Google is apparently planning to add a third camera to the base model Pixel 10, according to leaked renders. This raises questions about how the Pro model will differentiate itself. The renders reveal that Google’s 2025 smartphones will likely look nearly identical to the Pixel 9 series.
However, the base Pixel 10 seems to feature a third camera sensor, claimed to be a telephoto lens. This is confusing because one of the main differences between the base Pixel and the Pro models is that third, telephoto camera. If the base model includes it, how does the Pro make sense?
It’s possible that this new camera may not be what it seems. The telephoto camera for Pixel 10 might be a periscope lens, but it’s unlikely Google would equip its base device with such an advanced shooter.
Third camera on Pixel 10
A plausible scenario could be limiting the capabilities of this third camera. Perhaps it’s a periscope lens with 3x zoom compared to the Pro’s 5x, or it might have a lesser sensor behind it. Another possibility is equipping the device with a non-periscope telephoto lens, possibly a 2x or 3x lens.
This would benefit base Pixel 10 buyers without encroaching on the Pro models. Google could also create a distinction between the base model and the Pro by adding features like more storage, upgraded sensors, faster charging, silicon carbon batteries, or more advanced face unlock to the Pro models. If Google were to add an extra camera to the base model without changing other features, it would complicate the value proposition.
The price of the smaller Pro would be hard to justify compared to the base model, and simply lowering prices would not necessarily resolve the issue. The current Pixel lineup already has confusing pricing, with last-gen devices being sold at the same price as current-gen models, creating a perplexing buying experience. Adding feature overlap without a clear strategy would only make matters worse.
Photo by; Juairia Islam Shefa on Unsplash
