This comparison focuses purely on camera systems (rear sensors, zoom range and quality, video modes, and selfie hardware). We prioritized official specifications and first-party feature descriptions, then added third-party sensor detail where Google doesn’t publish it. For model-to-model feature placement (e.g., selfie resolution, 8K availability), see Google’s official compare page.

Angle: category-based picks (not ranked) for the best value camera, best zoom and video, and best large-screen shooter. Note the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL share the same camera hardware; the XL’s advantages are screen size and battery/charging, not optics.

At a glance: what changes between Pixel 10 and 10 Pro

Below are the most practical camera differences that impact day-to-day shooting.

  • Main sensor: Pixel 10 uses a 48 MP Type 1/2 (~30.7mm²); Pixel 10 Pro steps up to a 50 MP Type 1/1.3 (~72mm²), improving light capture and detail.
  • Ultra-wide: Pixel 10 has 13 MP; Pixel 10 Pro has a sharper 48 MP with Macro Focus support.
  • Telephoto and zoom: both offer 5x optical, but Pixel 10 tops out at 20x Super Res Zoom while Pro models add 100x Pro Res Zoom .
  • Video: Pixel 10 records up to 4K60; Pro models unlock 8K via Video Boost with improved stabilization and Night Sight Video (Google launch blog and compare page).
  • Selfie camera: Pixel 10 uses 10.5 MP; Pro models jump to 42 MP with a wider field of view and autofocus (Google compare page).

Best Value Camera

1. Pixel 10 — Triple camera upgrade at the entry price

Pixel 10 adds a telephoto to the base model for the first time, delivering a true triple camera (wide, ultra-wide, and tele) at a lower cost. Hardware-wise it uses a 48 MP Type 1/2 main sensor, a 13 MP ultra-wide, and a 10.8 MP tele with 5x optical zoom (DPReview details sensor formats). Zoom reaches 20x via Super Res Zoom, and video recording tops out at 4K60 (Google specs). The selfie camera is 10.5 MP with autofocus. You don’t get 8K or 100x Pro Res Zoom, but the everyday experience benefits from the added telephoto reach, Camera Coach guidance, and Google’s latest computational photography. Choose this if you want a solid, versatile camera system without paying Pro prices, and you’re fine with smaller sensors and more modest zoom/video ceilings.

  • Strengths: True triple camera at the base tier. Super Res Zoom up to 20x.
  • Limitations: Smaller main/ultra-wide sensors; no 8K Video Boost or 100x Pro Res Zoom.
  • Best for: Everyday shooters who want telephoto reach on a budget.
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Best Zoom and Pro Video

2. Pixel 10 Pro — Larger sensors, 100x Pro Res Zoom, 8K via Video Boost

Stepping up to Pro brings a bigger 50 MP Type 1/1.3 main sensor, a sharper 48 MP ultra-wide with Macro Focus, and a 48 MP telephoto, all with 5x optical zoom (DPReview sensor formats). The headline feature is 100x Pro Res Zoom—Google’s AI-assisted long zoom exclusively for Pro models—plus improved stabilization and Night Sight Video, with 8K recording enabled by Video Boost (feature set detailed in Google’s launch blog). The selfie camera jumps to 42 MP with a wide field of view and autofocus. Pro-level imaging also includes 50 MP portraits and upgraded processing for color, detail, and focus. Choose this if you prioritize the longest, sharpest zoom and the most capable video toolkit on a Pixel.

  • Strengths: Significantly larger main sensor; 100x Pro Res Zoom; 8K Video Boost and Night Sight Video.
  • Limitations: Higher price; 8K relies on cloud-based Video Boost processing.
  • Best for: Travel, urban, and wildlife shooters who need reach and robust video.
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Best Large‑Screen Shooter (same cameras as Pro)

3. Pixel 10 Pro XL — Pro cameras with bigger screen and faster wireless charging

Pixel 10 Pro XL shares the identical camera stack with Pixel 10 Pro: 50 MP Type 1/1.3 main, 48 MP ultra-wide (Macro Focus), and 48 MP telephoto with 5x optical, plus 100x Pro Res Zoom and 8K Video Boost (DPReview and Google launch blog). The advantage is usability: a larger display for framing and reviewing shots, a bigger battery for long days, and faster Qi2.2 wireless charging (not a direct camera upgrade, but helpful for heavy shooters). If you want the Pro’s imaging but prefer a bigger canvas and longer endurance, XL is the move. Choose this if you shoot a lot on the go and value viewfinder comfort and runtime over compactness.

  • Strengths: Same top-tier cameras as Pro; larger screen aids composition; faster wireless charging for longer shoots.
  • Limitations: Heavier and pricier; no optical differences vs Pixel 10 Pro.
  • Best for: Power users who want Pro imaging with a larger, brighter view.
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Direct camera comparison note

From a pure camera perspective, Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are identical. The base Pixel 10 now gains telephoto but uses smaller main and ultra-wide sensors; it’s the better value, while the Pros are the choice for longer, sharper zoom and advanced video (Pro Res Zoom to 100x, Night Sight Video, and 8K Video Boost).

If you care most about reach and video, get Pixel 10 Pro (or Pro XL for the big screen). If you want a capable triple camera at a lower price, Pixel 10 is the sweet spot.