Pixel 10 Leaks: A Telephoto Lens, But at What Cost?

The anticipation surrounding Pixel leaks is always exciting, especially given Google's knack for delivering impressive smartphone experiences—clean Android, seamless AI integration, and surprisingly capable cameras. Last month's Pixel 10 renders sparked immediate interest, primarily due to a significant addition: a telephoto lens on the base model. This marks a departure from previous years, where telephoto capabilities were reserved for the Pro line.

The initial excitement, however, is tempered by recent leaks from Android Authority revealing the camera specifications. While the telephoto lens is a welcome addition, the overall camera setup presents a mixed bag.

Telephoto: A Welcome Addition, But Not Flagship Quality

The Pixel 10's inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens is undeniably positive. It enhances zoom photography and provides greater framing flexibility. This move also suggests a potential shift in Google's approach to differentiating its standard and Pro models. The 11MP Samsung 3J1 sensor, also found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is a capable mid-range lens, but it falls short of the flagship-level zoom offered by the 48MP sensor in the Pro models. You get zoom, but not top-tier zoom.

Compromises in Main and Ultrawide Cameras

This upgrade, however, comes at a cost. The Pixel 10 reportedly uses the Samsung GN8 main sensor, a downgrade from the larger GNV sensor in the Pixel 9. Similarly, the ultrawide camera is downgraded from the 48MP Sony IMX858 to a 13MP Sony IMX712—sensors found in the budget-friendly Pixel 9a. This is an unexpected compromise for a flagship successor. The selfie camera also sees a change, moving from a 13MP Sony IMX712 to the same 11MP Samsung 3J1 sensor as the telephoto lens. While autofocus might improve, resolution is sacrificed.

The rumored $799 price point suggests Google made these hardware choices to accommodate the telephoto lens without increasing the cost. This is a smart business decision, but disappointing for users prioritizing main and ultrawide camera quality.

Personal Perspective: Main and Ultrawide Are More Important

My experience with the Pixel 8 (which uses the same GN8 sensor) shows it delivers solid results. However, the difference between the Pixel 9's 48MP ultrawide sensor and the Pixel 10's proposed sensor is noticeable, particularly in detail and texture capture. For my daily photography, the main and ultrawide cameras are far more frequently used than the telephoto.

Therefore, while a three-camera base Pixel is appealing, sacrificing the main and ultrawide camera quality for a telephoto lens feels like a questionable trade-off.

Software Limitations

Google's computational photography prowess is undeniable. Previous Pixels have consistently outperformed more expensive phones in certain areas. However, even the most advanced software can't fully compensate for hardware limitations. Smaller sensors inherently capture less light, leading to increased noise and reduced dynamic range. The upcoming Tensor G5 chip may offer improvements, but relying heavily on software to compensate for hardware shortcomings is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Conclusion

The Pixel 10's camera upgrade is a double-edged sword. The telephoto lens is a welcome addition, but the downgrades to the main and ultrawide cameras raise concerns. Until actual photo samples are available, a final judgment remains impossible.

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