Sep 11, 2025 10:42 AM
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I picked up the Google Pixel 10 yesterday, and after spending a full 24 hours with it, I can say this phone is more than just an incremental update, and you know why? Because it feels like Googles clearest vision yet of what a smartphone should be. Im not going to bore you with spec sheets. Instead, heres how it handled my actual day-to-day, with a few side glances at Apples new iPhone 17 that just launched.
Morning: First Impressions and Design
The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Pixel 10 was how comfortable it felt. Google has slightly refined the edges, so it sits better in the hand than the Pixel 9 did. The matte back resists fingerprints, and the brighter OLED display looks gorgeous even standing under direct sunlight. I checked emails during my chai and sutta break outside and had zero issues with visibility.
The Qi2 wireless charging is a small but surprisingly satisfying touch. I slapped it onto a MagSafe charger I had lying around from an old iPhone, and it worked like a charm. Apple may have pioneered that ecosystem, but Google finally feels like its catching up in a meaningful way.
Midday: Performance Check
By noon, Id been bouncing between Slack, Spotify, Chrome tabs, and a quick Call of Duty session. The Tensor G5 chip handles multitasking without hiccups, but heres the truth: if youre chasing benchmark numbers, the iPhone 17s A19 Bionic is still the king of raw speed. My tech influencer friend, who got an early access to the latest Apple addition, pulled out the iPhone 17 to run side-by-side speed tests, and yes, Apple was snappier on heavy apps.
That said, Googles strength lies in efficiency. Even with moderate gaming and constant notifications, the Pixel 10s battery comfortably got me past the 12-hour mark. I didnt feel tethered to a charger, which is more valuable to me than shaving half a second off app loads.
Afternoon: Camera Time
The highest selling point of the Pixels has been their cameras, and the addition of the Pixel 10 doesnt disappoint either. During lunch, I snapped shots of my food, and the detail was ridiculously appealing with colors popping up without looking cartoonish. Later, I used the new generative edit tool to remove a random guy photobombing my street shot, which again was seamless. And about Zoom, unless you zoom in like a CSI agent, which youd never know might also work, you're pretty much secured and covered there, too, by Google.
The iPhone 17 cameras are fantastic too, but Apple still leans on natural color science and manual tweaks. Google, on the other hand, feels like its giving me a safety net with AI. If youre into quick, effortless shots, the Pixel is a through-and-through winner.
Evening: Software & AI Features
In the evening, I tested some of Googles new AI features. The Live Translate worked beautifully when I chatted with a friend in Spanish; it went smoothly, and nearly in real-time. I also toyed with Magic Cue during a phone call; it suggested polite ways to decline a meeting without sounding rude. Was it Cool? -Yes. Was it essential? -Not really.
There are some caveats, too, though. Daily Hub, one of the highly anticipated personalization features, is currently disabled due to technical issues. And occasionally, the AI edits feel gimmicky, like suggesting to make the sky look more cinematic when I just wanted an authentic, natural look in the photo. These features make Googles AI push exciting, but not flawless.
Night: Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, I still had about 20% battery left, and honestly, according to my use, it's a lot. Scrolling before bed, I reflected on whether Id regret not waiting for the iPhone 17, and the truth is. not one bit. Apples new phone is blazing fast and has its loyal ecosystem, but the Pixel 10 feels more personal. The seven years of software support sealed it for me, and surely means this device isnt just about the survival of the present trend, but to become the best of Google for the long run.
The Verdict:
After a full day with the Pixel 10, I can confidently say its one of the most balanced smartphones Ive used. The design is clean, the cameras are brilliant, and the AI features, while still on an improvement roll, point toward where smartphones are headed. If you want a phone that blends Googles AI smarts with everyday practicality, the Pixel 10 is a stellar choice that'll be remembered as the best the brand has offered years down the line.
For me, it feels less like the identity of what an Android phone should be and more like the phones I've used in the past, and thats the highest compliment I can give.
