Pixel 10’s Gemini AI and Android 16 Outshine iPhone 17

With the smartphone launch season nearly behind us, it’s time to see which flagship stands out this year. Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S25 series and new foldables, Google launched the Pixel 10 series, and Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup at the recent “Awe Dropping” event. Both Google and Apple have made significant upgrades even to their base models, making entry-level flagships more compelling than ever.

Why I Prefer the Pixel 10 Over the iPhone 17

Both the Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 have made strides over their predecessors, narrowing the gap with their Pro counterparts. The iPhone 17 finally supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 10 offers a major overhaul with a much-improved chipset and, notably, a new telephoto camera sensor for the first time.

However, if I were to choose a new everyday flagship today, I would pick the Pixel 10 over the iPhone 17. Its AI integration and software features make Apple’s offering feel a step behind, delivering a smarter and more practical user experience.

Pixel 10’s AI and Software Experience Leave iPhone 17 Behind

Apple’s reputation for reliable software has started to waver recently. Despite iOS 26 bringing the biggest redesign in years, early users of the iPhone 17 report minor stutters and lags soon after setup. Moreover, Apple’s software feature set no longer matches the usefulness found in Google’s Pixel experience.

Google’s Pixel 10 shines with Android 16’s “Material 3 Expressive” design, combining large UI elements and bold typography for greater usability. After four weeks of use, the phone ran smoothly with only minimal lag, offering buttery-smooth animations and app performance (though gaming is still not a strong point).

Central to Google’s lead is Gemini AI, powering innovative features like Magic Cue — which surfaces contextual information just when you need it — and Camera Coach, helping you take better photos. Additional useful tools include Pixel Screenshots that save contextual info for later, Now Playing, and Add Me in the Camera app.

In contrast, Apple’s Apple Intelligence has largely underdelivered, with Clean Up in the Photos app being one of the few genuinely useful new features. This puts Apple at a disadvantage compared to Pixel’s smarter AI-driven features.

Telephoto Zoom: A Game Changer That Apple Still Ignores

One of the most significant upgrades to the Pixel 10 is the inclusion of a telephoto sensor in its camera setup. Unlike previous base Pixel models that came with only main and ultra-wide cameras, the Pixel 10 sports a 48MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. Thanks to Google’s Gemini AI, zoom can be digitally extended up to 20x with Pro Res Zoom, offering versatile shooting options.

The iPhone 17 base model still lacks a telephoto lens, offering only a 48MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide. While its ultra-wide shots are sharper, the inability to zoom optically means the iPhone 17 cannot match the Pixel 10’s zoom performance. Once you experience a telephoto lens, you’ll find yourself using it often — especially at concerts, sports events, or whenever zoom shots are crucial.

That said, the iPhone 17 does boast a better selfie camera with unique features like horizontal selfies while holding the phone vertically, and it has stronger video recording capabilities. Still, for overall photography needs, Pixel 10’s zoom advantage makes it the winner.

Qi2 Support on Pixel 10 Quietly Changes the Accessory Game

The iPhone’s ecosystem has long been a strong selling point, offering well-optimized apps, deeply integrated services like iMessage and FaceTime, and a wide array of compatible accessories. Google is now closing this gap with the Pixel 10 by supporting Qi2 magnetic wireless charging.

This upgrade lets the Pixel 10 work seamlessly with virtually all MagSafe accessories — including chargers, power banks, wallets, and mounts — right out of the box, without the need for additional cases or magnetic stickers. This may seem like a minor detail, but in everyday use, it enhances convenience dramatically. Accessories that once only worked with iPhones, like MagSafe stands and desk mounts, function flawlessly with the Pixel 10.

Alongside the accessory compatibility, Qi2 on the Pixel 10 allows faster 15W wireless charging, adding further value.

Conclusion: Pixel 10 Is the Smarter, More Complete Flagship

Overall, the Pixel 10 presents a well-rounded flagship experience. Google has elevated its base flagship to compete directly — and even surpass — the iPhone 17 in several key areas: long-term software support, superior AI-driven features, telephoto photography capability, and ecosystem compatibility via Qi2.

Though the Pixel 10 has drawbacks, including lower base storage and a less powerful processor compared to the iPhone 17, these shortcomings are outweighed by its strengths as an everyday smartphone. For those looking for a complete, future-proof, and versatile flagship, the Pixel 10 remains the smarter choice.

https://www.pocket-lint.com/iphone-17-is-tempting-but-id-buy-pixel-10/