Throughout the early smartphone days, mainstream manufacturers usually put out a single flagship mannequin per yr. We’d get one predominant variant of the newest iPhone, Galaxy, or Google Nexus, and people in search of cheaper choices would go for earlier or second-hand fashions offered via third events. Over time, nevertheless, phonemakers started launching a number of tiers of premium handsets, with the iPhone 11 famously kickstarting Apple’s Professional cellphone journey that separated options into customary and premium tiers.
Releasing varied gadgets that take prospects’ budgets and wishes under consideration isn’t a foul factor. However the sharp divide between common and Professional strains leaves customers choosing the less-expensive fashions with outdated know-how. Telephoto cameras, high-refresh screens, and top-of-the-line chips are all reserved for professional telephones, whereas customary fashions costing $799 and up seemingly exist solely to push folks to the upper tiers.
Apple’s Professional privilege
Ever for the reason that iPhone 11 sequence, Apple has been demonstrably segregating its common and Professional fashions. You get completely different chassis supplies, colorways, exterior designs, cameras, shows, and extra. Bear in mind the iPhone 11? It nonetheless featured a plain outdated LCD white the iPhone 11 Professional boasted Apple’s crisp OLED tech.
Apple embraced this technique within the years that adopted, reserving new and attractive additions for the Professional telephones, whereas the common fashions performed catch-up. The iPhone 14 Professional received the Dynamic Island earlier than the iPhone 15. The 15 Professional solely launched the Motion button and Apple Intelligence assist earlier than it landed on the iPhone 16. And the non-Professional fashions are nonetheless ready for the telephoto digital camera launched with the iPhone 11 Professional and the iPhone 13 Professional’s ProMotion show.
At this time, shopping for an everyday iPhone looks like paying for final yr’s tech. Actually, it could be wiser to purchase a reduced, previous-gen Professional mannequin to get Pixel-standard perks equivalent to an always-on show, 120Hz variable refresh price, 5X optical zoom, and sooner USB-C switch speeds.
The Pixel 10 Professional not gatekeeps options equivalent to a telephoto digital camera.
Pixel good
Whereas Google’s smartphone technique has largely mimicked Apple’s, the most recent Pixels have taken a unique strategy. The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Professional each function a triple rear digital camera setup with 5X telephoto lenses and practically equivalent designs. Google isn’t forcing customers to improve by limiting options anymore.
After all, there are many variations between the 2 telephones. The place each telephones have a high-resolution predominant digital camera (50MP vs 48MP), the Pixel 10 Professional sports activities 48MP ultrawide and telephoto cameras, and the Pixel 10 has a 13MP ultrawide and 10.8MP telephoto lens. That’s truly a downgrade in high quality for the usual Pixel (final yr’s Pixel 9 had a 48MP ultrawide digital camera), however a sacrifice most customers will probably be comfortable to make.
With the iPhone 16 and Pixel 10 sharing comparable large and ultra-wide lens resolutions, many shoppers will naturally marvel why Google can supply a telephoto digital camera in its non-pro flagship. Whereas the iPhone 17 is rumored to spice up the ultra-wide digital camera’s decision from 12MP to 24MP, I’m prepared to guess most prospects would favor the Pixel’s telephoto lens over a barely sharper ultra-wide one. And, given Google’s heavy reliance on software program and AI, it’ll be onerous to inform the distinction between the 2 cameras.
The Google Pixel 10 appears to be like identical to the Pixel 10 Professional.
In comparison with the Professional mannequin, the Pixel 10 additionally misses out on different less-essential perks, equivalent to a temperature sensor, Wi-Fi 7, elevated RAM (16GB vs 12GB), greater decision, sooner Qi2 charging, and so forth. Arguably, they’re all truthful compromises that almost all customers would fortunately sacrifice for extra Professional-level options. And lots of customers gained’t even know what they’re lacking—they’ll simply know what they’re getting.
They usually’re getting rather a lot. Pixel 10 customers will get the identical G5 chip (albeit with decrease reminiscence), Pixelsnap (Google’s model of MagSafe), USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth 6, quick charging charges, biometric authentication, predominant digital camera options, water resistance, 120Hz refresh price (though the minimal price differs), and extra. Except you’re a high-end photographer or an influence person who wants a ton of inside storage, you’ll be lots pleased with the non-Professional mannequin.
A brand new trendsetter?
Apple has lengthy been the primary influential drive within the smartphone trade. Whereas it doesn’t at all times invent issues first, it just about at all times popularizes no matter iPhone choices it makes. Google now seems to be difficult Apple with a brand new technique.
Apple in all probability isn’t prone to dropping many customers to Pixel telephones, however Google’s strikes might be an indication that the tides are turning. Subsequent month, Apple will attempt to persuade its fanbase {that a} telephoto digital camera remains to be a Professional-only function whereas the iPhone 17 Air is price giving up a twin digital camera for an ultra-thin design. And within the face of the Pixel 10, which can probably value $100 much less the the Air, some folks would possibly begin questioning why, particularly when you think about that Samsung’s equally skinny Galaxy S25 Edge manages to squeeze in a second rear digital camera.
Apple is promoting a mindset, whereas Google is providing an precise set of options. Individuals who don’t need to spend over $1,000 on an iPhone are nonetheless ready for options equivalent to ProMotion shows and a telephoto digital camera, and in the event that they check out the Pixel 10, they’re going to begin questioning why.
