“So, Google makes phones?”. Last year, while we were tesing a pixel 9, this remark almost systematically arose in a Switzerland or the Apple or Samsung smartphones (not to mention some Chinese brands) seemed to take the place. Google is not at its first try, since the Pixel range, made up of 100% models designed by the Mountain View firm, has existed since 2016. It was nonetheless little highlighted and left in light other models, based on the Android operating system (Google property) and equipped with a software that is specific to each brand.
The situation has changed. From one generation to the other, the pixels have operated a slow upmarket to reach, with the Pixels 10, to a position where the brand has no longer to envy its competitors. A culminating point form, in a way.
At the very end of August, Google fully renews its facade made up of a basic model and two so -called “pro” models. These are the Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro XL (the one with the largest screen). Added to this is a folding model, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
The first two models have the elegance not to explode the glass ceiling of the price (which we arbitrarily fix 1000 €). The Pixel 10 (from 800 €), remains below whatever the chosen memory capacity and the pro also (950.-) as long as we stay at 128 GB. All versions of the XL are located above 1000 €. As for the folding model, it is placed out of competition since it is the ceiling (of crystal) of the 2000 € which is exploded for its version most richly equipped with storage memory (1 TB).
The Pixel 10 Pro XL in hand
The model that has been in our hands for a few days is the Pixel 10 Pro XL. At first glance, it seems rigorously identical to the equivalent model of previous generation. Same alloys of noble components (glass and aluminum), same weight reassuring about the quality of the manufacture, same dimensions. However, it is differentiated by a series of “small” improvements in the fields of brightness, autonomy. The operating system is Android 16.
This is not seen at first glance, but Google has nonetheless singularly improved the capacities of its smartphones by equipping it with a new “brain”, the G5 tensor, while refining its talents in terms of photography. These models are also provided with the necessary magnets and the current standard to accept accessories such as wireless chargers, even those of Apple.
The new brain is obviously designed for the development of artifelled intelligence (AI), a new grail that we have not finished hearing. This aspect, we experience it with curiosity, but also with caution and sometimes also with a bit of resistance. Google promises to be respectful of our privacy, which seems to be in contradiction with the data harvest required by AI. The Tensor G5 would allow his brain to shine without necessarily having to communicate with Google servers.
A scratch surface
That said, the technology may still appear stammering, it produces impressive effects (especially in terms of understanding our oral expressions and also on the side of photographic assistance). We note that on models 10, access to IA features has been clarified. However, we still have the impression of scratching a surface without having yet aware of what AI could bring us concretely. It is a constantly updated project. It is observed with a mixture of fascination and skepticism.
On the photo side, we had to concede our limits. The Pixel 9 (just like the iPhone 16 and other Samsung brand models) already gave us complete satisfaction as an unlit amateur. Apart from an optical zoom of great efficiency, so we have all the sorrows of the world to consider as significant the contributions of the Pixel 10. This is why we entrusted the device for a few days to a professional photographer, not the genre to be a delighted with the crèche with a smartphone. From his journey, Vincent Hofer returned with a number of paper prints (from a high -end printer). The results are very impressive in our eyes, which the photographer who attributes to his experience a “nine out of ten” € confirms to his experience. It was not won in advance.
In conclusion, the Pixel 10 makes us the impression of devices that do not steal their status as a high -end model, even for the basic that which has little to envy the “pro” versions. This would be the model to recommend to those whose needs are limited to a good smartphone without fuss and who do not want to see the glass ceiling of the broken price. The pro range is on paper better equipped, but without flashy effects. One thing seems sure to us, however, Google has joined the top trio with specificities sometimes higher, sometimes in the average of excellence.
