5 Reasons I Picked the Google Pixel 10 on Launch and Why You Should Too

I picked the Pixel 10 at launch. As someone who has been hypercritical of Pixels (I still am), I've also had a soft spot for them since the Pixel 2 XL days, largely due to the user experience. My number one complaint has always been the narrative around performance and overheating. When Google announced the Pixel 10 with a TSMC-based Tensor G5, I was excited that people would finally stop complaining.

And while Tensor G5 does fix a few issues, my reasons for buying the Pixel 10 at launch extend beyond just the chip. The design, the cameras, the software magic and more importantly, circumstances. Therefore, here are the five reasons I picked the Google Pixel 10 on launch and why you should consider it too.

1

Telephoto finally arrives on the standard Pixel

After experiencing the Periscope lens and drafting my experience in the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review, I couldn't see myself using another phone that lacked zoom capabilities. The Pixel 10 is the first standard Pixel with a Telephoto lens, and as someone who likes Pixel's warm and saturated camera tuning, I knew I had to get the Pixel 10.

Although the Pixel 10's telephoto is a lower resolution 10.8 MP unit, it's capable of zooming in 5x, 2x more than the 3x zoom on Phone (3a) Pro. The Phone (3a) Pro's higher resolution 50 MP periscope is hands down the sharpest of both, but Pixel's reachability almost makes up for it. 

However, my complaint with most periscope/telephoto cameras is the inconsistent colour science. The Pixel 10 has the more desirable and likeable post-processing, which makes me use the telephoto to unlock new perspectives all the time. As my colleague Anshuman rightfully notes in his Pixel 10 review, its cameras still give out photos that are true-to-life.

While I wish the images were a bit sharper, I have no complaints with their existing quality. If you always wanted a telephoto in standard Pixel, the Pixel 10 is the device to get.

2

Tensor G5 is brought the efficiency upgrades I was hoping for

One of the main highlights of the Pixel 10 series is the Tensor G5, which is the first Tensor processor to be based on TSMC's 3nm manufacturing process. While Tensor G5 doesn't magically bump up performance numbers, it does bring slight improvements, with most of it geared toward efficiency.

As someone who used a Pixel 6 and Pixel 8a, I was tired of the devices overheating on me even when carrying out basic tasks, but that's not the case with the Pixel 10. The phone manages to stay cool during regular usage, and only gets slightly warmer when I push it with multitasking.

Now, do I wish the performance were on par with at least the Snapdragon 8 Elite? Absolutely. But as someone who doesn't game much, I've had no complaints with the performance. Therefore, if performance is no bar for you, the Pixel 10 offers an enjoyable user experience. Besides, as an OG Pixel user, the Tensor G5 is definitely a good upgrade over the Samsung-manufactured Tensor SoCs.

3

Pixel Design and Indigo colour are headturners

Pixels have always had desirable colour options that, combined with their unique camera visor designs, always stood out from the crowd. The Pixel 9's design almost convinced me, but I held off on my purchase due to the Tensor G5 TSMC rumours floating around, and I'm glad I did.

While Pixel 9's Peony is still a colour to die for, Indigo Blue struck the perfect balance of minimalism and premium-ness for me. I knew I had to get it on day one. It turns heads in public spaces, with people going, "That's a flashy colour".

Besides, the other thing that convinced me to get the Pixel 10 was the built-in magnets inside the phone, which Google calls Pixelsnap. I'm a sucker for smartphone accessories and minimalism, so I also ordered a magnetic wallet to keep my cards and cash easily accessible, eliminating the need to carry an extra bulky wallet in my pockets.

4

The Software perks were hard to ignore

Before owning a Pixel 10, I had the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 8a. When Google rolled out Material 3 Expressive features to Android 16, it felt like a breath of fresh air. However, since I was trying it out on a four-year-old phone and a mid-range device, the sluggish experience left me wanting to experience it on a recent flagship Pixel.

What sealed the deal for me was when Google announced a handful of AI smarts like Magic Cue. While the feature has a long way to go when it comes to contextual suggestions, it has loads of potential. I could definitely see myself using it a lot often once it integrates deeply into the software experience.

The rumoured arrival of features like AI-powered Scam Detection and Call Screening was also in the air, as per leaks back then. Well, Scam Detection did make its way to Pixel 10, but the latter is still missing in India. These features, alongside many other AI smarts like Magic Eraser, Editor, Best Take and Camera Coach, finally convinced me to get the Pixel 10, and I've been liking the experience so far.

5

The Discounts were too good this time

With the launch of the Pixel 10 series, Google handed out massive discount coupons for users in India. Those in the Gold or Platinum tier of Google Play Points were gifted discount vouchers worth Rs 13,000 and Rs 15,000, respectively. Besides, Google partnered with Cashify and was giving out an extra Rs 5,000 off on a discount, which I did avail by exchanging my old Pixel 6, which was pretty much in mint condition. There was also a flat additional Rs 7,000 discount on HDFC credit cards.

The Pixel 10 launched for Rs 79,999, but with the additional discounts, coupon codes and exchange offers, I was able to secure a unit for Rs 48,000, effectively, which I think was a pretty attractive deal.

To top it off, there was also a no-cost EMI option. While you won't be getting any discounts on buying the Pixel 10 now, you could wait for the next Flipkart sale, when Pixels usually get massive discounts. However, there are still loads of time before the next sale.

So, is the Pixel 10 finally the perfect phone? No. As a hypercritical user, I still find things to complain about. The Indian smartphone market is ruled by the idea that bigger means better, which applies to camera megapixels and processor benchmarks. In Pixels, though, the experience transcends just numbers to the overall user experience.

And by no means am I trying to justify Pixel 10's lower-than-average performance numbers, but Pixels generally have more to them than meets the eye. With a practical telephoto, an efficient chip, a great design and smart software, all made irresistible by a massive launch discount, the Pixel 10 is a good phone for those who look beyond just numbers.