The Google Pixel 10 comes with a revamped tripple camera setup, but does the Pro model have anything extra to offer the serious photographer?
The new Pixels are here, and, to be frank, they’re a bit of a mixed bag in terms of upgrades. Perhaps one of the most significant changes to last year’s formula is that the Google Pixel 10 now features a third camera, bringing longer-range zoom capabilities to Google’s more affordable model and bringing it closer to the best camera phones.
For the same $799 price tag as last year, the Pixel 10 has become much more appealing to the series’ photography fans. But is there still a good reason to grab the Pixel 10 Pro or XL if you’re an avid photographer — well, yes, but like most things, it depends on what you need.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?Triple cameras aren’t all the same
So, what do you get with the Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro? Well, the entry-level and pro models look pretty similar at a quick glance. Both offer triple cameras, but there are some significant differences when you peer closer at the sensors.
The regular Pixel 10 comes with a 48MP main sensor and a 10.5MP ultrawide, which appears to be a downgrade from last year’s 50MP and 48MP setup. Meanwhile, the Pro and Pro XL have a 50MP and 48MP combo as before.
But it’s not the megapixels that I’m really interested in. As you can see in the table above, the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro XL have larger image sensors in both the primary and ultrawide cameras. That means better light capture, less noise, and more detail. Is the difference between 1/2.0-inch and 1/1.3-inch meaningful? Well, yes, the larger sensor has over 2x the surface area with which to capture light. Equally, the Pixel 10’s 1/3.1 ultrawide is positively tiny — it’s smaller than the camera on the OG Pixel.
Not only that, Google notes that the Pixel 10 Pro and XL boast improved stabilization on the main lens and autofocus for the ultrawide, both of which will help provide superior shooting in low light while capturing action shots.
