The Google Pixel 10 series is officially open for pre-orders, introducing the first Pixel models powered by TSMC-made chipsets. Three new phones will begin shipping next week, while the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold arrives in October. Buyers benefit from Amazon gift cards bundled with pre-orders, keeping prices competitive with last year’s lineup.
Pixel 10 lineup: new features and incentives
The Pixel 10 becomes the first standard model to feature a telephoto lens. However, it steps down in main sensor size and ultra-wide resolution compared to the Pixel 9. Pre-orders include a $100 Amazon gift card.
The Pixel 10 Pro adds a larger 1/1.31” main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a superior telephoto lens. With a $200 gift card, the Pro is only $100 more expensive than the base Pixel 10 when discounts are factored in. It also boasts a higher-resolution LTPO OLED display, 16GB RAM, and new 15W Qi2 magnetic charging support.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL offers the same premium specs as the Pro, scaled up with a 6.8” LTPO screen, a 5,200mAh battery, and faster charging speeds (45W wired, 25W Qi2 wireless). Notably, it drops the 128GB option, starting at 256GB storage.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung rivalry
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, launching October 9, is the first U.S. foldable with IP68 dust and water resistance. It comes with a 5,015mAh battery, larger than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7, though it is heavier and thicker. Samsung’s foldable remains thinner and lighter, but Google’s durability rating sets it apart.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup competes directly. The Galaxy S25 is smaller and cheaper than the Pixel 10, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The S25 Ultra rivals the Pixel 10 Pro XL in price, while the Galaxy S25 Edge prioritizes weight savings, though it sacrifices battery life and telephoto performance.
Pixel Watch 4: first with Satellite SOS
Alongside the phones, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 4. This smartwatch features better battery life, health monitoring, and—most notably—Satellite SOS on the LTE version. The Pixel Watch 4 Wi-Fi and LTE models are now available for pre-order, with shipments beginning in October.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 counters with a slimmer build and a free SmartTag 2 bundled, though it lacks satellite support. The Watch8 Classic adds a rotating bezel but has a smaller display.
Pixel Buds 2a and ecosystem growth
The Google Pixel Buds 2a also join the ecosystem, offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and spatial audio. However, they lack wireless charging. These earbuds, like the Pixel Fold and Watch 4, will ship in early October.
Samsung users have alternatives in the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, both available now with similar premium features.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 10 series signals a strong step forward with its improved camera hardware, new Tensor G5 chipset, and bundled pre-order incentives. With the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a joining the lineup, Google is aiming to challenge Samsung’s dominance across phones, wearables, and accessories. The real test will be whether these upgrades and deals persuade buyers to embrace Google’s expanding ecosystem.
