The 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL have seen similar upgrades, with Google specifically pointing to the sound system and selfie camera (which now has autofocus) as being just as much of an improvement. The company says the screens are brighter but use less power than last year’s models, and the improved camera allows for super-steady video from the main lens. A custom AI model running locally on the device is designed to produce sharp results at 100x digital zoom. The Pro models start at $1,700.
There’s also a new version of Google’s foldable phone, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. But unlike Samsung’s latest, the Pixel hasn’t shed any weight or bulk. Instead, Google is touting a number of improvements that put the device ahead of the Galaxy Z Fold7, including a brighter internal display (3,000 NITS Peak, up from 2,600) and an IP68 rating, meaning it’s dust-proof (the Fold7 is only rated to withstand drops greater than 1mm). The 10 Pro Fold starts at $2,700.
All four phones support the magnetic Qi2 standard — meaning they have a metal ring to attach magnetic chargers, mounts, and accessories — and they’re the first major Androids to do so. Qi2 is the equivalent of Apple’s Magsafe system, and the two are largely compatible with each other. Google is releasing its own line of chargers and accessories called the Pixel Snap, and announced that its Pixel 10 Pro XL will work with the new 25-watt QI2 charging standard for faster wireless charging.
The four phones also come with seven years of software and security updates, and the Pro models also come with a one-year subscription to Google’s AI Pro plan, which gives you access to the latest and fastest models.
Watches and headphones
Outside of phones, Google also unveiled the Pixel Watch 4, which it says is the biggest update its wearable line has ever seen. The new display is a dome, rather than a flat display under domed glass, which means it fits more information. The battery is bigger — Google says it will last up to 40 hours — and charges faster.
Loading
The watch has a bunch of sensors to track fitness and health via Fitbit, but some of the new features aren’t quite ready for launch. Personal Health Coach, which is a feature that uses Gemini to answer your questions about health data and trends, has only been confirmed in the US. Meanwhile, a feature that lets Gemini start listening to your requests as soon as you strap the watch to your face is currently marked as “coming soon.”
The Pixel Watch 4 will start at $580 for the 41-millimeter version and $680 for the 45-millimeter.
Google also introduced the Pixel Buds 2A, a $240 set of noise-canceling earbuds. There are no new versions of its buds, but an update to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is coming in September that would add adaptive audio to automatically change the level of noise cancellation, loud noise protection to prevent ear damage, and head gesture detection so you can answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking.
Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets, and gaming in our tech newsletter every Friday. Sign up here.
