Pixel 10 camera Speculations: A Shift in Strategy?
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Whispers surrounding Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 are intensifying, particularly concerning its camera setup. While previous rumors pointed towards teh inclusion of a telephoto lens in the base Pixel 10 model, a recent report suggests a more nuanced picture, indicating potential downgrades in other key camera components.
Historically, Google’s standard Pixel phones have shared similar core specifications and camera capabilities, with the absence of a telephoto lens being the primary differentiator from their “Pro” counterparts. however, the Pixel 10 appears poised to disrupt this pattern, introducing both enhancements and compromises.
Rumored Camera Configuration: A Closer Look
According to a source, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are expected to maintain the same camera hardware as the Pixel 9 Pro series. Tho, the standard Pixel 10 is rumored to undergo notable changes in its camera components.
The most notable addition is the anticipated telephoto lens, utilizing an 11MP Samsung sensor. While the exact optical zoom capabilities remain undisclosed, it’s speculated that it could mirror the 5x periscope lens found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, given the shared Samsung 3J1 sensor. this aligns with the idea that a telephoto lens on the base Pixel 10 could make sense. The same sensor is also expected to serve as the front-facing camera, a strategy mirroring the Pixel 9.
“source inside Google”
Android Authority
Though, this addition may come at a cost.The primary and ultrawide camera sensors are reportedly being swapped out. The main sensor is rumored to be replaced with a samsung GN8, the same 50MP sensor used in the Pixel 9a, rather of the Samsung GNV found in the Pixel 9, Pixel 10 Pro, and pixel 10 Pro XL. Similarly, the ultrawide sensor is expected to be downgraded from a 48MP Sony IMX858 to a 13MP Sony IMX712, mirroring the Pixel 9a. This decision raises eyebrows, considering the existing similarities between the base Pixel flagship and the “a-series” device. As such, these rumors should be approached with caution.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: A Potential Camera Upgrade
In contrast to the potential downgrades in the base Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to receive a significant camera upgrade, perhaps featuring the same main camera sensor as Google’s other upcoming Pro devices. This could position the Pro Fold as a true photography powerhouse within the Pixel lineup.
The Role of Tensor G5 and Custom ISP
Adding another layer of intrigue, google is reportedly developing a new, fully custom camera ISP (Image Signal Processor) for the Pixel 10 series, integrated with its Tensor G5 chipset. The current market share of smartphones with dedicated ISPs is growing, with companies like Apple and Samsung investing heavily in this technology. In theory, this custom ISP could compensate for the hardware changes and optimize image processing, potentially bridging the gap in camera performance. Though, the actual impact remains uncertain at this early stage.
new, fully custom camera ISP
9to5google.com
What camera sensors are rumored for the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL?
Pixel 10 Camera Speculations: A Shift in Strategy?
Published: April 3, 2025
Recent developments in Google’s Pixel 10 series have sparked meaningful discussions, particularly regarding its camera configuration. Historically, Google’s standard Pixel models have maintained a consistent set of core specifications and camera capabilities, with the absence of a telephoto lens being a notable differentiator from their “Pro” counterparts. However, emerging reports suggest that the Pixel 10 may deviate from this pattern, introducing both enhancements and compromises in its camera setup.
Rumored Camera Configuration: A Closer Look
According to recent leaks, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are expected to retain the same camera hardware as the Pixel 9 Pro series. In contrast, the standard Pixel 10 is rumored to undergo notable changes in its camera components.
The most notable addition is the anticipated telephoto lens, utilizing an 11MP Samsung sensor. While the exact optical zoom capabilities remain undisclosed,it’s speculated that it could mirror the 5x periscope lens found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold,given the shared Samsung 3J1 sensor. This aligns with the idea that a telephoto lens on the base Pixel 10 could make sense. The same sensor is also expected to serve as the front-facing camera, a strategy mirroring the Pixel 9.
“Source inside Google”
Android Authority
Though, this addition may come at a cost. The primary and ultrawide camera sensors are reportedly being swapped out. The main sensor is rumored to be replaced with a Samsung GN8, the same 50MP sensor used in the pixel 9a, rather than the Samsung GNV found in the Pixel 9, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Similarly, the ultrawide sensor is expected to be downgraded from a 48MP Sony IMX858 to a 13MP Sony IMX712, mirroring the Pixel 9a.This decision raises eyebrows, considering the existing similarities between the base Pixel flagship and the “a-series” device.In this very way, these rumors should be approached with caution.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: A Potential Camera Upgrade
In contrast to the potential downgrades in the base Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to receive a significant camera upgrade, perhaps featuring the same main camera sensor as Google’s other upcoming Pro devices. this could position the Pro Fold as a true photography powerhouse within the Pixel lineup.
The Role of Tensor G5 and Custom ISP
adding another layer of intrigue, Google is reportedly developing a new, fully custom camera ISP (Image Signal Processor) for the Pixel 10 series, integrated with its Tensor G5 chipset. The current market share of smartphones with dedicated ISPs is growing, with companies like Apple and Samsung investing heavily in this technology. In theory, this custom ISP could compensate for the hardware changes and optimize image processing, perhaps bridging the gap in camera performance. Though, the actual impact remains uncertain at this early stage.
“New,fully custom camera ISP”
9to5google.com
Potential Impact on Google’s Smartphone Strategy
The inclusion of a telephoto lens in the base Pixel 10 model signifies a potential shift in Google’s smartphone strategy. Traditionally, the Pro models have been the focal point for advanced features, including superior camera capabilities. By introducing a telephoto lens in the standard model, Google may be aiming to offer a more competitive product in the mid-range segment, challenging other manufacturers who have incorporated similar features in their base models.
However,this move could also lead to challenges in differentiating the Pro models.To maintain the appeal of its premium devices, Google may need to enhance the Pixel 10 Pro series with additional features such as improved primary camera sensors, higher storage options, enhanced battery and charging capabilities, and exclusive AI features. These enhancements would not only justify the premium pricing but also reinforce the Pro models’ position as the flagship offerings in the Pixel lineup.
conclusion
As the pixel 10 series approaches its anticipated release, the evolving camera configurations and strategic decisions by Google will play a pivotal role in shaping the smartphone market landscape. While the integration of a telephoto lens in the base model signifies a notable shift, the true impact will depend on the execution of these features and the overall user experience. Enthusiasts and consumers alike await further official announcements to gain a clearer understanding of the Pixel 10’s capabilities and its place within the competitive smartphone arena.
