By Technology Correspondent | 4 April 2025
Google appears to be gearing up for a significant camera overhaul on its upcoming Pixel 10 smartphone, with notable changes expected in both the hardware and image processing capabilities.
According to a report from Android Authority, the standard Pixel 10 model could see its biggest camera upgrade in years, bringing it closer to the Pro lineup in terms of photographic prowess. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro variants may see only minor tweaks, keeping much of their existing hardware intact.
Google Pixel 10: Expected camera upgrades
One of the most exciting changes rumoured for the Pixel 10 is the introduction of a telephoto lens, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro models.
- The standard Pixel 10 is expected to sport an 11MP Samsung 3J1 sensor for its telephoto camera.
- While exact optical zoom capabilities are yet to be confirmed, this sensor is identical to the one used in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, hinting at a potential 5x periscope zoom system.
- If accurate, this change would give the base Pixel model an unprecedented photography boost, bringing it closer to flagship-level versatility.
Beyond the telephoto addition, Google is also making major changes to the main and ultra-wide cameras:
- The primary sensor is expected to be a 50MP Samsung GN8, the same one used in the Pixel 9a.
- This is a shift from the 50MP Samsung GNV sensor found in last year’s Pixel 9 and its Pro counterparts.
- The ultra-wide camera, however, might be seeing a downgrade, moving from the 48MP Sony IMX858 in the Pixel 9 to a 13MP Sony IMX712 sensor—the same sensor found in the Pixel 9a.
While the downgraded ultra-wide sensor could disappoint some users, the inclusion of a telephoto lens on the base model suggests Google may be trying to create a more balanced camera system, providing users with greater zoom capabilities instead of prioritising ultra-wide shots.
Google Pixel 10 Pro models: Minor refinements expected
Unlike the standard Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro models are expected to retain much of their existing camera hardware.
- Reports suggest that both the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL will not see major sensor upgrades, keeping the same configurations as their Pixel 9 Pro predecessors.
- However, Google might still introduce software-based improvements, such as enhanced image processing algorithms or AI-powered photography enhancements.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, on the other hand, could receive a more noticeable camera upgrade.
- The primary sensor on the foldable model is rumoured to be a 50MP Samsung GN8, the same as the Pixel 9a.
- This is a departure from the 64MP Sony IMX787 sensor currently used in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel 8a.
- While this may seem like a downgrade in terms of megapixel count, the Samsung GN8 sensor is expected to deliver better low-light performance and improved dynamic range.
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Software & AI enhancements: The custom image signal processor (ISP)
Beyond hardware changes, Google is reportedly focusing on image processing improvements, with a custom-built Image Signal Processor (ISP) expected to debut alongside the next-generation Tensor G5 chip.
- This new ISP could introduce faster image processing, better HDR capabilities, and more advanced AI-driven enhancements for computational photography.
- Google has long relied on software-based optimisations to compete with rivals like Apple and Samsung, and this move could further enhance photo quality and real-time processing speeds.
What this means for Pixel users
The introduction of a telephoto lens on the standard Pixel 10 could make it a more appealing choice for those looking for flagship-level photography at a lower price.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro models may not see drastic changes, but software refinements could still improve their overall camera experience.
With Google set to unveil the Pixel 10 series later this year, all eyes will be on whether these camera upgrades will help the company maintain its reputation as a leader in smartphone photography.
