Google Pixel 10 camera review: Capturing feline moments

I was excited to hear that the Google Pixel 10 features a more versatile camera system for 2025.

The Pixel 9 cameras weren’t bad, but the lack of a telephoto lens put the phone at a distinct disadvantage to its more expensive siblings.

It limited what was otherwise an excellent smartphone, making it harder for shutterbugs to choose the Pixel 9 and save themselves some money.

To put the Pixel 10 cameras to the test, I needed the most elusive of creatures — the cat. I figured that if anyone could show me the capabilities of the Pixel 10s lenses, the unruly, uncooperative, and frisky feline would be the best choice.

I took 100 cat photos with the Google Pixel 10. Here’s what I learned about its cameras.

A telephoto lens makes all the difference

Google did a better job than most

I love the versatility a telephoto lens offers. I understand that some people would choose an ultrawide if they could only have one additional sensor, but thankfully, Google has included all three this year on the Pixel 10.

I found myself zooming in more than I usually would, and I appreciate that it’s a full 5x optical zoom, instead of the 3x we have to settle for on less expensive phones.

It’s perfect for wildlife or when you have less-than-ideal seating at a special event.

It also allowed me to capture some cat photos I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Get too close, and your feline friend might run away, especially if they’re doing something cute.

The 10.8MP telephoto on the Google Pixel 10 captures that special moment with the clarity and detail I’d expect.

Usually, you’d notice more of a gap between the 48MP primary lens and the 10.8MP telephoto. I can detect some degradation compared to the 48MP main shooter, but not much.

It’s not the huge drop-off in color saturation and detail you get with other triple lens setups, where the telephoto almost feels like it’s the third wheel.

Google’s done a fantastic job with the telephoto on the Pixel 10, and you’ll enjoy getting more shots than you would otherwise.

All the details you’d expect from a Pixel

Google’s computational photography strikes again

Google has made significant strides this year with its color reproduction. Its photos are still a bit starker than what Samsung offers, but the colors are warmer than what we’re used to from a Pixel.

I like the change, and the Pixel 10 does an excellent job reproducing what I see.

I still contend that if you take 100 point-and-shoot photos with a Pixel, you’ll be happier with the results than with any other device.

That extends to cat photos. I love the detail I get from the Google Pixel 10. Black cats are hard to photograph, but my Pixel 10 does a fantastic job picking out each strand of fur from Xavi.

It handles light well, and I don’t get a washed-out photo each time he’s enjoying an afternoon sunbeam.

Micah, the gray cat photographed, can be just as difficult. Still, the Pixel 10 does an outstanding job getting all the intricate details of his fur, making for a much better photo.

This is the first year when I don’t feel like I’m getting less, just because I’m buying the entry-level Pixel flagship.

The Pixel 10 photos are impressive, everything you’ve come to expect from a camera on a Google smartphone.

Motion capture seals the deal

Night Sight isn’t bad, either

I constantly complain about motion in photos with my Galaxy phones.

Samsung hasn’t figured out how to eliminate undue blur in its images, and it frustrates me, especially when taking photos of children or pets.

My Pixel 10 doesn’t have those issues.

Cats are excellent test subjects because they aren’t fantastic posers. Xavi was constantly moving while I was taking photographs, yet most came out just fine.

Excessive movement is always going to blur an image, but a slight shift shouldn’t ruin every photo.

Night Sight remains the best low-light photography on any smartphone. I love how well the Pixel 10 does in less-than-ideal conditions.

I couldn’t even see Micah in some of these photos, but the Pixel 10 still managed to produce a usable image.

If you take lots of nighttime photos, the Pixel 10 is still your best bet.

A camera worthy of a flagship phone

I’m thrilled Google has added a telephoto to the Pixel 10. It fills a significant gap on the Pixel 9, making the Pixel 10 a viable option for those looking to save money.

People who buy Pixels care about photos, and just because you’re spending a touch less than the Pixel 10 Pro models, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the outstanding camera quality.

If you’re a cat owner (or just love fantastic photos), the Pixel 10 is worth a look.