The iPhone 17 is tempting, however the Pixel 10 continues to be the smartphone I would purchase proper now

We have reached the a part of the yr when all the large smartphone launches are behind us (nearly). Samsung has launched each the Galaxy S25 collection in addition to its new Galaxy foldables, whereas Google launched the Pixel 10 series a couple of month in the past.

And eventually, Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup earlier this month on the “Awe Dropping” event, which suggests we are able to lastly begin evaluating which smartphone most accurately fits your wants — and which one is price upgrading to this yr.

Surprisingly, each Apple and Google have improved the bottom fashions this yr, making even the entry-level flagships nice. Each Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 pack main upgrades over their predecessors, bringing them nearer to their Professional counterparts.

The iPhone 17 lastly has an adaptive 120Hz refresh fee, whereas the Pixel 10 can be a significant overhaul, together with a much-improved chipset and a brand new telephoto sensor for the primary time. Nevertheless, if I have been out there for a brand new entry-level flagship, I would nonetheless skip the iPhone 17 and go for the Pixel 10 as my selection for an on a regular basis smartphone.

The Pixel 10’s AI and software program make the iPhone 17 and Apple Intelligence really feel behind

Helpful options that truly change how I take advantage of my cellphone

One of many fundamental causes I’ve blindly advisable iPhones over the previous few years is the software program expertise. Apple iPhones have lengthy been identified for reliability, whether or not it’s the apps or the OS itself. These days, nonetheless, that feeling has began to fade.

iOS 26 is iOS’ largest redesign in years, however it does not come with out points. Even these with an iPhone 17 are complaining about minor stutters and lags simply hours after setting them up. And when it comes to software program options, Apple is now no match for the way helpful the Google Pixel expertise has grow to be.

As with earlier Google Pixel smartphones, Google’s give attention to the Pixel 10 was once more software program, and the corporate nailed it this time. The Pixel 10 additionally ships with Android 16’s new design, Material 3 Expressive, with massive UI parts and daring typography.

In my 4 weeks of use, I’ve solely observed one or two minor lags. Total, the expertise has been easy, with apps and animations working reliably. In fact, gaming continues to be a no-go right here, however my expertise with the Pixel 10’s software program has been butter easy.

In terms of new options, Google has doubled down on Gemini. The Pixel 10 ships with a great deal of new (and helpful) options like Magic Cue, which surfaces info proper if you want it, and Digital camera Coach that makes use of Gemini that will help you take higher pictures.

Different options, akin to Pixel Screenshots that save data for later, in addition to small however helpful additions like Now Enjoying and Add Me within the Digital camera app, are additionally accessible.

Apple, alternatively, has overpromised and underdelivered with Apple Intelligence. There are only a few helpful options up to now, aside from Clear Up within the Images app, which is comparable, if not barely higher, than Google’s Magic Editor.

Telephoto zoom is a should, and Apple continues to be ignoring it

Having a telephoto sensor > no telephoto sensor in any respect

With the bottom Pixel 10, Google made a significant change to the digicam setup that immediately made it a greater purchase. For years, base Pixel fashions shipped with solely a fundamental + ultra-wide dual-camera system, however the Pixel 10 lastly adds a telephoto sensor as properly.

The Pixel 10 incorporates a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a ten.8-megapixel telephoto lens able to 5x optical zoom. Due to Google’s on-device Gemini fashions, the cellphone can attain as much as 20x zoom with Pro Res Zoom.

That is an space the place the iPhone 17 merely cannot compete. Apple’s base mannequin nonetheless contains solely two lenses: a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide. Whereas its ultra-wide pictures might look sharper and extra detailed, the dearth of a telephoto lens means the iPhone 17 will at all times path behind in zoom efficiency.

Consider it or not, after you have a telephoto sensor, you may be stunned by how usually you utilize it. Since proudly owning the iPhone 14 Professional Max a couple of years in the past, I nearly by no means take photographs at 1x anymore. Furthermore, a telephoto lens is invaluable for occasions like live shows or sports activities, the place zoom pictures make all of the distinction. That’s one thing the iPhone 17 merely can not match.

To be honest, the iPhone 17 does have a greater selfie digicam, which now even presents a function whereby you may take horizontal selfies whereas holding the cellphone vertically, and its video recording is stronger. However for me, the Pixel 10’s zoom capabilities are way more essential, and that’s the place it wins.

Qi2 on the Pixel 10 has quietly modified every thing

Generally it is the smallest upgrades that matter most

What makes an iPhone ‘an iPhone’ is not only the {hardware} Apple supplies, however the ecosystem round it. Apps really feel higher optimized, companies like iMessage and FaceTime are deeply built-in, and there’s no scarcity of suitable equipment.

With the Pixel 10, Google is starting to take a few of that limelight away. The cellphone now helps Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, which places the Pixel 10 on par with the iPhone.

This implies you may connect nearly all MagSafe accessories — wi-fi chargers, energy banks, wallets, mounts, and extra — on to the again of your Pixel 10, with no need a third-party case or magnetic sticker.

It could sound like a small addition, however in apply, it has made an enormous distinction for me. Equipment I might by no means use with a Pixel earlier than, like my MagSafe stand and desk mount, now work flawlessly with the Pixel 10.

On prime of that, there may be the additional benefit of sooner 15W wi-fi charging, however it’s actually the entry to a broad vary of equipment that has been most impactful.

iPhone 17 is shut, however the Pixel 10 feels proper

All issues thought of, the Pixel 10 appears like an entire bundle. Google has actually introduced its base flagship to the extent of the iPhone — if not past it — with long-term assist, a greater software program expertise, a telephoto digicam, and the good thing about Qi2.

Sure, there are drawbacks, akin to decrease base storage and a weaker processor in comparison with the iPhone 17, however general, the Pixel 10 feels just like the smarter purchase for me.

• 

  Model

  Google

  SoC

  Tensor G5

  Show

  6.3-inch Actua Show 1080 x 2424 pixel decision OLED (60-120Hz)

  RAM

  12GB

  Storage

  128GB/256GB

  Battery

  4,970mAh

  Google’s Pixel 10 options the tech large’s new Tensor G5 chip and a three-camera setup for the primary time that features a 10.8-megapixel telephoto digicam.

  
  

• 

  Model

  Apple

  SoC

  A19

  Show

  6.3-inch 2622 x 1206 pixel decision Tremendous Retina XDR

  Storage

  256GB, 512GB

  Ports

  USB-C

  Working System

  iOS 26

  The iPhone 17 is a significant improve over the iPhone 16, bringing 120Hz refresh fee, anti-reflective show, a 48MP ultra-wide digicam and a much bigger, sooner charging battery. It is the most effective base mannequin iPhone in years.