The latest leaks around the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are less about silicon specifications and more about visual identity. The new information highlights Google’s attitudes towards those who choose the regular model and those who go Pro. And it’s all to do with the color.
Pixel 10 Pro’s Subtle History
The Pixel 9 colorways were more vibrant than those on the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. While both featured Porcelain and Obsidian to cover the white/black crowds, the Pixel 9 Pro models had the subtle pastels of Rose Quartz and Hazel, the Pixel 9 models offered the more striking Peony and Wintergreen as options.
Looking at the leaked wallpapers for the Pixel 10 family, there’s a clear difference in terms of vibrancy and visibility. Those earmarked for the Pixel 10 feature wider and brighter color palettes, compared to the single color shades seen on those for the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel.
And if you need another data point, throw in the Iris and Peony colours that are shipped with the recently launched Pixel 9a. I’d expect to see a similar approach in terms of vibrant colors for the Pixel 10, and more subtle colors for the Pixel 10 Pro.
Pixel 10 Pro Is Performance Not Passion
Google’s choice is to offer smartphones lower down the portfolio with more in-your-face colors, which project more confidence and challenge the chic nature of the more expensive handsets. If your preference is for performance, you’re going to lose out in terms of the palette.
Third-party cases can go some way to make up this shortfall and reveal your personality, even if that does mean bulking up the size of the larger Pro and Pro XL handsets. But if you want power, Google reckons you want it to be subtle.
Now read the latest thoughts on the Pixel 9a and how it signposts the Pixel 10 Pro’s direction…