Google Plans Pixel Redesigns Every 2-3 Years, No Flip Phone or Tablet in Sight

Google expects to refresh Pixel phone designs every 2-3 years, with no plans for a flip phone or tablet. The company's Pixel 10 series is seen as a "super strong release" in a "mature category." Google's Chief Design Officer, Ivy Ross, states that the company looks to try and do something with a new design language every two to three years.

Google's latest smartphone series, the Pixel 10, marks a significant refresh in the company's homegrown smartphone efforts. The Pixel 10 series, which includes the standard Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL, brings a range of upgrades and new features, positioning the base model as a standout in the mature smartphone market.

The Pixel 10, priced at $799, features a dedicated 10.8MP camera with a 5x optical zoom, a first for a base Pixel model. This upgrade addresses a long-standing criticism of the Pixel series, as previously, telephoto cameras were only available on premium models. The camera upgrade is accompanied by an increase in battery capacity to 4,970mAh, making it more competitive with other high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25.

The Pixel 10's internal specifications have also been improved, with a new Tensor G5 chip featuring a CPU that is 34 percent faster year-over-year and a new TPU that is 60 percent faster. However, the standard Pixel 10 retains 12GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, which might be seen as a limitation compared to its Pro counterparts.

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL, priced at $999 and $1,199 respectively, offer enhanced specifications and camera features. These models feature 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, along with improved camera capabilities such as a new ISP and Pro Res Zoom, which can capture long-distance shots at up to 100x. The Pixel 10 Pro XL also supports faster wired charging at up to 45 watts, further enhancing its performance.

Google's Chief Design Officer, Ivy Ross, has emphasized the company's commitment to refreshing the Pixel design every 2-3 years. This strategy aims to keep the Pixel series competitive in the mature smartphone market while also offering innovative features and improvements.

The Pixel 10 series is set to be available in a range of colors, with slightly different options for the base and Pro models. The series also introduces new software features, such as Magic Cue, Daily Hub, and Pixel Journal, which aim to enhance user experience and productivity.

In conclusion, the Pixel 10 series represents a significant refresh for Google's smartphone efforts. The base model's inclusion of a dedicated telephoto camera and improved battery life positions it as a strong competitor in the mid-range smartphone market. The Pro models, with their enhanced specifications and camera features, cater to high-end users seeking advanced smartphone capabilities. Google's commitment to refreshing the Pixel design every 2-3 years ensures that the series remains competitive and innovative in the mature smartphone market.

References:

[1] https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-10-series-hands-on-the-base-model-takes-center-stage-160040470.html