Gemini Live, allowing for natural, back-and-forth conversations. On top of Gemini Live, you also have access to other Gemini features like Circle to Search and Magic Compose. Google has also added Nano Banana to help you reimagine your photos, blend images together, or even apply different creative styles. All of this is powered by the AI-focused Tensor G4 chip, offering the best experience for the price.

Users also have access to features like Call Screen and Hold For Me, helping you to save time and avoid scammers. Outside of AI, the Google Pixel 10a is also the first model in the series to offer Satellite SOS. This means you can connect to emergency services wherever you are, even if you don’t have access to WiFi or networks.

The Pixel 10a will be available for $499 stating from March 5 at the Google Store and other major carriers. If you want to know more about what the phone is like, then make sure you check out our hands-on for the full breakdown of all the changes Google has added to the device and what it’s like to use.

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The Google Pixel 10a is expected to be unveiled later today, February 18, but that's not stopping the leaks from coming out hard and fast. So if you want to know all about Google's next cheap phone, you can thank two separate retailers for jumping the gun: U.S. carrier Tracfone and Belgian retailer Vanden Borre (via Android Authority).

Both released landing pages for the phone, along with a bunch of official images, specs and pricing details. Both pages have since been deleted, but that didn't stop people from noticing and documenting all the beans these retailers have spilled.

First up is TracFone, which confirmed that the Pixel 10a will come with an FHD+ display, a 5,100 mAh battery, a 13MP front camera, dual rear cameras of 48MP and 13MP, 128GB of storage, IP68 water and dust resistance, plus a bunch of general specs that are to be expected.

I would be shocked if many phones weren't released without a color touchscreen in 2026, so I'm not sure that's still worth mentioning.

Dimensions are 6.06 x 2.87 x 0.35 inches, with a weight of 6.52 ounces. That makes it marginally smaller, thinner and lighter than the Pixel 9a — which came in at 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches and 6.5 ounces. Everything else is essentially the same, according to this short list.

Meanwhile, the Vanden Borre listing confirmed the presence of the Tensor G4 chipset. That's the same chip as the Pixel 9a, rather than the Pixel 10's Tensor G5. Belgian pricing for the 10a is listed as €549 for the 128GB model and €649 for the 256GB option. That's the same price as the Pixel 9a was at launch, suggesting the 10a should start at the same $499 price tag in the U.S. market.

The listing also describes the phone as "perfectly flat." That suggests that Google's initial teasers are accurate and that the company managed to shave off the final piece of camera bump that remained on the Pixel 9a. So that 0.35-inch thickness really is 0.35 inches, not 0.35 inches plus a protruding camera mound. That is something I'm still quite pleased about.

Other notable mentions include a Gorilla Glass front, a plastic back and an aluminum frame. All of which are to be expected, though the retailer didn't specify what kind of Gorilla Glass the phone may be getting. AI features listed include Camera Coach, Gemini Live, the Nano Banana image generation model and Circle to Search.

Images show the phone in a lavender color, and rumors suggest that we'll also see Obsidian, Fog and Berry.

Overall, it certainly seems as though the Pixel 10a is going to be, as rumored, almost identical to the Pixel 9a. Certainly not different enough to warrant the upgrade, if you ask me. But we'll find out for sure later today, when the phone officially launches and pre-orders open.

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All of the Pixel 10a rumors I’ve been reading hint at meager upgrades for Google’s upcoming budget phone, which my colleague Tom Prichard says could 'break the record for laziest phone upgrade in history.' Unless the leaks are completely wrong, the current Pixel 9a looks like the better buy — at least until I found this deal.

Woot currently has the original Google Pixel Fold on clearance for the jaw-dropping price of $479, down from its $1,799 launch price. This 73% discount makes it a much better value than the Pixel 9a (and possibly the Pixel 10a) for a number of reasons.

It's foldable and already has way more utility

Beyond its core features, the Pixel Fold’s form factor adds utility you’ll never get with slate devices like the Pixel 9a. When closed, you can use it much like an ordinary phone via its 5.8-inch outer display — but opening it reveals a sprawling 7.6-inch OLED.

I’ve always found the larger canvas way more suitable for watching videos. If that’s not enough, you can fold it halfway and apps like YouTube will adapt so that videos remain in the upper half of the screen — acting much like a built-in kickstand.

Because there's so much more room, the inner display also makes side-by-side multitasking a breeze. It’s one thing to switch between apps, but my workflow completely changes when I can access two at once on the same screen.

You’ll continue to get software updates

Secondly, Google pledged five years of software support for the Pixel Fold. Since it launched in June 2023, it will continue to receive security updates until 2028. This is a vital window, especially given how Google’s frequent Pixel Drops often breathe new life into older hardware with fresh capabilities.

Even though it lacks a few of the latest on-device AI tricks, you can still access one of my favorite tools via Google Photos: Ask Photos. This allows you tou make complex photo edits by simply typing or describing what you want with the help of generative AI. I've tested it out with fantastic results.

Admittedly, the Pixel 9a offers newer AI tools that the original Fold skips, such as Add Me for group photos, Magic Editor to remove backgrounds, and Best Take for picture perfect smiles. But unless you find those specific tools indispensable, the Fold's hardware advantages far outweigh the software gap — and you can always find third-party apps to pick up the slack.

The price is just unbelievable for a foldable phone

Foldable phones are notoriously expensive, but it’s even crazier to know that this deal makes the Pixel Fold cheaper than the best cheap phone around. I’ve tested practically all of them, including the Pixel 9a that currently tops the list, but it’s hard to recommend it over the Pixel Fold at this $479 price point.

This is even more affordable than flip-style phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which costs twice as much. In today’s market, where new phone prices are unpredictable due to the RAM crisis, there’s nothing wrong with looking at older models. With this Woot offer, you’re getting a brand-new, factory-unlocked Pixel Fold for less than the cost of a new Pixel 9a.

Who knows if Google will raise the price of the Pixel 10a when it eventually debuts? That uncertainty is exactly why you shouldn’t overlook this deal. It’s also worth noting that the Fold comes with 256GB of storage — double the 128GB found in the entry-level Pixel 9a.

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Google I/O 2026 is still a few months away, but we have an official date from the tech giant and some idea of what we can expect to see.

According to an announcement email sent to Tom's Guide, I/O 2026 will cover AI, Android, Chrome, and cloud "breakthroughs." It also mentions product demos, though the I/O website seems to be teasing more of a software showcase.

Last year, Google held a separate Android Show, but that doesn't appear to be the case for this year's edition.

Google I/O 2026: Date and location

Google has confirmed that I/O conference will kick off on May 19 with the keynote address starting at 10 a.m. PST/ 1 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. BST. The conference will run through May 20 with Google hosting a variety of talks and demos on several topics, some of which you'll be able to livestream from your home. And if you can't watch the news as it happens, we'll be covering the event in a live blog like we normally do.

As with previous editions, the keynote will be in person and take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, CA. You should be able to livestream the keynote from the Google I/O webpage, and more than likely on the Google YouTube channel as well.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for AI

Google hasn't released a schedule for I/O 2026 yet, but there are some things we think the company will discuss including AI.

AI and Google's assistant Gemini have been a key talking point at I/O for the last few years. That is unlikely to change in 2026. Especially as Gemini is being integrated with Apple Intelligence this year, though I doubt Google will address that at I/O.

Gemini will receive much of the focus and we can foresee Google announcing how it will integrate deeper into more programs and devices in the Google ecosystem. Gemini is still mostly absent from cars and wearables, despite it replacing Google Assistant.

Of course, Google has multiple LLMs that are in constant development, so we will hear more about different AI initiatives at Google.

Plus, there's Android which will more than likely feature more AI integration.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for Android

Speaking of Android. The first Android 17 beta launched last week just in time for Valentine's Day.

The first beta comes with several upgrades like new defaults for running keyboards, navigation and color profiles that should work seamlessly depending on if you're using a foldable or standard smartphone. It also has some new photography modes and better medical device pairing.

We expect Android 17 to launch for Pixel phones anytime between March and the end of June. So it's very likely that Google will have a lot to share about the next Android update at I/O.

We don't know much about 17, but it may take some liquid glass inspiration from Apple.

Outside of phones, we could finally see a real look at the rumored Android/Chrome combined operating system which Google has teased in the last few months.

Last year, Google revealed Android XR, and while I don't expect anything major about the wearable OS, we should hear some updates, especially as new devices are expected to launch later this year.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for Devices

Google I/O is typically very software focused, but hardware does get some shine. For example, we got an early hands-on with Samsung's Galaxy XR headset at last year's event, then known as Project Moohan.

This year, we might get teases for the upcoming Pixel 11 and the Pixel Watch 5, but I wouldn't put much stock there.

One device we might hear about though is the Xreal Project Aura smart glasses. The partnership was revealed at last year's I/O, and hopefully, we'll learn more at this year's edition.

Google I/O 2026: Everything else we might hear about

Without the schedule, we don't know exactly what to expect but Google did say that Chrome will be featured in its announcement.

We will also likely see more talks and presentations concerning Waymo, cars and Google Pay. Many of those talks may not be livestreamed and will be more technical in nature though.

That said, they could be mentioned in the keynote as something to look forward to.

Tom's Guide will be on hand to track all of Google's announcements and we'll provide more information on the livestreams and features as we get closer to May.

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There are plenty of reasons why I prefer using the Pixel 10 Pro as my daily driver over other Android phones I own. Timely software updates, the clean Pixel UI, the convenience of Qi2, and a range of AI features have convinced me to stick with the Pixel 10 Pro as my primary device.

That said, there's no denying that using a Google Pixel comes with its own trade-offs, and one of the biggest is battery life. Compared to phones from Chinese competitors, Pixel phones ship with noticeably smaller batteries. They are not bad by any means, but they are not best-in-class either - you'll find no Pixels on our best phone battery life guide.

If you've noticed, the biggest battery drainers on any smartphone are background apps, connectivity features, and the display. These consume the majority of power throughout the day.

With that in mind, I've found a few battery-saving tweaks on my Pixel that do not limit my experience but still help extend battery life without being overly aggressive.

Disable background battery usage for unnecessary apps

One of the biggest battery drains on any smartphone, including Google Pixel phones, is background apps that keep running without offering much real benefit. Many apps continue active processes in the background even when you're not using them, whether to deliver notifications, update content, sync data, or handle other tasks.

That said, I'm sure you have several apps on your Pixel that you do not use daily. For example, I have multiple online shopping apps, wallpaper apps, and companion apps for my earphones that I only open manually. These apps don't need to keep consuming battery in the background.

If that sounds like it could be a problem for you, it's best to restrict them. Head over to Settings > Battery > Battery usage. Scroll through the list, decide which of your apps don't need background usage, tap on them, and turn off the Allow background usage toggle.

Turn off the 'Mobile data always active' setting

Another major battery drain on your phone is connectivity. Features like Wi-Fi, cellular data, Bluetooth, and others are constantly active and consume power. While they are fundamental to a smartphone, there is one specific setting you can disable that will make little to no difference to your daily usage.

The setting I'm referring to is 'Mobile data always active.' Even when you're connected to Wi-Fi, your Pixel keeps cellular data running in the background so it can quickly switch over if the network drops or slows down. However, most of the time, you know that if you're connected to Wi-Fi, it is stable enough. Disabling this feature can slightly improve battery life, since the phone's modem will not stay active unnecessarily.

To disable it, you first need to enable Developer options. You do this by going to Settings > About phone and then tapping the Build number seven times.

Once Developer options are enabled, head to Settings > System > Developer options and turn off the Mobile data always active toggle under the Networking section.

Disable Wi-Fi scanning in background

Android offers a feature that automatically shows available open Wi-Fi networks in the notifications tray when you're in a public place. While it may seem useful, connecting to public Wi-Fi isn't always great for privacy, and most of the time, you probably open Wi-Fi settings manually anyway.

To display those open networks, Android continuously scans for Wi-Fi networks in the background, which does consume battery. You can reduce this by turning off Wi-Fi scanning on your Pixel, especially if you mostly use Wi-Fi in known places like home or the office.

To disable it, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet. Tap Network preferences, then turn off the toggles for Turn on Wi-Fi automatically and Notify for public networks. You'll still be able to connect to Wi-Fi as usual, but Android will stop constantly searching in the background, helping save some battery.

Switch from 5G to 4G when ultra-fast speeds are not needed

Another connectivity-related factor that can drain battery is 5G. While 5G offers faster speeds for streaming and downloads, it also puts more strain on your battery since it relies on more power-hungry radios and modems.

One thing I've found that does not noticeably affect my usage but helps save battery is switching my SIM to 4G permanently. In many areas, 5G coverage is still inconsistent, and 4G remains reliable. For now, it makes practical sense to stick to 4G and preserve some battery life.

To do this, go to Settings > Network & Internet, select your SIM, and change the Preferred network type to 4G instead of 5G.

Adjust a few display settings to lower power consumption

Lastly, the third major battery drain on any smartphone is the display. Tweaking a few display settings to make them more battery-friendly can help lower power consumption and extend battery life.

One of the first things I'd suggest disabling on your Pixel is the Always-on display. While it's convenient to glance at the time and notifications when the phone is locked, Pixel also offers tap to wake, which I find just as useful. Always-on display can drain battery during idle use, so turning it off makes sense. Head over to Settings > Display & touch and disable the toggle for Always-on display.

While you're in Display & touch, it's also worth adjusting a couple of other settings to reduce power usage. If you've set the screen to maximum resolution, consider switching it back to High resolution, as a lower resolution consumes less power. You can change this under Screen resolution.

You can also shorten the screen timeout to 30 seconds or one minute. This ensures your phone stays awake for less time when idle, helping conserve battery. To do this, head over to Screen timeout and select 30 seconds or 1 minute.

These small tweaks have helped me improve the battery life on my Pixel 10 Pro without noticeably affecting the experience. And if you're looking to go even further, there are plenty of other underrated Pixel tricks worth checking out.

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Most people may think of Samsung when questioned on the best foldables, but Google's Pixel Pro Folds have a lot to offer, and you can grab the most recent at a tidy discount this Presidents' Day.

You can currently grab the 256GB Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for 19% off at Amazon, which means a final price of $1,449. This deal covers both the Moonstone and the Jade color options, so there's a reasonable amount of choice here.

Alternatively, you could spend a bit more to grab the 512GB version, which is currently discounted by 16%. Finally, there's the 1TB Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is discounted by 14% on Amazon, but you can only get that phone in the Moonstone color.

Alternatively, you can grab the 256GB Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,349 from Best Buy, but you will need to connect to either Verizon or AT&T. If you'd rather have the phone remain unlocked, then it will cost the same $1,449.

Google's Pixel phones have a bit of a bad reputation for being less powerful compared to other brands. However, it's not exactly a fair comparison when looked at with a more balanced eye. Yes, the Tensor series chips don't have the pure power of Snapdragon or Apple's A series, but they're more specialized towards the AI experience. The Tensor G5 that comes with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold allows for some of the best AI-backed features you'll find in a phone.

You get all the power of Google Gemini in your hand with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, including Magic Cue and Auto Best Take to get the most out of the cameras. Magic Cue allows you to quickly see information from apps without needing to pull them up (although it can be a bit temperamental at times).

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is no slouch when it comes to displays either, with an 8-inch inner display and a 6.4-inch outer screen, both of which boast higher brightness than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The front screen is also noticeably more comfortable to actually use than Samsung's device.

On top of that, you're also getting a stellar camera setup with a 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide and a 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Meanwhile, both the front and inner screen have a 10MP selfie camera. Finally, there's the battery, which sits at a capacity of 5,015mAh and offers over 12 hours of battery life.

Of course, there is one big downside to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold: it's pretty chunky when compared to the competition. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold measures around 5.2mm thick when open, and 10.8mm when closed. It's not the thickest phone that we've ever seen, but it's still pretty noticeable in your pocket.

Even with that, this is a deal that is worth some consideration if you're looking to buy a foldable phone. If you do grab one, then make sure to also look into buying a case to help keep your new device safe.

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The smartphone has been around for about 25 years now, and it's only gotten smarter over that time. And the current cleverest of the bunch is on sale right now — perfect if you're doing some Presidents' Day sales shopping.

That phone is the Google Pixel 10 Pro, which is currently 25% off at Amazon, or $250 off if you prefer your discounts expressed in cold, hard cash. That's a return to the lowest price we've ever seen for this device, which was last available a couple of months ago. So if you missed out the last time, lucky you — the opportunity has returned.

Amazon's deal is available on the standard 128GB storage model, in your choice of Obsidian, Moonstone and Porcelain (black, blue or white). Sadly, the green Jade version seemingly isn't in stock right now, but the three remaining options are hopefully still a broad enough selection for you to find one you like.

We aren't bigging up the Google Pixel 10 Pro without just cause — it sits on our best phones list as the "Smartest Phone" of its cohort, thanks to its AI powers, which put it in first place in our latest AI phone face-off. These include deep Gemini integration, productivity aids like Magic Cue, a Camera Coach function to help you snap better shots, and all kinds of image and text-editing tools to help you out day-to-day.

Personally though, the best AI tool offered on the Pixel 10 Pro is the free year's subscription to Google AI Pro. This sets you up with Google's top Gemini Pro and Deep Research models, providing access to detailed AI queries from any device you're signed in on, not just the Pixel. There are also two terabytes of cloud storage bundled in, which should be more than enough for your collection of photos and files.

But the joys of the Pixel 10 Pro don't end there. The 10 Pro has one of the brightest phone displays we've ever tested, thanks to Google's Super Actua technology, impressive battery life for its size and an excellent selection of cameras that can handle any situation beautifully. Google's even added Qi2-powered "PixelSnap" magnetic charging, allowing you to use MagSafe peripherals (or Google's own versions) to charge and accessorize your Pixel.

About the only issue we have is Google's Tensor G5 chipset, which has enough power to guarantee a smooth experience, but doesn't match up to the might of other Android phones' Snapdragon chips if you're a gaming fanatic. But if you're happy doing any gaming you want to do on a different device, then there's little to stop you from being a happy Pixel 10 Pro owner with some extra cash in your pocket than you might have expected.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is one of the best Android phones we've tested. Priced at $1,199, it's also one of the priciest. Fortunately, Mint Mobile is offering a killer deal ahead of the upcoming holiday.

Right now, you can pick up the Pixel 10 Pro XL for $699 at Mint Mobile. Plus, pay just $180 for a full year of Mint Mobile's unlimited cell phone plan. That's one of the best Presidents Day sales I've seen this week.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has everything you could want in a phone. In our tests, its Pro Res Zoom delivers the best telephoto camera results around. There’s also the Ask Photos feature in Google Photos, which makes tedious photo edits a breeze by simply typing what you want. Over on the productivity side, you'll love tapping into its hidden Android 16 desktop mode.

In addition, we put the Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Galaxy S25 Ultra to the test to show you exactly how Google’s flagship model stacks up to Samsung’s very best. Meanwhile, you’ll be surprised by how well the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s triple cameras perform in our 200 photo shootout against the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

On the hardware front, it offers a 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display (1344 x 2992) 120Hz display, Tensor G5 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Rear cameras include a 50MP (f/1.68) main, 48MP (f/1.7) ultrawide, and a 48MP (f/2.8) 5x telephoto. On the front there's a 42MP (f/2.2) lens. In our Pixel 10 Pro XL review we called the new phone a leap forward for AI.

Normally, the impending launch of a new phone is the time for excitement and wonder over what this new device may have to offer. Even in years where upgrades are minimal, at best, there's usually something worth taking note of. But everything we've heard about the Pixel 10a suggests that it's just a rebranded Pixel 9a with the same specs and design.

I don't just mean similar specs, either. I mean the exact same specs right down to the Tensor G4 chipset, which is already almost a year-and-a-half old. Looking over the rumors for this phone, I am silently praying that they're completely wrong. Otherwise, Google is about to break the record for the laziest phone upgrade in history.

Iterative updates are nothing new...

There's nothing more disappointing than reading up on a new phone, only to find out that very little has changed since the previous generation. Or worse, the previous few generations. But this is pretty normal for the phone industry. Often, it's no huge surprise to see a brand new phone generation arrive with little more than a better chipset and a few other small hardware upgrades thrown into the mix.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is one very good example of that, with very few differences compared to the Pixel 9 Pro. In my testing, the camera quality worked out to be more or less identical, which just goes to show how similar the two phones actually were. All the good upgrades, it seems, were saved for either the Pixel 10 or the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL.

In an era where phone makers offer multiple different flagships each year, the fact is that some of those phones will get more upgrades than others. You can't give equal footing to the cheapest phone when multiple other devices have to be noticeably better (and more expensive) than it.

It's a sad fact of life that smartphone makers aren't as inventive as they used to be. In the early days, when 12 months could be the difference between getting an incredible new feature, like 3G or a camera flash. Phone makers still had a lot to offer, and it wasn't always entirely clear what smartphones should or shouldn't offer.

These days, everything is a lot more routine. They know what works, and the difference between devices from year to year (or even brand to brand) is fairly minimal. Hardware and battery performance are at the point where you can't still expect huge gains in short periods of time, and phones are so feature-packed already that adding more runs the risk of making it seem more like a gimmick than an actual utility.

That's part of the reason people don't upgrade as regularly as they used to. Price comes into it, sure, but really, what's the point in buying a new phone every two years when not much has actually changed?

But some instances make me think, "You have got to be kidding me with this." The Pixel 10a sounds like it's going to be one of them.

...but this isn't iterative, it's just a waste of time

So you have identical specs, what about the design? Luckily, Google has already released a teaser showing off the Pixel 10a, so we know exactly what the phone looks like. Unsurprisingly, it looks almost identical to the Pixel 9a, and the only real change I can make out is that the camera bump may be completely flush this year — apparently removing the slight lip that was present on the 9a.

Lack of design changes is not a big issue on their own. It's pretty common to see phone designs stick around for a few years before something new comes along. That's never really been an issue, but cosmetic design changes are rarely worth releasing a whole new phone for. Especially not when the changes are as minor as this.

In fact, given what we know about the Pixel 10a, I have to wonder why Google even bothered getting one ready. This isn't just a phone that's very similar to its predecessor; it's one that, at this early stage, is completely identical. The key difference is a new number on the box.

There's always a chance that the software features make a big difference, and the fact that A-series Pixels have almost all the same AI features as their flagship counterparts is what makes them some of the best cheap phones. But it's hard to see all the best Pixel 10 features coming to the 10a without the Tensor G5 chipset.

I used to have teachers who were fond of telling disruptive classes that they were "only wasting their own time" by not paying attention. It's something that I keep thinking back to when the Pixel 10a is on my mind, and all I can think about is how Google is wasting its own time and energy as much as it's wasting ours.

Why bother releasing a phone that doesn't even offer the bare minimum of upgrades?

It defies all logic and comes across as an exercise in trying to look as though the Pixel division is actually doing something. A box-ticking exercise that makes Google look good on paper, showing off a new A-series release. Even if it's one that seemingly requires zero developmental effort.

I really hope the rumors are wrong

I know that Google offers a lot with the A-series Pixels. Good cameras, flagship-level AI features and those bright Actua displays, to name a few. All while keeping the price under $500. Adding too much runs the risk of cannibalizing the market for the Pixel 10, and unwanted price hikes — essentially making the same mistake Apple did with the iPhone 16e.

But you'd hope for some kind of change. At the very least, an upgraded chipset, maybe a different battery, or some changes to the camera. I just hope that the rumors are wrong, and Google does have some hardware upgrades in store for the Pixel 10a. Or, at the very least, new stuff that just hasn't appeared in leaks so far.

I mean Qi2 and Pixelsnap are right there, Google, and that would at least be something. It wouldn't be close enough to warrant an upgrade from Pixel 9a, but it would help make the phone stand out.

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• 'For a while I thought it was rocks hitting my windshield': Pixel owners share their popping sound horror stories

Last week, several reports surfaced claiming that the Google Pixel 10 was emitting "extremely loud" popping sounds. We discovered that the issue apparently goes back years, as far back as the Pixel 6.

The sound appears to happen randomly when you open or close apps.

Between comments and emails, we received similar complaints from Tom's Guide readers.

"For a while I thought it was rocks hitting my windshield on the freeway," reader Adam Roy commented.

Other readers reported that similar issues plagued the Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro. Confirming reports we read elsewhere, MoritifedGoose said that it mostly happened when they opened games on their Pixel 9, even with the volume off.

The oldest device reported to us was the Pixel 7 Pro, on which the popping sound appeared only while they were using TikTok.

"I thought either there was something wrong with a software update, hardware, or Voice Assistant listening in, but never could get it to stop," reader KrankyKorok said.

One reader emailed to report the issue and said they resolved it by lowering the volume.

"I've got the 9 Pro XL myself, and I have noticed this problem as well. It's definitely not limited to the newer models," reader Reese said in an email.

Silent Google

Google has remained frustratingly silent. While researching the issue, we did reach out to Google about the popping issue, but we have yet to hear from the company.

Digging through official support forums and subreddits, I couldn't find any instances of Google support or mods responding with solutions or suggestions.

One "Silver product expert" on the Google support forums suggested the sound was due to "the floating element of the camera stabilisation system," which can produce such sounds, and asserted it was "normal for Pixel devices."

Other suggestions

I've seen suggestions that it's something to do with the apps themselves, which might be a developer issue. However, because it's widespread across multiple phone models, it suggests that it's something more than just random apps.

Tom's Guide reader Matteo Crone had this suggestion, "This can happen when voltage through the speakers change instantly it's most likely a power regulator or smart MOSFET issue if you will this could be due to the phone stoping supply of power to the speakers briefly to save battery."

If that is the case, it means it's a hardware and software issue with Pixel phones that Google needs to fix.

Whether Google knows this is an issue or is implementing a fix remains unknown, as the company remains silent.

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• I've been photographing wildlife for 4 years — here's what happened when the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL went toe-to-toe with my mirrorless camera

I believe the best camera you have is the one in your hands. Not only do I reviews cameras for a living, I also love photography as a hobby. I consider wildlife photography my niche, as I've been taking pictures of animals and birds since I was a young child. But even though the best camera phones have come a long way, can they keep up with mirrorless cameras, especially for wildlife photography? Yes and no.

I've spent the last month testing the OM System OM-1 Mark II, which is arguably the best camera for wildlife photography enthusiasts. I've also been using my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for three months now, so naturally, I took photos on both to see if the Pixel could keep up. It would be unfair to say which of the two is better as smartphones can rarely compete directly with cameras when it comes to optics and image quality. I just want to show you the advantages and disadvantages, and that you can still use a smartphone for wildlife — with some compromises.

A quick rundown of specs

First things first, let's talk about the specs of both the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the OM System OM-1 Mark II. We'll start with the Pixel. The smartphone features 50MP f/1.68 main, 48MP f/1.7 ultra-wide, 48MP f/2.8 5x telephoto, and 42MP f/2.2 selfie cameras. To take photos in 50MP, though, you'll need to enable it via the 'Pro' settings in the camera's menu. These photos are labelled as 'hi-res' and take up more space on your phone.

To get good photos of wildlife, you need to observe them in their natural habitat from a distance, which is why you need decent zoom. The Pixel 10 Pro XL packs a 5x optical zoom and 100x Pro-Res Zoom which uses AI to upscale the image. While it does a solid job, you obviously lose some detail in processing, which I'll talk about in a second.

Moving on to the OM-1 Mark II. This is a Micro Four Thirds camera, which means it's sensor size is smaller than that of full frame cameras. Its native resolution tops out at 20.4MP but there are two High-Res Shot modes which let you stack eight to 12 images to get 50MP (handheld) or 80MP (tripod) photos. The OM-1 Mark II captures bright images with popping colors.

Cameras should be paired with long-reaching telephoto lenses so that you get great image quality and capture plenty of detail, and one such lens is the 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS M.Zuiko Digital ED which I used for testing the OM-1 Mark II. Thanks to the crop factor on the camera, you get a full frame equivalent focal length of 300-1200mm, which lets you get up close and personal with animals. No generative AI is involved, unlike on the Pixel — it's just glass and optics.

The Pixel does a respectable job!

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a fantastic camera for wildlife but it has a drawback: its 20.4MP native resolution and poor high-ISO performance. This is a limitation of Micro Four Thirds cameras in general, which is why it feels natural to compare the OM-1 Mark II's image quality to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL — they feel like they're on (sort of) level playing ground. On the other hand, comparing the Pixel to the 100MP Fujifilm GFX100RF would not be okay.

This is all to say that the Pixel 10 Pro XL does a respectable job of capturing images, with quite a bit of detail and nice colors, as you can see in the gallery above. I'm surprised by just how sharp the pigeons' feathers and wings look. Of course, there is some grain in the background and in the birds' wings, but again, it's a limitation of the phone camera's small sensor.

This isn't to say that the OM-1 Mark II doesn't capture great photos. The colors in the gallery above are stunning, especially in the photos of the kingfisher and the European robin.

What about autofocus and burst?

Two areas where the OM System OM-1 Mark II, or most other mirrorless cameras, has a leg-up is autofocus and burst shooting. Though image quality on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is commendable, the smartphone massively struggles to keep up with birds in flight. But that's just a limitation of smartphones in general as not all of them feature AF and sequential shooting as advanced as that on mirrorless cameras.

The photos in the gallery above were taken on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. As you can see, a lot of detail has been lost in the action shots, such as the wings of the seagulls and cormorant appearing blurry and undefined. The Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn't feature a sequential shooting mode, where a camera takes a series of photos with the single press of the shutter button. This is a big disadvantage for wildlife photography, as you'll want to capture all the action possible.

Check out the photos taken on the OM-1 Mark II, in comparison. The camera features a rapid 120fps drive, as well as slower 10fps to 50fps drives. This means you're able to capture birds in flight or animals sprinting without missing a beat.

The OM-1 Mark II's burst performance is further bolstered by a powerful autofocus system, which quickly locks on to even the smallest of wildlife. The Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn't do this, which results in hit-and-miss photos. Even when subjects are heavily or lightly obscured by tree branches or leaves, the OM-1 Mark II's autofocus doesn't fail.

Its autofocus works even better than my own eyes, frankly speaking. I couldn't actually see the goldfinch before I captured it, because it was right overhead and all I could hear was it chattering away. I pointed the OM-1 Mark II and the camera quickly found it and the 150-600mm focused on it without missing a beat.

And how about the zoom?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has introduced a 100x Pro Res zoom as well as an optical 5x tele zoom, which in theory, should enable you to zoom right in to capture wildlife. But as you zoom in, you encounter a drop in resolution, which is, again, related to the camera's sensor size. This doesn't happen when you use a dedicated wildlife camera and a telephoto lens.

Take a look at the two photos in the gallery above. The first image was shot on the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the second on the OM-1 Mark II. There's a clear difference in the two shots, as the second one is of higher resolution, and you can see the tawny's owl's feathers and other features clearly. The first shot, on the other hand, looks muddled up, with all the elements in the scene merging into one.

To summarize...

At the end of the day, a mirrorless camera and a smartphone have different use cases. A smartphone is something you use every day to make calls, keep in touch with friends and family, access social media on, and alongside it all, it can take photos. A mirrorless camera is for when you want to hone your photography, create photos that can be sold as prints, bolster your portfolio, and just capture high-resolution images.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a great smartphone that takes good images. The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a great camera that takes lovely images, is much easier to handle for when you're shooting handheld for a long time, and delivers sharper image quality. The added advantage of being able to swap lenses to alter your shooting style is a big advantage. too.

I use my Pixel a lot for photography when I don't have my camera at hand, and it's good option if you want on-the-fly photography, but it doesn't compare to professional equipment. Make sure to check out my full OM System OM-1 Mark II review and our Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review for the complete low-down on image quality.

More from Tom's Guide

• ‘It breaks the laws of physics’: the OM System OM-1 Mark II is now my favorite wildlife camera, and its 120fps burst isn’t even the best part
• ‘Few wildlife cameras come close to this’: why the OM System OM-1 Mark II is perfect for photographing birds in flight and other animals
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If you've heard strange audio pops from your Google Pixel 10, you may not be alone. Several reports from Pixel owners have popped on social media about this.

The sound seems to happen randomly when Pixel owners open or close apps and has been described as "extremely loud." Reports have appeared in multiple Reddit threads going back months, and possibly affects more than just the newer Pixel 10 phones.

The most recent thread (via Android Authority) popped up this week.

"I'm randomly getting very loud audio pops sometimes when apps are opened or closed, like the speakers are being overloaded for a split second when applications are switched out. Is there a fix for this? Its quite concerning," wrote the Redditor Glad_Ad_523.

Several comments corroborate the original poster's reports with one saying it seemed to happen with games. A number of replies speculated that it seems to happen if audio is playing as you switch apps.

One person said they got their Pixel 10 Pro speakers replaced while it was under warranty, but that the popping remained, suggesting that it's a software issue.

Some people are claiming that it happened as far back as the Pixel 7.

Goes back years

It's not exactly a new issue.

We found reports of the Pixel 10 Pro popping from a month ago, and an older one from five months ago. It seems to happen a lot with the language learning app Duolingo, which does have a lot of audio cues even outside of the lessons.

I was even able to find similar reports from two, three and six years ago.

It seems to be the same issue over and over again. Some people claimed it happened even if the volume was muted or all the way down. Other than opening or closing apps, the triggers don't appear to be consistent.

Google has not officially acknowledged the issue. I reached out to the company for clarification on the popping and if a fix is in the works. As of this writing, I haven't received a response, but I'll update this article if Google returns my calls.

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From the look of the rumors, comparing the Google Pixel 10a vs the Pixel 9a is going to give anyone a serious case of déjà vu.

The Google Pixel 10a, due to arrive in a matter of weeks, looks set to succeed the Pixel 9a as one of the best cheap phones on sale today. But whether that means it's the overall better purchase is another matter, as the specs seem to be so similar that the older phone may be the better buy than the newer one.

Using the rumored Pixel 10a specs we've seen so far, we've put together a comparison of it against the Pixel 9a. Ahead of its February 18 launch, this is the best idea we have of how the two phones will compare against each other.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Specs

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Price and availability

Google has announced that the Pixel 10a will arrive on February 18, so we're not going to have to wait long until you can pre-order it. The retail launch date isn't known yet however. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a is already up for sale, as it has been since March last year. It's a little sad it won't reach its first birthday before it gets replaced, but maybe that's just a me problem.

The Pixel 9a starts at $499, and it's claimed (via Dealabs) Google won't change that price for the Pixel 10a. That's a reasonable price for a phone designed to be affordable, although with the 9a likely to get discounted after the 10a's launch, it's still worth considering both even if your priority is pricing.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Design and display

After a big redesign last year for the Pixel 9a, it now looks like Google's not changing a whole lot for the Pixel 10a. Google's official renders of the 10a show the new model has slightly larger camera lens window, but otherwise we still have a flat-backed phone with squared-off sides, and what we assume to be the same flat display with a central punch-hole front camera.

Even the color of the new Pixel looks similar to the outgoing model, with the 10a in Google's renders looking similar in hue to the Iris option that the Pixel 9a was offered in. Google will likely offer black and white options for the Pixel 10a as it has for the 9a, with perhaps one other brighter color, to follow up on the pink Peony option the 9a also has.

Going back to the display, the old and new Pixel a-series phones are believed to be using the same 6.3 inch OLED "Actua" display, according to tipster Evan Blass, with a 120Hz maximum refresh rate. Assuming Google doesn't make any alterations to the basic hardware between generations, this bright, colorful screen should still be one of the best around.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Cameras

We are led to believe that the cameras on the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a will be exactly the same. The 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide and 13MP selfie cameras that Google used on the 9a are supposedly going to effectively be copy/pasted onto the model.

This doesn't rule out Google adding other camera functions to the Pixel 10a, or improving the image processing pipeline that the raw images go through between being captured on the camera sensor and displayed on your screen. But don't get your hopes up for big alterations.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Specs

Continuing the theme of familiar parts, the Pixel 10a will apparently use the same chip as the Pixel 9a - Google's Tensor G4. The chip is a rare element to skip upgrading, especially when Google has the Tensor G5 on deck for the more expensive Pixel 10 models. It's perhaps justifiable, since processing power is not often a priority for budget phone shoppers. Google may even have squeezed more power out of the Tensor G4, having had another year to work on optimizing it. But we should probably assume that benchmark or gaming performance won't be that different on the Pixel 10a from the 9a.

That goes for memory specs too. The Pixel 10a will likely use 8GB RAM like the Pixel 9a, and a base 128GB storage option with a 256GB upgrade. These specs are par for the course with cheaper phones, although it's odd that Google seemingly doesn't want to increase the 10a's RAM despite its continued focus on Gemini AI features.

The Pixel 10's battery capacity and charging speeds aren't tipped to change from the Pixel 9a's either — 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging is nothing special, but will keep the spacious 5,100 mAh battery topped up when you need it. It would be fun if Google added PixelSnap magnetic support to the 10a to allow it to work with the new accessories made for other Pixel 10 models, though.

The Pixel 10a will launch with Android 16, while the Pixel 9a started with Android 15. While the 9a can be upgraded to the same Android version, it will run out of its seven promised updates a year sooner, by virtue of being a year older. It's an important consideration if you want as much mileage out of your new phone as possible.

New software and AI features could be given to the Pixel 10a, but equally Google may decide that due to the lower RAM capacity or other hardware limitations, these features have to be limited to the flagship Pixel 10 models.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Outlook

Now you've reached the end of this face-off, you can see why we think the transition from Pixel 9a to Pixel 10a will be one of the smallest phone upgrades of the year. Very little hardware seems to be changing, if any, and the software differences aren't likely to be much larger either.

The Pixel 10a isn't a hopeless case though. By being a year newer, it'll get an extra year of updates over the Pixel 9a, which is important for long-term value. And every unique Android or Gemini feature it gains from the Pixel 10 series will help justify buying it over the Pixel 9a a little more each time.

Users who already have a Pixel 9a should probably put any thoughts about upgrading to the 10a to bed already. But if you don't own either phone, the Pixel 9a could still be the better pick, depending on any discounts it receives after the Pixel 10a arrives. But if you want a more concrete opinion, then return to this page in the near future when we've reviewed the Pixel 10a and can show you whether it beats the Pixel 9a or not with the test data to prove it.

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