1. Dialed In
  2. Category:Devices

DevicesCategory

Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 Series: Processor Enhancements, Camera Upgrades & More

8 min read
Google Pixel phones have consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone tech, and with the launch of the Pixel 10 phones, it’s clear that Google is setting the stage for even greater innovations. Like last year, there are four Pixel phones: the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. But how do this year’s Pixel phones compare to the previous lineup?
The Google Pixel 10 Pro next to Google Pixel Pro 9.

In this guide, we’ll compare the Pixel 9 phones to the brand-new Pixel 10 phones, with a focus on design, display, performance, camera systems, and more. First, we’ll answer five important questions and go from there.

*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.

*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore Google smartphones in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.

Google Pixel 10 phones vs. Pixel 9 phones – Specs comparison chart

SpecsPixel 9Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XLPixel 9 Pro FoldPixel 10Pixel 10 Pro/Pro XLPixel 10 Pro Fold
Release DateAugust 2024August 2024August 2024August 2025August 2025October 2025
Display6.3" Actua6.3" / 6.8" Actua8" Super Actua inside / 6.3" Actua cover6.3" Actua6.3" / 6.8" Super Actua8" Super Actua inside / 6.4" Actua cover
ProcessorTensor G4Tensor G4Tensor G4Tensor G5Tensor G5Tensor G5
Camera Setup48MP + 50MP UltraWide48MP + 50MP UltraWide + 48MP Telephoto48MP + 10.5MP UltraWide + 10.8MP Telephoto48MP + 13MP UltraWide + 10.8MP Telephoto50MP +48MP+ 48MP48MP + 10.8MP UltraWide + 10.8MP Telephoto
Battery4,700mAh4,700 / 5,060mAh4,650mAh4,970mAh4,870 / 5,200mAh5,015mAh
Charging27W Wired27W / 37W Wired45W Wired, Qi Wireless29W Wired, Qi2 Wireless28W / 45W Wired, Qi2 Wireless45W Wired, Qi Wireless
RAM & Storage12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB16GB RAM, Up to 1TB12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB16GB RAM, 256GB/512GB16GB RAM, 256GB
Software Support7 years OS, Security7 years OS, Security7 years OS, Security7 years OS, Security7 years OS, Security7 years OS, Security
Price at Launch$799$999 / $1,199$1,799$799$999 / $1,199$1,799

What’s new in the Pixel 10 compared to Pixel 9?

Google continues to focus on three main areas of innovation with the Pixel 10: hardware performance, camera capabilities, and user experience through AI integration.

What is the price of the Pixel 10 compared to Pixel 9?

Prices are unchanged across the phones. Just like the Pixel 9s, the Pixel 10s start at $799 for the entry-level mode, and start at $1,799 on the Pro Fold models.

What are the phones in the Pixel 10 compared to Pixel 9?

There are four Pixel phones in both series:

  • Pixel 10 series: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold
  • Pixel 9 series: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold

What is the release date for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 phones?

Pixel 10 phones: All of the phones in the Pixel 10 series were released in August of 2025, with the exception of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which was released in October.

Pixel 9 phones: All of the phones in the Pixel 9 series were released in August of 2024.

Where can I buy Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 phones?

You can buy Pixel phones from several places, including big retailers, the Google Store, and major carriers like T-Mobile, to name a few.

5 key upgrades from the Pixel 9 to Pixel 10 include:

1. Display and usability

  • Like the Pixel 9’s entry level model, the Pixel 10 comes with a 6.3" Actua display, which is ideal for most users.
  • Once again, the Pro XL model has a big 6.8" Actua display. What’s changed is this year’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
  • While the Super Actua display is still  8" for a tablet-like experience when unfolded, the cover screen goes up an inch in size from 6.3" to 6.4".

2. Performance and processor

  • The Pixel 9 phones use the Tensor G4 chip. However, Pixel 10 phones make a leap with the newer Tensor G5, bringing better AI performance, improved power efficiency, and smoother multitasking, especially for high-end gaming and content creation.

3. Camera setup

  • The Pixel 10 Pro camera stays status quo from the previous year’s, while the entry level Pixel goes from a double to a triple setup. In addition, the new Pro and Pro XL’s triple setup gets a boost from a 48MP to a 50MP Macro Focus lens. The phones also see improved AI features, allowing for better low-light performance and image clarity.

4. Battery and charging

  • The Pixel 9 came with a 4,700mAh battery, providing a solid day’s worth of usage, but the Pixel 10 offers more longevity with a 4,970mAh battery in the base model. The other phones get a boost too, with a 4,870mAh in the Pro, a 5,200mAh in the Pro XL.
  • The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also includes a dual-cell battery, providing 5,015mAh vs. the 4,650 mAh battery over that of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold - for improved performance in tablet mode and the same fast charging with 45W wired support.

5. Software support

  • Both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 phones include 7 years of OS and security updates.
Two people sitting next to each other in a business setting with one holding the Google Pixel 10 Pro.

5 main differences between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 phones

  1. Display: While displays stay status quo for most models in the series, the Google Pixel Fold gets a boost on its outer screen, moving from 6.3 inches to 6.4.
  2. Processor: The Pixel 9 phones use the Tensor G4 chip, while the Pixel 10 phones jump to the Tensor G5, improving AI performance and energy efficiency.
  3. Camera: While both series offer excellent camera setups, three phones get a boost in camera features over the previous version, including the entry-level Pixel, Pro, and Pro XL.
  4. Battery and charging: The Pixel 10 phones have overall larger batteries and faster charging, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL leading the charge with a dual-cell 5,200mAh setup and 45W wired charging.
  5. Foldable Tech: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel 9 Pro XL Fold were Google's initial foray into foldable tech, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold improves on that design with a slightly larger (6.4 vs. 6.3 inch) outer display.

5 main similarities between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 phones

  1. Design philosophy: All the Pixel phones feature sleek designs with a premium build quality, with the Pro XL and Pro Fold phones sporting larger screens and more advanced camera setups.
  2. Software features: Both generations of Pixel phones come with Google’s standout 7 years of OS and security updates.
  3. Charging: Both series support Qi wireless charging and fast wired charging, though the Pixel 10 series has faster charging speeds overall.
  4. Storage and RAM Options: Both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 phones offer up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB storage options.
  5. Price: Like the Pixel 9 phones, the Pixel 10 phones prices start at $799 for the entry-level mode, and a starting price of $1,799 on the Pro Fold models.

Are the Pixel 10 phones worth the upgrade?

The Pixel 10 phones bring major upgrades to the table, especially in display technology, camera features, batteries, and charging. However, the Pixel 9 phones still stand as a solid choice for those who want many of the same core features but are looking to get a bargain deal on the previous year’s phones.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Google Pixel 10 vs. 9 phones

Why might I choose to upgrade to the Google Pixel 10 phones? 

You might choose the new Pixel phones for 5 key reasons: 

  1. Reason 1: The Pixel 10 phones feature the new Tensor G5 chip, offering better AI performance, power efficiency, and smoother multitasking, especially for high-end gaming and content creation.
  2. Reason 2: The Pixel 10 phones, including the entry-level model, upgrades to a triple-camera system, while the Pro and Pro XL introduce an even more powerful 50MP Macro Focus lens.
  3. Reason 3: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold now offers a bigger outer screen.
  4. Reason 4: The Pixel phones support fast wired charging (up to 45W on the Pro XL and Pro Fold) and now support Qi2 wireless charging on most devices, offering quicker battery top-ups compared to the Pixel 9.
  5. Reason 5: Larger batteries overall in the Pixel 10 phones ensure a longer battery life.

Why might I choose Google Pixel 9 phones? 

You might choose the older phones for 5 key reasons: 

  1. Reason 1: While the Pixel 10s start at the same price as the Pixel 9s, you might be able to find a better deal on the older models now that the new series has arrived.
  2. Reason 2: The Tensor G4 chip still provides robust AI performance, and while not as advanced as the G5, it remains great for most tasks, including gaming and everyday use.
  3. Reason 3: The Pixel 9’s camera setup still delivers great photo quality, with excellent low-light performance and AI enhancements.
  4. Reason 4: With a sleek, premium build, the Pixel 9 phones still offer a great user experience with their stunning displays and solid battery life.
  5. Reason 5: Like the Pixel 10 phones, the Pixel 9 phones promise 7 years of OS and security updates, ensuring that your phone remains up-to-date for years to come.

The Google Pixel 10

Looking for smart performance, pro-level photos, and all-day power in a sleek package? The Google Pixel 10 features the new Tensor G5 chip, a triple-lens AI camera, 6.3" Actua display, and fast Qi2 wireless charging — all starting at just $799.

Shop Now
You may also be interested in:

Sources

*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.

 *This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore Google smartphones in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.

Tags

Related Articles