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Google’s Pixel series of smartphones has expanded in recent years to include devices at different budgets. If you want a cheap phone that doesn’t break the bank, the company’s A-series phones are perfect, like the Pixel 10a, which starts at $499. Other models available in the company’s latest Pixel series include the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. If you’re weighing your options and have narrowed down the list to the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro as your devices of choice, but aren’t sure which one to add to your cart, we’re here to help.
Given that these phones have a $200 price difference (the Pixel 10 starts at $799 and the Pixel 10 Pro starts at $999), you might be wondering if paying extra for the Pro is worth it. With that extra $200, you’re essentially paying for a better camera setup and a slightly better display, as these two devices have more similarities than differences. They’re powered by an identical chip, come with the same sized 6.3-inch screen (although the Pro uses the superior LTPO OLED panel), and even weigh almost the same.
For most people, the Pixel 10 is more than enough, as it offers almost the same package as the Pro for much less money. It comes with a triple-camera setup for the first time in the base model, making it a versatile shooter, as noted in our Pixel 10 review. And with its 120Hz OLED panel and 3,000 nits of peak brightness, you’re only missing out on a few extra niceties that don’t matter as much in everyday smartphone use.
When the additional cost of the Pixel 10 Pro makes sense
Christian de Looper/BGR
As mentioned above, one area where the Pixel 10 Pro has a leg up on the regular Pixel 10 is the camera. The 10 Pro includes a 50 MP wide camera, a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48 MP ultra-wide with a 123-degree field of view. If you’re more interested in shooting content, the Pro model also stands out as the better choice by including more options in the camera app for greater control over the process.
For example, the Pro model allows you to control the ISO and shutter speed in case you feel that the automatic option does not offer the best quality in a specific situation. The Pixel 10 Pro also captures better images and is a more powerful shooter in harsh conditions than the standard model. If you think the Pixel 10’s screen isn’t the best for some reason, you’ll find the 10 Pro a better choice, as it has a sharper and brighter panel.
The Pixel 10 Pro also makes sense if 128GB or 256GB of storage isn’t enough, as it offers additional 512GB and 1TB configurations. Storage is an important consideration here because the base Pixel 10 only comes in 128GB or 256GB configurations, and Google doesn’t offer microSD card slots on these devices. In fact, the company has never included a microSD card slot in any Pixel smartphone.
