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

As the major smartphone launches of the year come to a close, we have seen Samsung release the Galaxy S25 series and new foldables, Google unveil the Pixel 10 series about a month ago, and Apple introduce the iPhone 17 lineup at the recent “Awe Dropping” event. With all the new devices available, it’s time to compare which flagship best suits your needs and is worth upgrading to this year.

Interestingly, both Apple and Google have made significant improvements to their base models this year, bringing the entry-level flagships closer to their Pro counterparts. The iPhone 17 now features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 10 boasts a major overhaul with a much-improved chipset and, notably, a new telephoto sensor for the first time.

However, if I were shopping for a new entry-level flagship, I would skip the iPhone 17 and choose the Pixel 10 as my everyday smartphone. Here’s why.

Pixel 10’s AI and Software: A Step Ahead

For years, I have recommended iPhones primarily because of their reliable software experience. Apple’s iOS has long been praised for its stability and smoothness. Recently, though, that reliability has started to wane. iOS 26, Apple’s biggest redesign in years, has introduced new features but also some issues. Even brand-new iPhone 17 users have reported minor stutters and lags shortly after initial setup.

In terms of software features, Apple now falls behind the increasingly useful Google Pixel experience. With the Pixel 10, Google has focused heavily on software, launching Android 16 with the Material 3 Expressive design featuring large UI elements and bold typography. After four weeks of use, I’ve encountered only minor lags, enjoying a smooth and reliable experience with apps and animations.

Gaming is still not the Pixel 10’s strong suit, but everyday use is buttery smooth. Google also introduced Gemini AI, powering new helpful features like Magic Cue, which surfaces info exactly when needed, and Camera Coach, which assists in taking better photos. Additional perks include Pixel Screenshots that save info for later, Now Playing, and the Add Me feature in the Camera app.

In contrast, Apple’s Apple Intelligence has underdelivered, providing few genuinely useful features so far, with the exception of Clean Up in the Photos app, which competes with Google’s Magic Editor but doesn’t quite surpass it.

Telephoto Zoom: A Must-Have That Apple Still Ignores

One of the biggest improvements in the Pixel 10 is the addition of a telephoto sensor in the base model, a first for Pixel phones. For years, base models only included a main and ultra-wide dual-camera system. The Pixel 10 now features a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. Thanks to Google’s on-device Gemini models, it can achieve up to 20x digital zoom with Pro Res Zoom.

The iPhone 17 base model, however, continues with only two lenses: a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide. While its ultra-wide shots may be sharper, the lack of a telephoto lens means it will always fall behind in zoom performance.

Once you have a telephoto sensor, you’ll be surprised how often you use it. Since owning the iPhone 14 Pro Max, I rarely take photos at 1x zoom anymore. Telephoto lenses are invaluable for concerts, sports, and other events where zoom shots make a huge difference. This is an area where the iPhone 17 cannot compete.

To be fair, the iPhone 17 does offer a superior selfie camera with new horizontal selfie mode while holding the phone vertically, plus stronger video recording capabilities. Still, for me, the Pixel 10’s zoom features are a more important advantage.

Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charging Brings Pixel 10 Closer to iPhone’s Ecosystem

Apple’s ecosystem has long been a major selling point, with apps optimized for smooth performance and deeply integrated services like iMessage and FaceTime. Its MagSafe accessories create a seamless user experience with wireless chargers, power banks, wallets, and mounts.

Now, Google is catching up. The Pixel 10 supports Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, putting it on par with the iPhone’s MagSafe system. This means you can attach nearly all MagSafe accessories directly to the Pixel 10’s back without needing a third-party case or magnetic sticker.

Though it may seem like a small upgrade, in practice it’s transformative. Accessories that were previously incompatible with the Pixel, like MagSafe stands and desk mounts, now work flawlessly. Additionally, the Pixel 10 supports faster 15W wireless charging. The broad accessory compatibility combined with better wireless charging has greatly enhanced my daily experience.

Conclusion: Pixel 10 Feels Like the Smarter Buy

Overall, the Pixel 10 delivers a complete package. Google has elevated its base flagship to meet—and in some aspects surpass—the iPhone 17, thanks to long-term software support, a superior software experience fueled by Gemini AI, the essential telephoto camera, and Qi2 magnetic charging compatibility.

While the Pixel 10 does come with some drawbacks, such as lower base storage and a less powerful processor compared to the iPhone 17, these are minor compromises for an everyday smartphone that feels smarter and more feature-complete.

For those considering an upgrade or looking for a solid entry-level flagship, the Pixel 10 is a compelling choice over the iPhone 17.

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