Pixel 10 base model to feature telephoto lens for the first time, adds bold new colours in Indigo, Frost, and Limoncello
Google’s much-anticipated Pixel 10 5G smartphone is shaping up to be more than just a minor refresh. With the official launch set for August 20, newly leaked renders reported by Android Headlines hint at two major upgrades: a fresh palette of colour options and a significant camera enhancement, even for the base model.
Four Colours, One Bold Identity
According to the renders, the Pixel 10 will come in four striking colour variants:
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Obsidian – a returning classic, Google’s go-to glossy black.
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Indigo – a soft, cool blue, resembling the Pixel 8a’s popular Bay finish.
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Frost – an icy white that replaces last year’s Porcelain variant.
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Limoncello – a citrusy greenish hue akin to Pixel 7’s Lemongrass, designed to catch the eye without overpowering.
While Google is no stranger to playful names and color theory, this year’s lineup reflects a more vibrant aesthetic shift, likely aimed at younger consumers and design-conscious users. The absence of Porcelain — a fan-favorite from last year — may disappoint some, but Limoncello appears ready to fill that soft-tone gap with more energy.
Triple-Lens Camera: A Pixel First for Base Models
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the inclusion of a third rear camera, widely believed to be a telephoto lens. This marks the first time Google is bringing advanced optical zoom capabilities to its base Pixel model, a feature previously reserved for its Pro and flagship variants.
The leak does not confirm exact specs, but industry insiders suggest the Pixel 10’s camera setup will likely include:
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A 50MP main sensor
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A 12MP ultrawide lens
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And now, potentially, a 48MP telephoto sensor with 2x or 3x optical zoom
This change would not only make the base Pixel more competitive with rival flagships from Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, but also offer serious value for photography enthusiasts who don’t want to pay top dollar for a Pro model.
Design Language: Pixel 9 DNA, Refined
Externally, the Pixel 10 isn’t expected to stray far from the design cues of the Pixel 9 series — expect the familiar horizontal camera bar, minimal bezels, and matte-finish aluminum rails. However, subtle refinements in materials, camera housing, and the curvature of the corners are likely.
Some renders also suggest a slightly thinner profile and improved symmetry around the camera bar, potentially hinting at Google’s ongoing efforts to make its hardware feel more polished and premium.
Under the Hood: Tensor G5, Android 15, and More
Though unconfirmed by Google, the Pixel 10 will almost certainly debut with the Tensor G5 chipset, built on a new 3nm process. This would improve thermal performance, AI computation, and battery efficiency — key focus areas for Google in recent Pixel generations.
Other expected features include:
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6.2–6.3-inch OLED display with LTPO technology for dynamic refresh rates
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Android 15 out of the box
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Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
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Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
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Enhanced haptics and facial recognition updates
Google’s Bigger Strategy?
The Pixel 10 leaks come at a time when Google is ramping up its focus on premium Android hardware. With Apple pushing AI features in iOS 19 and Samsung unveiling its foldable Galaxy Z Fold 7, Google seems poised to remind users that its Pixel devices are more than just software showcases — they’re serious contenders in hardware innovation.
By democratizing high-end camera features and expanding style options, Google is sending a clear message: the base Pixel is no longer the compromise model.
Final Thoughts
While we await the official launch on August 20, the Pixel 10 is already making waves. With telephoto zoom and distinctive new colours, it promises to deliver more than just iterative upgrades — it might finally give the mid-premium Android segment a much-needed jolt.
Stay tuned for official specs, pricing, and hands-on impressions as Google prepares to lift the curtain next month.
