Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro Camera Details Leaked – Hint at Surprising Upgrades

Google seems to be making big changes to its Pixel lineup this year. After launching the Pixel 9a with a fresh redesign and a stronger sense of identity, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Pixel 10 series. This time, the non-Pro model might finally stand out with a new camera setup that includes a telephoto lens — a first for the standard Pixel variant.

But there’s a twist, and it’s not all good news.

Camera

According to new reports from Android Headlines and OnLeaks, the Pixel 10 will come with a triple rear camera system. That’s a major upgrade, considering past base Pixel phones only had two rear lenses — a wide and an ultrawide.

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The third camera is expected to be a telephoto lens, which has typically been reserved for the Pro models. Specifically, it’s said to be an 11-megapixel Samsung 3J1 sensor. This opens up more possibilities for zoomed-in photography and portrait shots, giving the Pixel 10 a new edge.

However, there’s a catch. To make room for the telephoto sensor, Google is reportedly using the same primary and ultrawide sensors found in the Pixel 9a — which are slightly less powerful than the ones in the Pixel 9. That could mean a downgrade in overall photo quality for wide and ultrawide shots, even though the telephoto adds versatility.

Here’s a quick comparison of the expected camera setups:

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Pixel 10 Pro and Fold

For those waiting on the Pixel 10 Pro or its XL sibling, there’s not much change to get excited about. The Pro models will reportedly stick to the same camera system as the Pixel 9 Pro series, which is still solid but not a dramatic leap forward.

Interestingly, there’s some movement with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This foldable variant is expected to use the Pixel 9a’s primary camera instead of the older sensor from the Pixel 8a. So even here, we’re seeing a bit of sensor shuffling.

Strategy

This shift in camera strategy seems intentional. By giving the standard Pixel 10 a third camera while slightly downgrading the others, Google may be trying to create more space between its A-series and base flagship models.

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Over the past few years, the Pixel A-series has gotten more premium with better screens, newer chips, and software support on par with flagship models. That blurred the lines between the affordable A-series and the more expensive standard Pixel models. By adding telephoto to the Pixel 10, Google gives it a new advantage, helping it stand apart from the Pixel 9a or future A-series phones.

Value

It remains to be seen how this strategy plays out in the real world. If users value zoom and portrait flexibility more than high-res main sensors, this could work in Google’s favor. But if image quality takes a noticeable dip, especially in wide and ultrawide shots, it might disappoint longtime Pixel fans who expect top-tier photography.

Google is clearly trying to balance innovation and product differentiation here — giving just enough new features to justify the Pixel 10’s price without overshadowing the Pixel 10 Pro or the A-series lineup.

For now, we’ll have to wait for the official reveal later this year to see how the cameras perform in real life. But it’s safe to say the Pixel 10 is shaping up to be a very different kind of Pixel — and that might be exactly what Google needs.

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