Google Pixel 10 'supremacy': Is this the beginning of iPhone’s end?

Google’s Pixel 10 series, launched on August 20, 2025 at the "Made by Google" event, has sparked intense debate.

Some claim it outpaces competitors like the iPhone by years. Others argue its advancements are overstated. 

These features aim to make the Pixel 10 a highly personalised, AI-driven device. Critics, however, argue many are gimmicky or already available on competitors.

Chip

The Google Pixel 10 series introduces compelling hardware upgrades.

These include the TSMC-made Tensor G5, a triple-camera system on the base model, and improved battery life. 

Google’s official account (@madebygoogle) touts the Pixel 10 as “super fast” with “unprecedented AI” and “unbelievable camera quality,” emphasising the Tensor G5 and premium design.

Its AI features aim to redefine smartphone interactivity, but skepticism on X suggests they may not be as groundbreaking as claimed, with hardware limitations like a potentially underpowered chip and camera trade-offs tempering enthusiasm. 

While the Pixel 10 pushes boundaries, it’s premature to declare it five years ahead of the iPhone. Instead, it’s a strong contender that challenges Apple but doesn’t definitively dethrone it. 

For the latest updates, check Google’s official channels or trusted tech sites like Android Authority and CNET.

However, skepticism persists, with critics questioning whether the hardware, particularly the Tensor G5 chip and camera system, justifies the hype. 

Below, we explore the confirmed hardware specifications from leaks, the touted AI features, and the polarized sentiments surrounding the device, drawing from recent leaks and posts on X.

Google positions the Pixel 10 as an AI powerhouse, leveraging the Tensor G5 and Gemini AI, with the following features highlighted as "game-changers":

Gemini Live: Enables hands-free, natural conversations with screen-sharing capabilities for images, files, and YouTube videos.
Magic Cue: Syncs with apps like Gmail and Calendar to proactively deliver contextual insights and actions.

Camera Coach: A Gemini-powered tool that guides users to improve photo composition and lighting.

Make Music with Recorder: Transforms hummed or sung tunes into fully produced tracks in various styles.

Voice Translate: Supports real-time translation in 11 languages during calls, including English, Spanish, and Hindi.

Call Screen Improvements: Transcribes missed calls and suggests follow-up actions, stored in call notes.

Pixel Journal: Offers AI-driven writing prompts for personal reflection and goal tracking.

Gboard Writing Tools: Enhances text editing with typo fixes, tone adjustments, and voice-controlled emoji searches.

Video Generative ML: Enables advanced video editing in Google Photos, such as post-capture enhancements.

Speak-to-Tweak and Sketch-to-Image: Voice-controlled photo editing and sketch-to-photorealistic image conversion.

Tech fans are polarised, in a PC-vs-Mac debate sort of way.

Some say the Pixel 10 marks the "ends the iPhone era", citing features that make it “five years ahead” of the iPhone.

However, the Tensor G5, while a step up from the G4, may not rival the raw power of Apple’s A-series chips or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. 

@LeakerApple, claims the Tensor G5 is “more than 4 years behind” Apple’s silicon, comparing it unfavourably to the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s chip. 

@Gadgetsdata argues the Pixel 10 launch is “underwhelming”, citing a downgraded main and ultrawide camera to accommodate the telephoto lens, a non-LTPO FHD+ display, lack of a vapour chamber, and issues with camera app lag and battery throttling. 

AI capabilities do bolster the Pixel 10’s key strengths alongside seamless Android 16 integration, long-term software support, and camera software enhancements.

The addition of telephoto lens to the base Pixel 10 is a welcome upgrade. However, the downgrade in primary and ultrawide sensors raises concerns about Google’s priorities. 

The Qi2 charging and Pixelsnap magnetic accessories are also dubbed forward-thinking. These features align with existing MagSafe technology, rather than surpassing it.

The hardware specs also tell a more nuanced story, as seen in the grid below: 

Given the Pixel 10's known features, and ahead of the iPhone 17, it remains to be seen its "game-changing" features are enough to break the appeal of Apple's ecosystem, brand loyalty, and superior silicon performance, which remain formidable barriers.

The Pixel 10's AI features, like Voice Translate and writing tools, could be useful for end users, but they are not really unique (as both Apple and Samsung offer comparable tools). 

Are Pixel 10’s features enough to “end the iPhone era”?

Only time will tell…