Released in August 2025, Google’s Pixel 10 has won positive reviews for features like its long battery life, high performance, quality camera setup and AI features. The latest in Google’s popular Pixel range, it’s available in four models: the standard Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL or Pixel 10 Pro Fold. So is the Google Pixel 10 worth it, particularly if you’ve already bought the Pixel 9? Should you upgrade?
Google’s Pixel 10 smartphones have a reputation for being high-quality, reliable Android handsets with models for every price point. The Google Pixel 10 is no exception, combining the search engine giant’s intuitive, easy-to-use approach with new features like Pixel Snap magnetic charging for Android.
If you’re an Android lover, you can always trust Google to deliver in terms of quality. But when it comes to the Google Pixel 10 vs. 9, how do these smartphones compare? OzMobiles looks at the leaps that Google has made with its Pixel 10. We also offer a fresh approach to finding the right smartphone: buying refurbished.
Google Pixel 10 vs 9: The Differences
For the Pixel 10, Google seems to have followed the old advice of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. The benefits and features that made the Pixel 9 and previous Google models popular with Android users are still present. But like all smartphone brands, Google is quick to adopt the latest technology and innovations to take its smartphones to the next level. Here is how the Google Pixel 10 vs. 9 measure up:
Software and performance
The biggest difference between the two models lies in the Google Pixel 10’s upgrade to a new fully custom chip: the Google Tensor G5. The Tensor G5 is Google’s biggest chipset upgrade yet and delivers an incredible performance boost, including up to 60% more powerful TPU and 34% faster on average CPU. This makes your Pixel more responsive while carrying out everyday tasks like browsing the Internet, as well as more capable of powering heavy-duty AI features and the best Pixel camera so far (more on that below).
Cameras
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL models deliver what Google calls its best camera system yet. That includes an optical image stabilisation module with twice the rate of compensation, plus Video Boost for the best video stabilisation on a smartphone.
The Pixel 10 base model offers a fine camera in its own right as the first base model to receive its own telephoto lens. Previously reserved for Pro models, this 5X telephoto lens delivers best-in-class zoom quality, 10X optical quality and Super Res Zoom to capture every detail. While the Google Pixel 9 still manages to take impressive snaps for a camera without a Zoom lens, the Google Pixel 10 definitely delivers a better, sharper, clearer image.
Size and design
Many of the changes between the Google Pixel 10 vs. 9 are more subtle, with elements like the camera bar and aluminium frame remaining. However, the Google Pixel 10 is a little heavier and thicker than the Pixel 9, and it comes in a slightly different colour range, with poetic colour names like Porcelain and Wintergreen. Both phone models feature tough Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, and are IP68-rated for water and dust-resistance.
Battery life and charging
The Google Pixel 10 gives battery life a boost. On the Pixel 10, battery life lasts around 7 hours and 16 minutes, compared to 6 hours and 48 minutes on the Pixel 9.
Google also introduced Pixel Snap wireless charging on the Pixel 10, so you have the power of magnetic charging at your fingertips. Charge your phone and other Google devices, like your Pixel Tablet and Pixel Buds, without cables or clutter.
Google Pixel 10 Compared to the Latest Android & iPhone
The smartphone space is a crowded one with the biggest brands in the world pushing for new innovations in convenience, technology and features. In the battle of Google Pixel 10 vs 9, the Google Pixel 10 definitely represents the next stage in the Pixel’s development. But how does it compare to the iPhone 17 or the Samsung Galaxy S25?
Here’s how the latest flagships measure up for both Apple and Android lovers:
iPhone 17
Both the Google Pixel 10 and the iPhone 17 feel like premium devices that deserve the label of flagship phones. The Pixel 10’s Actua OLED display is as bright and vibrant as the 120Hz refresh display on the iPhone, and both look amazing.
Both phones take excellent photos, but the Google Pixel 10 has an extra Zoom lens, which makes it easier to take crystal-clear photos from far away.
Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung has been the leader in the Android world for a long time. But the quality of the Google Pixel 10 makes this choice a close call even for diehard Samsung fans. Both phones are similar in positive ways, with the Google Tensor G5 and Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy offering high levels of performance.
Neither smartphone is a slacker when it comes to software. Both phones use Android 16, with 7 years of OS and security updates. Both Google’s built-in AI Gemini and Samsung’s AI enhance your experience with helpful features. However, Galaxy AI is currently slated to finish at the end of 2025 – a point in the Pixel’s favour.
Is The Google Pixel 10 Worth It?
There’s a lot to recommend about Google’s latest flagship smartphone. So is the Google Pixel 10 worth it? As always, the answer depends heavily on your tastes and your personal situation. While the Google Pixel 10 is a great smartphone, it’s not the only great smartphone on the market. For some users, nothing can replace the convenience of Apple's connected ecosystem, even though the Pixel definitely stands up to the iPhone in terms of quality.
If you want a reliable Android phone for everyday use, or if you love Google’s smartphones but haven’t replaced your Pixel in a while, you’ll love the Pixel 10.
If you’d rather score a bargain on an older smartphone, the best place to look is among the refurbished models here on OzMobiles’ website.
Buy the Latest Google Pixel Phones at OzMobiles
You can buy the latest Google Pixel phones refurbished here on the OzMobiles website. We offer the best prices on locally sourced Google Pixel phones, including the Google Pixel 7, 8, 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. With our hot deals, you can save hundreds of dollars (or even a grand or more) on a Google Pixel phone.
Refurbished phones offer you the quality of a new smartphone at second-hand prices, and OzMobiles has an extensive range of refurbished phones. All of our models have been put through a stringent 72-point testing process to make sure they meet high Australian standards, including battery life, which we make sure is at 80%.
Every OzMobiles device comes with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our Price Beat Guarantee means if you find a better deal on the same phone elsewhere, we’ll beat that price by $10 (terms and conditions apply).
To find out more, contact the OzMobiles team online.
