Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9: All the biggest upgrades

With Google updating its smartphone lineup, it's time for a Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 comparison to detail all the changes made to year's entry-level flagship. And there are quite a few improvements to go over.

The Pixel 10 features upgraded cameras, a bigger battery and a brand new Tensor system-on-chip. That latter change enables a series of new AI-powered capabilities that figure to pad Google's lead in the race to build the best AI phone.

My colleague John Velasco was inspired to call the new phone "the biggest upgrade in years" for Google's entry-level flagship in his Pixel 10 review. But what are the specific differences from the Pixel 9 — and what's staying the same?

Here's a Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 comparison now that we've reviewed the new Google models. See our Pixel 10 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro face-off for a look at what's new with Google's Pro phones.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 specs

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 price and availability

The Pixel 9 arrived in stores after an August 2024 launch event. Flash forward to 2025, and the Pixel 10 also launched in August, a week after the August 20 Made by Google event.

The Pixel 9 saw a price hike from the Pixel 8, with the cost of the phone rising to $799. That didn't happen this time around, with the Pixel 10 keeping that $799 starting price, and Pixel 10 deals letting you pikck up the phone at a discount.

Google continues to sell the Pixel 9, but it continues to sell for $799 at Google's store. If you decide to go for the older phone, look for a discounted price now that the Pixel 10 is available.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 design and display

You'll be hard-pressed to find any differences in the look of the Pixel 10 compared to the Pixel 9. Unlike the budget Pixel 9a, the new flagship keeps the distinctive camera bar that's been a hallmark of recent Pixel phones. The Pixel 10 is essentially the same size as the Pixel 9, too, though it is marginally thicker to accommodate built-in magnets that support Qi2 wireless charging.

Those Pixel 10 magnets serve another purpose — they also work with accessories like charging stands and cases that use magnets to connect. That means MagSafe accessories, but Google has launched its own Pixelsnap accessories, too.

Display sizes haven't changed from 6.3 inches, and like the Pixel 9, the Pixel 10's refresh rate can range between 60 and 120Hz.

But there is an upgrade to the Pixel 10's panel. The phone now promises a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which is a slight improvement from the 2,700 nits the Pixel 9 topped out at. In our testing, the Pixel 9 delivered tremendous brightness with a reading of 1,769 nits on our light meter. The Pixel 10 managed to top that at 2,330 nits.

In other display metrics we measure, the Pixel 10's screen captures approximately the same amount of colors as before, and the two displays are largely as accurate with color as each other. That said, in the Natural mode setting, colors look a bit more accurate on the Pixel 9.

As for the colors of the phone itself, you can get a Pixel 10 showing up in Obsidian, Indigo, Frost, and Lemongrass. That compares to Obsidian, Porcelain, Winter Green and Peony for the Pixel 9. Personally, I'm sad to see the distinctive pink Peony fall out of Google's rotation, but the Indigo shade does look pretty striking.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 cameras

Cameras mark the biggest departure between the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9. The previous flagship featured dual rear cameras — a 50MP main lens and a 48MP ultrawide shooter. Google has actually downgraded the resolution on those sensors for the Pixel 10, as the main camera is now a 48MP shooter and the ultrawide lens comes in at 13MP.

But those changes are offset by the addition of a telephoto lens on the Pixel 10. The 10.8MP sensor doesn't have the resolution of the Pixel 10 Pro zoom lens, but it does match the 5x optical zoom. That puts the new Pixel on par with the camera setup on the Galaxy S25, another $799 phone with a telephoto lens (though Samsung's offering limits the zoom to 3x).

New camera capabilities powered by AI also debut on the Pixel 10. Camera Coach uses the Gemini assistant to bring real-time guidance on getting different shots. Auto Best Take removes the need to take multiple photos so that AI can pick the best one; instead, AI analyzes the faces in one shot and tweaks them so that everyone looks their best. You'll also be able to edit photos on the Pixel 10 just by telling the assistant what changes to make.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 performance and software

The AI features mentioned above are made possible by the new Tensor G5 silicon in the Pixel 10. That chip replaces the Tensor G4 Google used in the Pixel 9.

The Tensor G5 is a 3nm chip, compared to the 4nm Tensor G4. Google says that will lead to 60% better TPU performance and 34% faster CPU performance on the Pixel 10.

For what it's worth, the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 does post better CPU and GPU scores than the Pixel 9 and its G4 chips. And while that's a step in the right direction, you'll still get better performance from phones powered by the latest Qualcomm silicon, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25.

Even with the better performance from the G5, new AI features remain the story with the Tensor silicon, and there's plenty to explore on the Pixel 10. Besides the photo tools powered by AI, the Pixel 10 gains a new Magic Cue feature which surfaces relevant information when you're on the phone or replying to messages. Real-time translation features return, but now AI will try to mimic your voice when speaking in another language. And a new Take a Message feature creates suggestions based on the message left whenever you miss a phone call.

The Pixel 9 has already received the Android 16 update, after Google rolled out its software update earlier than usual. The Pixel 10 ships with Android 16 as well, but it will include the new Material 3 Express interface that allows for more personalization.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 battery life and charging

Pixel phones have historically struggled to keep up with their fellow flagships when it comes to battery life. But Google has taken steps to correct that with the Pixel 10.

In addition to whatever power savings are gained by the use of a 3nm system-on-chip, the Pixel 10 should benefit from a larger 4,970 mAh battery. That compares to the 4,700 mAh power pack inside the Pixel 9.

The end result is a better time on our battery test than the 12.5 hours averaged by the Pixel 9. When we had the Pixel 10 surf the web continuously until it ran out of power, the new phone posted a result of 13 hours and 13 minutes. While still short of the 15-plus hours you need to be considered among devices with the best phone battery life, the Pixel 10 can at least claim battery life that's much better than what the average smartphone offers.

As noted above, the Pixel 10 includes magnets to support Qi2 wireless charging. Meanwhile, wired charging improves from the 27W speed on the Pixel 9 to 30W with Google's new phone. That translates to a 52% charge after half-an-hour, which was slightly behind what the Pixel 9 turned in.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 outlook

Now that the Pixel 10 is tested and rated, we can confirm that this year's model is a lot better than the previous Pixel — and by a lot. The new phone lasts longer, runs faster and offers a brighter display. That's in addition to improvements that are readily apparent like the extra camera lens and new AI features.

In short, if you upgrade from an older phone, you can expect big improvements by leaping straight to the Pixel 10.

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