• Android 17 is causing touchscreen issues for a number of Pixel owners
• Google is aware of the issue and has suggested some solutions, but these seemingly haven't worked for most people
• Another fix suggested on Reddit appears to work better, but still not for everyone

Android 17 hasn’t had the smoothest of starts, with some early updaters reporting issues with Wi-Fi and 5G connections, and now yet another bug has emerged — this time affecting the touchscreen.

According to various Reddit users (via Android Authority), the update to Android 17 has led to touchscreen issues, including the screen scrolling in the opposite direction to the one they swiped, completely ignoring taps, and there being dead zones where the screen is unresponsive.

It’s hard to say how widespread this issue is, but there are multiple Reddit threads about it, and it has also been submitted to Google’s issue tracker. So if you haven’t updated to Android 17 yet, you might want to hold off — though it seems the Google Pixel 6 series at least might be unaffected.

The good news is that Google is aware of the bug, as not only has it been submitted to the company’s issue tracker, but an official Google account actually replied to one of the Reddit threads, suggesting a couple of possible fixes.

Three possible fixes

These included clearing the cache, by going to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Pixel Launcher app > Storage & cache > Clear cache. If that doesn’t work the other suggestion was to boot your phone into safe mode and see if that fixes the problem.

To do this on a Pixel 6 or newer that’s currently switched on, press and hold the power button for a few seconds, and then tap and hold either the ‘Power off’ or ‘Restart’ option, followed by tapping ‘OK’. If your phone is off, you instead want to press the power button, and then when the animation starts, press and hold the volume down button until the animation ends.

In either case your phone will say ‘safe mode’ at the bottom of the screen once it starts up, and if this does fix the problem then the issue is a third-party app, so you should temporarily remove these one by one, starting with the most recent ones, until you find the culprit.

But while that’s the official Google advice, it doesn’t appear to have worked for many people. What does seem to have worked slightly more widely is a suggestion to turn off the triple-tap magnification shortcut.

To do this, head to Settings > Accessibility > Magnification, then either turn off ‘Magnification shortcut’, or tap on it and change the magnification option to something other than ‘Triple-tap screen’. However it's unclear whether this has worked for everyone or not.

So if none of the above resolves the problem for you, then unfortunately you’ll probably have to wait for Google to roll out a proper fix. Let’s just hope that doesn’t take long.

• Android 17 is rolling out now
• Initially, it's only available for Pixel phones
• New features include Screen Reactions, Bubbles, a foldable gaming mode, and more

Following months of betas, Android 17 is finally available in finished form — though initially only to Google Pixel phones, with devices from other brands set to get it throughout 2026, as manufacturers put their own spin on the software.

But if you have a Google Pixel 6 or newer, you can grab Android 17 now (or at least soon, if it hasn’t yet been pushed to your phone).

Sadly, what you won’t get right now is Gemini Intelligence or most of the other related AI stuff announced at the recent Android Show, with Google saying these features will launch “later this summer”.

But there’s still a lot to get stuck into, from Screen Reactions to multitasking bubbles and beyond. Below, we’ve detailed the seven best new features you’ll find in the Android 17 update.

1. Multitasking bubbles

If you like having multiple windows open at once, then you’ll probably appreciate Android 17’s new ‘Bubbles’ feature, which lets you turn any app into a floating bubble that stays on top of other apps.

This is probably most useful on large-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets — which even get a dedicated ‘Bubble bar’ at the bottom of the screen for quickly resizing and switching between apps — but it works with standard phones too, and with every app.

2. Screen Reactions

Screen Reactions is a feature that Google has already heavily advertised, but it’s available now in finished form.

This lets you capture your phone’s screen and record yourself with the front-facing camera simultaneously, with the video from the selfie camera appearing in a small window on top of the screen recording.

This makes it easy to record reaction videos or tutorials without having to use multiple apps or a green screen.

3. Android Parental Controls for all devices

Android Parental Controls rolled out last year for Pixel phones, but now they’re expanding to all Android 17 devices.

Since Pixels are the only phones getting Android 17 currently, this won’t actually be a new feature for anyone yet, but once other brands roll out Android 17, it will be.

With these new controls, parents will be able to set screen time limits, downtime schedules, control usage of specific apps, and set up app store filters to limit what children can download.

4. Foldable gaming mode

If you’re a gamer with a foldable phone, then Android 17 has exactly the tool you’ve probably been waiting for, as Google has developed an “optimized 50/50 layout” that lets you use your phone like a Nintendo DS, with a view of the game itself on the top screen and a dynamic gamepad below. With this new mode enabled, there are no buttons obscuring your view of the game.

That said, Google says this feature will be “available in the coming months”, so even though it’s part of Android 17, you won’t be able to access it yet (this is the last not-yet-available feature in our list — we promise!).

5. Contact Picker

Contact Picker is a small but potentially very useful new feature that lets you choose to just share specific contacts with apps.

Previously, if an app needed access to a contact, you’d have to give it access to all of your contacts, which, from a privacy perspective, is far from ideal, so now you can be selective.

This is one of several new privacy and security features in Android 17, with others including the ability to grant apps temporary access to your precise location and improvements to Live Threat Detection, so your phone can block more scams and suspicious apps.

6. Continue On

With Continue On, you can start a task — such as editing a document or composing a message — on one device and seamlessly continue it on another, similarly to how Apple’s Handoff feature works.

Initially, this only works between phones and tablets, but Google has plans to extend it to the web, so you’ll be able to continue using apps on larger devices too.

It also requires developers to implement the feature, so it won’t work at all for every app, but it could be very useful where it is supported.

7. Hide app labels

Another small feature, but one that could drastically change the look of your home screens, is the option now to hide app labels, so there’s less text on the screen, potentially making it look less cluttered.

Of course, the downside is you’ll need to be able to recognize apps from their icons, or just be left guessing which app is which, but for some people this feature could be a big deal.

Google I/O is less than a day away, and the annual software showcase would be the perfect opportunity for Google and its partners to showcase their 2026 Android XR tech: the XR glasses we’ve been promised will land this year.

Google isn’t a stranger to smart specs, but since the rapid rise and fall of Google Glass, we’ve seen the likes of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses take the smart specs world by storm, and now the old king wants his crown back. But with Google taking a software-centric approach — letting others handle the hardware — it makes sense that this new generation of smart glasses would land at a software show like I/O.

So from Xreal and Samsung, to Gucci and Gentle Monster, here are the three smart glasses announcements we’ll hopefully see on May 19 — and why you should get excited.

Let’s get Xreal

I love Xreal’s specs, and have done for a while — if you want a pair of XR glasses you’ll struggle to beat the Xreal One Pros. So I’m especially excited to see the final version of its Project Aura Android XR glasses, and they’re also the pair we’re most likely to find at Google I/O (because unlike Samsung, Xreal doesn’t have a high profile tech events of its own in the calendar).

The big difference between Xreal’s Aura glasses and some other AI smart glasses we’ve been seeing is they’ll be wired. This matches Xreal’s XR approach with previous models and offers some design advantages, but also some constraints.

With no internal battery the Project Aura glasses should feel lighter and less bulky, but they’ll need to run from a connected device (in Aura’s case that’s a dedicated compute puck that doubles as a trackpad and a battery pack) plus they’ll be best suited to stationary activities (working, and watching TV) rather than using them on the move.

This approach might not be as mobile as the Ray-Ban and Samsung AI or AR specs, but should be a lot more capable where it counts.The glasses virtually project a giant display in front of your face, like your own private cinema, and boast the same superb optics as the Xreal One (so expect excellent OLED contrast and colors, a wide field of view, and fewer disruptive reflections in the lenses compared with rivals on the market). Whether you want a virtual display for working across multiple windows at once, or an immersive portable cinema for your face the Xreal One pro are the glasses to get because of these optics.

Where Aura improves on the current design is it includes cameras by default for hand and object tracking. It's a bit more basic than the Samsung Galaxy XR headset's system as Xreal lacks eye tracking, but it should make your Android XR experiences feel more interactive than Xreal's previous tech.

The issue is I expect these specs will be pricey. The Xreal One Pros launched at $649, with a camera Xreal Eye add-on costing $99. The puck is also reminiscent of the Beam Pro and is likely to add a couple hundred to the price meaning we might be lucky if Xreal's Aura comes in under $1,000.

Samsung steals this show?

Even though I believe Samsung will focus on its own launch event — perhaps tying its smart glasses release into its annual foldables event, which typically takes place in a few months — there’s a chance it’ll instead debut its glasses at I/O. Not just one pair at that, we might get to see two.

The first would be a more standard AI-focused design with a camera, speakers, and microphones, but no display, just like the basic (but impressive) Ray-Ban Meta specs.

Speaking of, the design recently leaked, and they do look strikingly similar to the Ray-Ban model. The only difference we know so far is they'll rely on Gemini instead of Meta AI, which is generally agreed to be a more capable assistant, and has better interoperability between the core Android apps for more personalized contextual responses.

Based on my experience with Ray-Ban smart glasses, AI assistance can be super handy, especially as a tourist. With a better understanding of my schedule through my calendar, or the context of the photos I've taken with my phone, I'm hoping the Gemini-powered specs might offer better day-to-day usefulness.

Best of all, Samsung’s specs should be fairly affordable too. These smart glasses are rumored to cost between $379 and $499, which puts them roughly inline with Meta's pricing — though we’ll have to wait and see what Samsung announces to know for sure, pricing has been all over thanks to various global economic challenges.

As for Samsung’s second pair of specs, they would be practically the same, but with a display.

Now, leaks and rumors suggest the display model won’t actually land until 2027 but I expect they'll get some time in the spotlight if the displayless specs are shown off — in part to build excitement and prove Android XR has a long term plan (to rebut fears this is Google Glass 2.0), and in part to make Samsung not appear too far behind Meta’s technology (as its Ray-ban Display specs are already available to buy in the US).

It's frustrating that we might have to wait a little longer for these display glasses, though, seeing the supply issues Meta has had with its version, and the high price tag, Samsung's delay might mean it can bring us a more reliably available and affordable version of this exciting emerging tech.

Strut your stuff

Lastly, my bold Google I/O prediction: we’ll get an XR fashion show with models strutting down the runway in Gucci, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker smart specs.

Much like how Meta has partnered with EssilorLuxottica’s Oakley and Ray-Ban, Android XR companies are partnering with fashion brands to bring some style to their specs.

Given how much glasses can play into someone’s visual identity, a fashion focus is key, and offering a variety of looks is key to capturing different users and use cases — just look at Meta, its Ray-Bans are superb for everyday wear and casual vacationing, while its Oakleys are perfect for athletes.

With a wider variety of brands and, hopefully, styles under its belt, Android XR seems to have an advantage over Meta again, and a fashion show moment would be the perfect way to highlight the variety it’s set to offer.

Plus, Google has shown it isn’t afraid to mix things up with its events — last year, the Made by Google Pixel 10 launch show was hosted by Jimmy Fallon and featured a large cast of celebrities and segments that felt more like a variety show than a technology keynote.

So I’m hoping we might see some fun smart-glasses showcases, though I’ll admit my fashion-show pitch might be a little out there — and it assumes Google, Gentle Monster, Gucci, and Warby Parker are even ready to showcase their designs.

Google's March Pixel drop included a bunch of new features for its smartphones. One feature that wasn't mentioned is a new Pixel Desktop mode when you connect your phone to an external display.

The idea of connecting a smartphone to a monitor to instantly transform the interface into a desktop-like experience is nothing new, though. Samsung's phones and tablets have had DeX for years. Motorola phones offer Smart Connect, which turns even its low-end phones into a desktop experience.

Samsung and Google teamed up to make the Pixel Desktop mode possible, though. I've been using it for the last week, and you know what? It's definitely a feature you should be using if you have a Pixel.

It's surprisingly basic, but in a good way

The first time I connected my Pixel 10 Pro XL to the same Thunderbolt dock I normally use with my MacBook Pro, I was prompted to connect to an external display. I checked the box next to "Don't ask me again" and tapped the Desktop button. A few seconds later, my display flashed, and I was greeted with a bland desktop, lacking any picture, app icons, or shortcuts. My keyboard instantly connected and worked without issue, though I had to pair my mouse with the Pixel.

At the bottom of the screen is the taskbar, which uses the same apps I have placed there on my Pixel. To the right are three navigation buttons that used to be the standard way to navigate Android before it went gesture-only. That's it. It reminds me a lot of the early days of ChromeOS, or of using an early Android beta on a tablet.

Then I began clicking on app icons, and instead of watching miniaturized phone-like apps populate the screen, to my surprise, I saw what looked like full-fledged desktop apps open. Chrome is probably the best example as it looks very similar to the browser on a desktop, complete with a row of tabs along the top of the window; the same tabs I'd all but forgotten I had open on my Pixel.

In reality, all of the apps I've been using for the last few days are nothing more than beefed-up tablet apps. Only, instead of being locked to specific window sizes or even a column that's similar to the size of a phone app, I have complete freedom to resize each window to whatever shape or format I want. You can have up to five open apps at a time on the external display, plus another running on your Pixel phone — for a grand total of six apps.

When you open a new app on the desktop, and you're at the limit, the app that's been sitting idle the longest is closed.

Everything you need to use the Pixel's Desktop mode

To use the new Desktop mode, you'll need some extra hardware. You'll, of course, need a compatible Pixel phone, which means the Pixel 8 or newer, including foldables. Plus, you’ll need some sort of display, be it a TV in a hotel room, a portable USB-C display, or a computer monitor. A keyboard and mouse are also required, and so is a way to connect them all to your phone.

If you have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you can pair them with your phone just like you would any other Bluetooth device.

Connecting your phone to a screen is done through its USB-C port. If you have a screen with a USB-C connection, then you're set. However, if you only have an HDMI cable for your monitor, you'll need an inexpensive USB-C hub. The USB-C hub also allows you to connect a hardwired keyboard and mouse, power for your phone, and, if you're so inclined, an Ethernet connection.

Don't leave your laptop at home yet

The Pixel's Desktop feature isn't perfect, though. For example, it's annoying that I can't lock my Pixel while using Desktop mode — the screen has to stay on, which in turn produces heat and potentially drains the battery faster.

That said, I've spent a lot of time using the new Desktop mode to reply to emails sitting in my inbox, answer texts, stream music (albeit through the phone's speaker), and even watch some YouTube Shorts.

And my favorite part? At the end of any work session, I unplug my phone, and everything I was just doing on a 32-inch display in front of me is now in the palm of my hand. I don't have to manage multiple devices, wonder where I put a file, or wait for stuff to sync over.

One day, a mobile phone that converts into a full-fledged desktop experience or laptop replacement will be the norm — but until then, I'll keep experimenting and have the confidence in knowing that my phone can pinch-hit for a laptop when needed.

I spotted something peculiar during Google's 'The Android Show I/O Edition 2026' stream — a strange inconsistency on one of the phones being used to demo the new Android 17 creator tools. Is this just an odd editing choice, or has Google inadvertently given us a sneak peek at the Pixel 11 or Pixel 11 Pro?

The inconsistency occurs during the 'Expression' segment of the stream, on the Pixel device used by actress and founder of So Positive, Ananya Panday.

The phone in question appears to be the Google Pixel 10 Pro. I instantly recognised it, as it's the handset I'm currently using as my personal device.

In some scenes, the front-facing camera cut-out is present at the top of the display, but in other scenes, it's mysteriously absent.

Here's how the selfie snapper appears and disappears in less than 60 seconds.

• 17:22: We get a clear look at the back of the phone. From the shape and layout of the camera bar, this appears to be the Pixel 10 Pro
• 17:40: We're shown a picture on the phone screen, but the black space above the image means the front-facing camera isn't easily visible (if it's there at all)
• 17:50: We get a much clearer look at the screen, and there's no front-facing camera cut-out
• 17:56: A cut back to the phone, though, and the selfie snapper is suddenly clearly visible, but we're not done there...
• 18:13: The camera is still present for all to see, as Ananya demos the Screen Reactions feature
• 18:20: But after a quick cutaway to Ananya, we return to the phone, and the camera has mysteriously disappeared again

Check out this gallery of stills from each timestamp to see what I mean.

So, what's going on?

However you look at the two main possibilities in play here, it's a strange decision from Google.

The first scenario — and the most plausible if I'm being honest with myself — is that Google purposefully edited out the selfie camera in some scenes. Why? Perhaps to draw more attention to the tools being demoed on screen. But if that was the case, I'd expect it to be edited out of all scenes where the tools are being used.

The second scenario is more fantastical, but not completely beyond the realm of possibility: this could be our first look at the Pixel 11 series, and more specifically, the Pixel 11 Pro. If so, is this telling us the next Pixel handsets will pack under-display selfie cameras?

This is something I've been waiting for since I reported on the technology in 2019, and outside of some lacklustre commercially available devices boasting the technology, it's lain pretty much dormant for the best part of a decade.

Mind you, some reports have suggested that Google could include a new infrared under-display camera in the Pixel 11 series to power an advanced, Face ID-like facial recognition system. Did Google just leak that very system?

Unfortunately, if that is the Pixel 11 Pro in Google's video, the design hardware looks identical to that of the Pixel 10 Pro, which dampens my theory. I'd love for it to be true, but I might be a little too hopeful.

What do we know about the Pixel 11 series?

In short, very little. Google has not officially commented on anything to do with its next smartphone series, but that hasn't stopped Pixel 11 rumors from starting to circulate online in recent months.

In addition to that aforementioned under-display camera rumor, we've seen a potential Pixel 11 case leak suggesting the camera bar could be larger, rumors of an illuminated rear light supposedly dubbed 'Pixel Glow', plus a claim that Google might have accidentally revealed a couple of wallpapers for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Outside of these small snippets, there's not been much else to go on as of yet, although we'd expect the next generation of Pixel devices to launch sometime in August this year (going by the arrival of the Pixel 9 and 10 series).

I've put the question about this inconsistency to Google and Android, and I'll let you know if I get an explanation. In the meantime, if you have any wild theories as to what's gone on here, sound off in the comments.

The 2026 edition of The Android Show was a dizzying display of AI-related buzzwords (I’m still not 100% sure of the difference between Gemini Intelligence and Personal Intelligence), but of all the Android 17 features announced during the pre-Google I/O broadcast, I’m particularly excited by Create My Widget.

Custom widgets have been a feature of Android since 2009 (in the resizable, interactive sense), but in Android 17, Google is “taking the first step in generative UI” by adding Gemini's AI powers into the widget-making process.

Create My Widget will let you build custom widgets by simply describing the type of widget you want using natural language. Yes, really. Google gave prompt examples such as “countdown to my first marathon” and “suggest three high-protein meal prep recipes every week," to which Create My Widget served up some genuinely useful-looking results.

It’s true that apps like KWGT and Widgetopia already give Android users plenty of widget customization options, but these widgets still rely on predefined data formulas like the weather, battery percentage, and stock market performance (unless you’re comfortable developing your own code-based widgets).

Create My Widget, on the other hand, pulls data from your calendar, inbox, and messaging apps (privately, of course) to deliver widgets that are genuinely personalized to you. And as an iPhone user, I don’t see how iOS can compete with this level of first-party personalization.

At WWDC 2025, Apple brushed away criticism towards its lack of AI progress by dazzling iPhone fans with a visual overhaul of iOS — but it can only use that trick once. At WWDC 2026 in June, the company must finally deliver on the promise of Siri 2.0 and bring meaningful agentic AI features to the table, lest iOS 27 look thoroughly medieval in comparison to Android 17.

And Create My Widget is far from the only useful AI tool coming to Android 17.

We’ve rounded up the best Android 17 features announced at The Android Show in a separate article, but Google’s new Gemini Intelligence umbrella includes multi-step task automation — which, if it works as promised, could be like having a PA in your pocket — Gemini integration in Chrome, improved Autofill capabilities, and a new Rambler tool for more accurate speech-to-text conversion.

It’s noteworthy, too, that all of these tools have been announced before Google I/O proper, which is scheduled to kick off on May 19. By the time WWDC 2026 rolls around on June 8, Apple’s competition may look even more formidable than it does now (although it's worth remembering that Google is now Apple's AI partner— though we don't yet know the details of that relationship).

Google says Gemini Intelligence features, including Create My Widget, will “roll out in waves starting with the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer,” and “will become available across your Android watch, car, glasses, and laptops later this year.”

For the latest on what else was revealed at Google’s Android Show event, check out our deep dives into the new Googlebook laptops and the redesigned Android Auto.

Google’s pre-I/O Android Show for 2026 has now concluded, and it was packed full of announcements surrounding new features and upgrades to existing Android tools.

Many of these upgrades are related to AI, as you might expect, but we also saw Google announce new emojis, improvements to Android security, and a whole lot more.

So, below, we’ve rounded up seven of the biggest and best Android 17 upgrades that were announced at The Android Show.

1. Gemini Intelligence

Gemini Intelligence is perhaps the biggest single announcement we saw at The Android Show — it's essentially an upgrade to Gemini that makes it a lot more capable and more of an agentic AI.

With this upgrade, Gemini can seamlessly move between apps to carry out tasks for you, with minimal oversight on your part. One example given was long-pressing the power button when a grocery list is visible on your phone, and then asking Gemini to build a shopping cart with all those items for delivery.

Another was taking a photo of a travel brochure and asking it to find a similar trip for six people on Expedia. You can then track Gemini’s progress with the task via notifications.

Plus, Gemini Intelligence also allows you to build custom widgets with a new ‘Create My Widget’ feature. You could, for example, ask it to suggest a new vegetarian meal recipe every day, and it will then create a resizable home screen widget for that specific request.

These tools will be rolling out from “this summer”, starting with the latest Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. For the full list of features, check out our dedicated Gemini Intelligence features roundup.

2. Rambler

Using speech-to-text can massively speed up your communication in messaging apps, but it’s not perfect in its current state. In recent years, it has generally gotten better at understanding what you’re saying, but presenting an exact one-to-one version of your speech in text means you’ll probably see various “uhms” and “ahs” or repeated statements, as tends to happen in speech where you’re thinking about what you’re saying as you say it.

But Google’s new Rambler feature (which technically falls under the aforementioned Google Intelligence umbrella) will simply identify and extract the important parts of what you’ve said, and translate them into a clear and concise message.

For the multilingual among you, Rambler can also handle seamless switches between languages in a single message, and it doesn’t store or save the message data, so you shouldn’t need to worry about privacy.

3. Gemini in Chrome

Gemini’s Chrome implementation is also getting smarter and more agentic, as starting in late June, it will have an auto browse feature that can do things like book appointments or reserve parking spots for you via Chrome. This isn’t a totally new feature, but it is new to Android.

Gemini in Chrome is also getting better at providing contextual assistance, as it will be able to provide responses that are tailored to your hobbies, interests, and life (assuming you opt into Personal Intelligence).

And it can work beyond Chrome by, for example, adding things to your calendar, searching your Gmail, or adding to-do lists to Keep.

Plus, there will soon be Nano Banana integration, allowing you to create new images and customize ones you’ve found online directly in Chrome.

4. 3D emojis

Emojis are also getting an upgrade, as Google has announced a new range of 3D emojis, dubbed Noto 3D.

Google claims these icons will add more physicality to your online communication, so your feelings still have weight even when expressed through messages.

Those are some lofty claims, but if nothing else, it’s always nice to have some new emojis to choose from, and these new ones will be landing later this year, starting with Pixel phones.

5. Pause Point

Pause Point is a new tool designed to help you spend less time on your phone — or at least, less time scrolling apps that are more addictive than additive.

It does this by letting you choose which apps you want it to be enabled for, and then presenting you with a 10-second ‘pause’ before you can access one of those apps. During this time, it will give you the option to do a breathing exercise, set a timer to limit how long you spend in the app, look at some of your favorite photos, or switch to an alternative suggested app — one that you perhaps consider more worthy of your time.

Plus, Pause Point requires you to restart your phone to turn it off, so you’re less likely to disable it in a moment of weakness.

6. New creator tools

Google is also introducing new ways to create and share with Android 17. These include ‘Screen Reactions’, which make it a breeze to record both yourself and your screen at the same time.

There are also improvements to how your photos and videos look on Instagram when using an Android phone, with Google working with Meta to enable ultra HDR capture and playback, built-in video stabilization, and improved low light performance.

Plus, Google and Meta are rolling out some Android-exclusive tools for Instagram’s Edits app. These include ‘smart enhance’, which uses on-device AI to upscale your photos and videos with a single tap, and sound separation, meaning that the Edits app can automatically identify and separate audio tracks, so you can more easily boost the sounds you want and reduce or remove those that you don’t.

7. Major security upgrades

Finally, as far as the big updates go, there is a wealth of security upgrades coming to Android. These include a new spoofing protection feature, which will automatically end calls that are coming from a spoofed number.

Google is doing this by partnering with select banks and financial institutions, and then asking that institution’s app (if it’s installed on your phone) whether a call that appears to be coming from them really is. If the app says it’s not, then the call is automatically terminated.

This isn’t an Android 17 feature, per se — in fact, it will be rolling out to phones on Android 11 onwards in the coming weeks, but initially it only works with Revolut, Itaú, and Nubank, though Google has promised more banks will be added later this year.

Google is also upgrading Live Threat Detection — an existing feature that alerts you to suspicious apps on your device — by expanding the types of behavior that it considers suspicious and alerts you to. It’s also gaining “dynamic signal monitoring”, which will help it more immediately spot suspicious app behaviors, so your device will never be at risk for long.

Plus, Android 17 will allow you to lock a lost phone with biometric authentication — meaning even if someone has both stolen it and somehow knows your password or PIN, they still won’t be able to unlock it.

• An Android 17 beta contains clues that you might soon be able to remove the search bar on Pixel home screens
• This could perhaps be part of the finished version of Android 17, but it's not yet available even in beta
• The May Pixel update is also now rolling out, complete with various bug fixes

We already know lots of what Android 17 is likely to offer, but one other major change has just leaked: it seems Google might finally let you hide the home screen search bar on Pixel phones.

This search bar is a convenient way to do a web search on Google without having to open the browser first, but it also takes up quite a lot of screen space, so if you don’t do many searches, prefer a different search engine, or simply like opening up the browser, then you would understandably want this feature gone.

It’s actually surprising that it’s taken so long for Google to enable a toggle for the search bar, as it seems like it should be optional. But based on some digging that Android Authority has done in Android 17 beta code, a toggle could be coming soon, as code strings mention things like ‘customize search bar’, ‘search bar settings’, and ‘show search bar at the bottom of your home screen’.

These references suggest that it’s likely you’ll be able to choose whether or not to show the search bar in Android 17, though the site wasn’t able to enable this feature in the current beta. Still, the fact that there’s code pointing to this suggests it might be ready in time for Android 17’s finished version, and we may even get a look at this during the next Android Show on May 12.

Beating the bugs

But while that feature might not launch for a while, Google is now rolling out a smaller update for Pixel phones. This is May’s Pixel update, and it’s coming to all models from the Google Pixel 7a and Pixel Tablet onwards.

There aren’t any new features here, but there are various bug fixes, including fixes for slow wireless charging speeds when the battery level is between 75% and 80%, and an issue where the camera app would freeze while recording video and adjusting the zoom level.

There are also fixes for issues that caused a flickering white dot to appear at the top of the screen, the screen to appear fuzzy or frozen, and the keyboard to appear frozen or incorrectly positioned in certain apps.

These sound like quite annoying problems that are definitely worth resolving. The update has started rolling out to select Pixel phones already, but Google notes that it will roll out over the next few weeks in phases, depending on your carrier and device. So you might not have it just yet.

• A boot loop Pixel bug is apparently close to being sorted
• Google has a beta update in the works to fix the issue
• Meanwhile, more complaints are coming in about a different issue

There's good and bad news to report in terms of Google Pixel phone bugs, with one frustrating issue getting some much-needed attention from Google engineers, while another problem is apparently just getting started.

The good news first: Google is testing a fix for the bug that's left certain handsets stuck in a boot loop cycle for the past few weeks, an issue which seemed to start plaguing users right after the March 2026 Pixel Drop.

As per numerous reports, multiple Pixel models were unable to start up properly, instead just restarting again and again. The only real option to escape the cycle has been to do a full reset and start again — which isn't ideal.

Now, one user has posted an update (via Android Authority) that's "definitely positive news", saying there is a "potential beta update to fix the issue" that will bring phone functionality back without a full reset. It's not widely available yet, but it might be soon, and it suggests that Google has figured out what's gone wrong.

More problems appear

Just as there's light at the end of the tunnel for one bug, another is causing frustration for users. As Android Authority reports, there are now a substantial number of complaints coming in about slow and sluggish performance on Pixel phones, which seem to be tied to both the March and April updates.

While the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 handsets seem to be the ones most commonly affected, several different models are being mentioned in dispatches, as far back as the Google Pixel 6 that launched in 2021.

The complaints mention "really bad lag" and keyboards that freeze while typing. So far we don't have anything official from Google, except for a request for more information, and there doesn't seem to be a reliable fix yet either (apart from a full reset).

Having problems like these persistently popping up isn't a good look for Google, and these are issues we've seen before with Pixel phones as well. Let's hope the latest problem can be solved quickly, and Pixels can subsequently stay bug-free.

• The latest Android 17 beta build includes thumbnails of Pixel 11 Pro Fold wallpapers
• It also includes names and descriptions for them
• They show swirling waters in green and black or gray shades, which might reflect the colors the phone will be sold in

Android 17 has been in beta for a while now, but the latest beta release includes something unexpected, as Google accidentally put in some thumbnails and descriptions for the not-yet-released Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s wallpapers.

As spotted by @evowizz (via Android Authority), there are two wallpapers included, one of which is called ‘Pine: Tidal Swirl’, and the other ‘Midnight: Lunar Tides’. There’s also a description included, which reads: “"Streaming waters swirl and flow through curving, rugged landscapes."

That description seems accurate from what we can see here, and they’re quite attractive wallpapers, so that’s one small thing to look forward to if you end up purchasing a Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

A hint at the colors

But beyond being nice in themselves, these wallpapers might hint at the shades the the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be available in, with us perhaps set to see a green color of some kind, along with a darker shade. But in that case, there might be no change from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is sold in Jade (green) and Moonstone (gray).

So, that would be a shame, as it’s always nice to see new colors, but it’s possible that either these wallpapers don’t reflect the shades the phone will be sold in, or that the shades will still differ a bit from the current options.

Also, while there’s a good chance the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be sold in both a green option and a darker shade, it’s unlikely, based on past form, that the names of these colors will be the same as the wallpaper names, so don’t expect Pine or Midnight shades.

We probably won’t know for sure until August, as that’s likely when the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold will launch, alongside the rest of the Pixel 11 line.

• Mention of a 'Pixel Glow' feature has been found in an Android 17 beta
• This feature would seemingly use colored lights on the back of the phone to alert you to notifications
• It would likely require dedicated hardware, so might be a Pixel 11 feature

It’s getting ever harder for phones to differentiate themselves from one another, but Google might have come up with a way to help the Pixel 11 series stand out from at least most of the competition.

Its secret weapon might be something called ‘Pixel Glow’, which Android Authority has found mention of while digging around in the latest Android 17 beta. The site found a screen — which you can see below — detailing that Pixel Glow uses “subtle light and color on the back of your device to inform you of important activity when it’s face down.”

So, it sounds like this feature would use dedicated colored lights to alert you to notifications, and reading between the lines, it might be possible for different colors or patterns to notify you of different things, so you can tell what kind of notification your phone has received without picking it up.

You can already use the ‘Flash notifications’ feature to have the camera’s flash alert you when you have a notification, but Pixel Glow sounds like it will be more advanced than that.

Strings of code found by Android Authority also suggest this feature will work with Gemini in some way, and note that “the device must have hardware lights," which presumably counts out existing Pixel phones.

A Nothing Phone rival?

But exactly how light-filled the back of Pixel 11 models might be, or how capable these lights will be, remains to be seen. We doubt Google will go full gaming phone and match the number of RGB lights featured on those, but Pixel Glow might perhaps have some similarities to the Glyph lighting system found on most Nothing phones.

Regardless, it certainly sounds different from anything found on phones from mainstream rivals like Samsung and Apple, and early reactions to the idea seem mostly positive, with people over on Reddit saying things like “RIP Nothing Phone” and “This is cool”.

Still, how cool Pixel Glow will actually be remains to be seen, but it certainly leaves us intrigued.

• Some Pixel owners are reporting that their batteries are draining very fast
• This appears to be caused by a bug introduced in a March update, which affects Deep Doze
• Unfortunately, there's no fix yet

Ever since the March Google Pixel update, some users have been experiencing a serious battery bug with their phones, and it’s one that wasn’t addressed in April’s Pixel update, and currently has no other fix either.

As spotted by Android Police, there are threads on both Reddit and Google’s support forums complaining about the issue, and it appears to affect a wide variety of phones, from the Pixel 7 through to the Google Pixel 10 series.

There aren’t a huge number of reports, so thankfully, it might not be too widespread, but it sounds like a major problem for those who are affected, with one Reddit poster claiming they now “have to charge [their Pixel phone] 2 to 3 times a day.”

That’s a serious issue, especially if you’re out with your phone all day, as you can no longer rely on it to survive until you get home or to somewhere you can charge it.

A mode you probably hadn't heard of reportedly isn't working

But while there’s no fix yet, OddAtmosphere1793 on Reddit has found a possible explanation for the bug. They claim to have found that a firmware bug is preventing their Pixel from entering Deep Doze — a mode that should automatically kick in when the phone is idle to reduce performance and background activities, in order to conserve battery.

The good news is that they’ve posted the bug on Google’s Issue Tracker, and they encourage anyone affected to hit the ‘+1’ button there, so that Google’s engineers will see it and hopefully prioritize a fix for it.

In the meantime, we’ve got a guide to boosting your Android phone’s battery life, so you might want to try some of these ideas as a stopgap.

• A new Take a Message feature has arrived in the latest Pixel phone app beta
• This allows you to record custom voicemails
• It makes the message-leaving experience a lot more personalized than with the current Google Assistant greeting

Take a Message is one of the newer Google Pixel features, having been launched with the Google Pixel 10 series last year, but this AI-powered voicemail service is about to get better.

Take a Message — which allows for on-device voicemail with real-time transcriptions — so far doesn’t allow you to record a custom greeting. Instead, Google Assistant will greet the caller with a generic and robotic greeting.

But Android Authority has found that one of its phones running Google Phone version 217.0.895016164-publicbeta-pixel now gives the option to record a custom message.

Record multiple greetings and set one

A new banner on the phone app alerted them to the capability, and then they were able to record a message via Settings > Take a Message > Manage greetings.

Interestingly, you can actually record and save multiple different greetings even though you can only set one as active, but Android Authority has seen code snippets that suggest you might one day be able to assign specific greetings to specific contacts.

For now, though, being able to record greetings at all is a big upgrade. If you have a Google Pixel 6 or newer and you’re running the latest Phone app beta, you might see the feature there, and hopefully, it will be rolled out to a stable release soon.

• The April 2026 update for Google Pixels is rolling out
• It includes various bug fixes, including for game and banking app crashes
• There are no new features — for those, you'll probably have to wait until June

The latest Google Pixel patch has now landed, but this April 2026 release is much smaller than March’s. Last month, Google rolled out a Pixel Drop complete with new features, but this month, all we get is bug fixes.

Still, some of the fixes address potentially very annoying bugs, including those causing crashes to certain games, banking apps, and Quick Share during file transfer.

As well as addressing various crashes, this April 2026 update also fixes an issue where the Backup menu was missing from System settings under certain conditions, and another issue where the quick search bar is sometimes missing from the home screen under certain conditions.

It's worth downloading

So, if you’ve experienced any of these bugs, you should download this update as soon as possible to resolve them. But even if you haven’t encountered these issues, it’s generally a good idea to grab updates like this, since they could prevent these bugs from occurring in the future, and may also address other unlisted issues.

The update is rolling out from today, but it’s a phased rollout, so it’s possible you won’t have access to it for up to around a week. Just keep an eye on your phone to see when it appears.

And if you’re wondering when the next big update for Pixels will land, complete with new features, you should look to June, as that’s when we’re expecting to see Android 17.

Apple and Google have spent the past few years making their cheaper phones feel less like compromises and more like smart buys in their own right.

The iPhone 17e and Google Pixel 10a are good examples of that shift – both aim to give you the core experience of their flagship siblings without asking flagship money, but they get there in very different ways.

On paper, the Pixel 10a makes the louder case for value, undercutting the iPhone on price, giving you a bigger and smoother display, and adding extra camera flexibility that budget buyers will actually notice day to day.

The iPhone 17e, meanwhile, leans on familiar Apple strengths: strong performance, long battery life, generous base storage, and the appeal of staying inside the wider iPhone ecosystem.

So, which cheap phone actually makes more sense in 2026? We've compared the iPhone 17e and Pixel 10a across price, design, display, cameras, performance, battery life, and software support to find out.

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: specs comparison

Before we dig into the details, here’s an overview of both phones’ key specs:

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: price and availability

The Pixel 10a is the cheaper phone at launch, starting at $499 / £499 / AU$849, while the iPhone 17e starts at $599 / £599 / AU$999. Both are available globally.

Apple’s counter is storage. The iPhone 17e starts at 256GB, whereas the Pixel 10a starts at 128GB, so the gap narrows once you compare like for like.

Move up to a 256GB Pixel 10a, and you are effectively in iPhone 17e territory on price, which makes Apple’s higher entry cost easier to justify than it first appears.

Still, in a straight budget-phone comparison, the Pixel 10a has the stronger opening argument.

Winner: Pixel 10a

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: design

Apple has kept the iPhone 17e close to the familiar iPhone formula: it's got a compact 6.1-inch build, an aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield protection, and IP68 water and dust resistance.

The 17e is also the lighter of the two phones, which counts for a lot if you want something that disappears in the hand and pocket rather than constantly reminding you it's there.

The Pixel 10a goes in a slightly different direction: while it is larger and heavier, its completely flat back and lack of a camera bump give it a cleaner, more practical shape than most modern phones.

This distinctive rear design also helps it stand out in a market full of near-identical rectangular slabs, even if the iPhone still feels a touch more premium in the hand. You don't lose out on the iPhone's IP68 durability rating either.

Ultimately, then, this one comes down to taste, but the Pixel 10a’s flush design feels more original and more useful day to day than Apple’s safer approach.

Winner: Pixel 10a

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: display

This is one of the easier sections to call.

The Pixel 10a gives you a larger 6.3-inch display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and far higher peak brightness, while the iPhone 17e sticks with a smaller 6.1-inch screen and a 60Hz panel.

In everyday use, that leaves Google’s phone feeling smoother, punchier, and better suited to bright outdoor viewing.

That is not to say the iPhone 17e has a weak screen: its OLED panel should still look sharp, crisp, and colourful enough for most people, and Apple rarely gets the basics wrong here.

The problem is that, in 2026, 60Hz is no longer easy to excuse on a phone at this price when a direct rival offers a noticeably slicker experience for less. To get a 120Hz screen on an iPhone, you'll have to spend upwards of $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, but Google is offering that experience for $499 / £499 / AU$849.

Winner: Pixel 10a

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: cameras

Google's Pixel 10a has the more versatile camera setup.

Both phones use a strong 48MP main camera, but the Pixel backs that up with a 13MP ultra-wide, while the iPhone 17e relies on a single rear lens and sensor cropping for its 2x option.

For anyone who likes shooting landscapes, buildings, or tighter indoor scenes, that extra lens gives the Pixel an immediate advantage.

The iPhone 17e is, however, still impressive if your photography is mostly centred on the main camera. Apple tends to be reliable for quick point-and-shoot photos and video, and the 17e adds improved portrait tools on top.

Even so, in a comparison like this, the Pixel 10a offers more hardware to play with without forcing you up to a pricier model.

You'll also get some neat software features like Camera Coach (above) on the Pixel 10a, which uses AI to help improve your photo-taking abilities. There's no such feature on the iPhone 17e.

Winner: Pixel 10a

iPhone 17e camera samples

Google Pixel 10a camera samples

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: performance and software

Apple takes the lead (finally!) on performance.

The iPhone 17e runs on the Apple-made A19 chip, and that alone gives it the stronger long-term case if you want a cheap phone that should still feel fast a few years down the line. For reference, the excellent iPhone 17 also uses this chipset, so you won't be left wanting for power.

Google’s Pixel 10a uses the older Google-made Tensor G4 instead, which is perfectly serviceable for everyday apps and tasks — you won't have any problems scrolling through TikTok or watching YouTube — but AI processes like image editing or summarization take a bit longer, especially if they’re handled on-device. The same goes for video exports or more intensive photo edits.

The Pixel 10a is more convincing on the software side. It offers a plethora of genuinely useful AI tools, including Call Screen, which automatically screens unknown callers, or Hold for Me, which lets Google Assistant wait in a queue so you don’t have to. Google's Magic Eraser tool is also miles better than Apple's Clean Up equivalent.

The Pixel 10a comes with Android 16 as standard, and Google promises seven years of software and security updates, which is still one of the strongest support commitments in this part of the market.

Apple, meanwhile, is known for supporting its iPhones for many years, and the same is likely to be the case with the iPhone 17e. iOS 26 is also impressively slick and easy to use, but it lacks the breadth of AI features that you'll find on the Pixel 10a.

The Pixel 10a, then, has the more impressive software pitch, but the iPhone 17e is the faster and more capable phone overall. If you're a keen mobile gamer, it's the better pick of the two phones.

Winner: iPhone 17e

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: battery

The battery life battle is a close-run affair.

The Pixel 10a has a much bigger battery than the iPhone on paper (5,100mAh vs 4,005mAh), and we easily made it through a full day of replying, photo-taking, and light gaming while using the phone. In our lab tests, the Pixel 10a lasted for 15 hours and 16 minutes.

Mind you, the iPhone 17e also offers decent battery life, despite the smaller size of its cell (you can thank that A19 chipset), and as our review notes, it likewise made it through a full day of use with ease, "even on busier days filled with video exports, FaceTime calls, and plenty of texting while on the go."

Charging helps separate the two phones a little.

The Pixel 10a supports 30W charging via USB and wireless charging up to 10W, though it doesn't feature any MagSafe-style ring system, so you won't be able to stick any accessories to the back of the phone.

The iPhone 17e, meanwhile, does support Apple's excellent MagSafe system (which wasn't true of the iPhone 16e) and wireless charging up to 15W. USB-C charging is a little slower than on the Pixel, at 20W, but that's offset by the greater versatility brought about by the iPhone 17e's MagSafe compatibility.

Overall, then, there are battery-related pros and cons to both phones, so you'll need to decide which aspect (endurance or charging) you value most.

Winner: Tie

iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 10a: verdict

The Pixel 10a makes more sense for more people.

Google's budget smartphone is cheaper to buy, has the better display, offers more camera flexibility, and feels like the stronger value pick if you are simply trying to get the most phone for your money in 2026.

But the iPhone 17e still has a clear audience, and is the better choice if you want the comfort and security of iOS, stronger chipset performance, or the reassurance of staying inside Apple’s wider ecosystem (MagSafe, too, is a big plus).

Apple also softens the price gap by starting at 256GB, which makes the 17e look less expensive than it first seems once storage enters the conversation.

Taken as a straight cheap-phone comparison, though, the Pixel 10a comes out ahead. It gives up less, costs less, and feels more competitive in the areas that matter most.

Overall winner: Google Pixel 10a

• Some Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL owners claim their flashlight has caused damage to their phones
• This appears to happen when the flashlight is left on for too long
• So far, there are only a few reports

You probably assumed that your Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL's flashlight was a harmless feature — a secondary use for the LED camera flash that allows you to light up dark rooms. But it seems leaving it on too long could cause real problems.

According to various Reddit threads spotted by Android Police, some users are finding that the flashlight module on their phone has burned or melted after extended use, with other users saying that marks have been left on the module, or simply that it has gotten worryingly hot.

You can see one of the more dramatic examples of this in the image below, shared by Reddit user Public-Sun-6034.

This is a concerning issue, since it affects not just the flashlight function but the camera’s flash, as it’s the same module.

A rare occurrence

However, it’s unclear how widespread this problem actually is. So far, only a fairly small number of users seem to be reporting issues, and as Android Police points out, some of these reports may be incorrect, as the LED emitter in the module makes a small dot visible on the glass, which some users may mistake for damage.

Still, based on the image shared above, it seems at least a few users are experiencing genuine issues, so our advice would be not to leave the flashlight on for more than a few minutes, just to be on the safe side.

And while it’s so far only Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL owners that are reporting this issue, we’d suggest applying the same advice to other Pixel models — and perhaps other handset brands too.

If you want Google's classy stock Android package and all of its AI tools (plus a few more tricks besides), then you no longer need to buy the Google Pixel 10: a cheaper alternative has entered the fray.

We're talking about the Google Pixel 10a, which, in classic A-series fashion, strips back the main-series phone and offers a comparable package in a cheaper shell. We saw Google take the same tack with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a, and Google has once again presented budget-conscious buyers with a welcome dilemma.

So, to help you figure out which of Google's latest Pixel phones is best suited to your needs, we've compared their specs, features, and overall value propositions. And remember, if you're after a true flagship experience, there's always the pricier Pixel 10 Pro to consider.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: specs comparison

Before we dive into the specifics of each phone, let's take a look at their key specs.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: price and availability

The Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a are both globally available phones, though they didn't release at the same time: the a-model's March 2026 release makes it six months older than its sibling, which launched in August 2025.

The base Google Pixel 10 goes for $799 / £799 / AU$1,349, and that's for 128GB storage, while there's also a 256GB model available for $899 / £899 / AU$1,499.

Naturally, the Pixel 10a is cheaper; it starts at $499 / £499 / AU$849 for the model with 128GB of storage, and $599 / £599 / AU$999 for 256GB.

So, whichever model you choose, the Pixel 10a is $300 / £300 / AU$500 less expensive than the Pixel 10. It's the cheapest model in Google's Pixel lineup, and not by a small margin either.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: design

Squint, and the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a look pretty similar. They're similar in size and roughly offer the same aesthetic: a plain slate with an oval-sized camera bump at the top.

This camera bump is, however, wider on the Pixel 10, and it protrudes further too. There's no denying that it makes the phone scream "camera powerhouse" to the eye, but this bump might also catch on your trouser pocket, and it stops the phone from sitting flat on a table.

The Pixel 10a's camera bump is flush with the back of the phone. Plus, the device is a little lighter overall, so you're getting a more svelte package.

As for colors, the Pixel 10 comes in black, white, blue, or yellow, while the 10a swaps out the yellow option for a bright red 'Berry' shade.

Winner: Pixel 10a

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: display

There's little to distinguish the Google Pixel 10a and Pixel 10 in the display department.

Both have the same 6.3-inch 1080 x 2424 display, which can hit a 120Hz refresh rate. At 3,000 nits, the max brightness of the Pixel 10 is technically 300 nits higher than the 10a's, but that'll mean little in practice.

At play here is Actua, a display tech made by Google that focuses on high-brightness OLED panels. Our testers for both phones complimented the vibrancy and easy-viewing of their respective Actua panels, with our Google Pixel 10 review noting that "Google’s Pixel displays have quietly taken the crown as the best screens you’ll find." High praise indeed.

The screens are, in both cases, broken up by a punch-hole display at the top, which houses a front-facing camera. Neither is very big, so it won't steal your pixels.

Winner: tie

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: cameras

Both Google phones have the same 48MP main camera, and we've praised the color and lighting of pictures taken with this lens. Indeed, our Google Pixel 10a review notes that "the 48MP camera is excellent for everyday shots — whether that’s snapping a quick photo of your dog, capturing a meal, or taking a portrait of a friend."

The 13MP ultra-wide camera — which we described as "great for landscapes, group photos, or architecture" — is also a common feature between the two phones.

And when you look at the front-facing cameras, the Pixel 10a actually pulls ahead: it has a 13MP sensor to the 10's 10.5MP one, though the photographic results are largely similar.

But the Pixel 10 earns its stripes as a bona fide camera phone thanks to its zoom capabilities. It boasts a 10.8MP telephoto sensor that supports a 5x optical zoom, making it a great option for distance or macro shots. The Pixel 10a has no such telephoto module to speak of.

For Google, camera software often seems just as important as camera hardware, and luckily, the killer feature of the Pixel 10, Camera Coach, is also on the A-series model.

Camera Coach gives you advice to improve your shot, pointing you to change your framing or angle in ways that'll create a better result. It's not onerous or tyrannical, and offers pointers that really help.

Winner: Google Pixel 10

Google Pixel 10a camera samples

Google Pixel 10 camera samples

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: performance and software

Software-wise, both the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a present the same package. They both come with stock Android 16, and Google has pledged up to seven major OS updates to both phones.

That means, whichever phone you pick up, you've got equal access to Google's suite of smart software tools, including customization features, shortcuts, and Magic Cue, which scrapes your data (privately) to give in-app suggestions in texts and messages. In our Pixel 10 review, we said that Magic Cue "isn't perfect [but] isn't in the way," so make of that what you will.

It's easier to tell these two phones apart in the performance department. The Pixel 10 uses Google's newest chipset, the Tensor G5, while the 10a uses the Tensor G4, which we saw in the Pixel 9. Neither is blindingly fast — gamers need not bother with Pixel phones in general — but the G5 definitely offers a little extra oomph.

We noted in our Pixel 10a review that you'll be "able to perform nearly all daily tasks on the 10a," though Google’s AI features will likely load more snappily on the Pixel 10.

That's because — as our Pixel 10 review notes — "the G5-equipped phone is running many more machine-learning models on the device itself." The more a phone can rely on its own power instead of tapping the cloud for help, the faster it will feel. Sure, the difference will be negligible most of the time, but the Pixel 10 is an objectively more powerful device than its cheaper sibling.

Winner: Pixel 10

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: battery

On paper, the Google Pixel 10a beats its premium sibling by a hair in terms of battery size. It has a 5,100mAh battery, compared to the Pixel 10's 4,970mAh cell.

In our reviews of the two phones, we said the Pixel 10 "usually lasted through a full day of testing", while the Pixel 10a "will easily last all day". Our lab test, however, revealed a slight advantage for the Pixel 10a, which lasted for 15 hours and 16 minutes to the Pixel 10's 13 hours and 15 minutes. So, it's clear that the 10a lasts a bit longer.

However, the Pixel 10 wins outright on charging speed. It's a closely-run affair in the wired charging department — the Pixel 10 gets 25W wired charging, while the Pixel 10a gets a comparable 23W — but the pricier phone also has 15W wireless charging. No such option exists on the Pixel 10a, meaning owners of the cheaper phone won't be able to make use of Google's MagSafe-like Pixelsnap accessories.

Winner: tie

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 10: verdict

This is certainly a hard one: the Google Pixel 10 won out in two sections, as did the Pixel 10a, and two sections were a tie. Even split!

That's not normal when comparing mainstream phones against their budget counterparts; in most cases, the top-end model wins outright in all departments except for price. Yet the Pixel 10a has a better design than the Pixel 10, and beats it for battery life (though that section was a tie, thanks to the Pixel 10's superior charging capabilities).

That all goes to show that the Google Pixel 10a is a genuinely attractive alternative to the Pixel 10, and if you decide to opt for it, you're not getting a worse device for your cash. You really only lose out on the pricier phone's zoom capabilities, capacity for wireless charging, and slightly speedier chipset.

Google Pixel 10a: Two-Minute Review

Google's Pixel 10a is an interesting mid-range smartphone that bucks some of the trends the A-series lineup typically delivers on. It doesn’t get a new processor or upgraded camera hardware this year — instead sticking with the Tensor G4 and the same dual-camera system as the Pixel 9a — and there aren’t many headline-grabbing new tricks. Instead, Google is focused on continuing to deliver strong value.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Pixel 10a still offers a great ergonomic build that feels premium and comes in fun colors, and it also does something rare in modern smartphones: the back is completely flush, meaning there’s no camera bump. Battery life is excellent thanks to the 5,100mAh cell, easily lasting a full day in my testing, and Google has added Satellite SOS support for emergencies. The 6.3-inch Actua display remains bright and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the 48-megapixel main camera and 13-megapixel ultra-wide offer solid flexibility for everyday photos, portraits, and wide shots.

It’s likely not an upgrade if you already own a Pixel 9a — but then again, you’re probably not considering the 10a if you do. The bigger wrinkle is that the 9a is still widely available and can often be found for less than the 10a’s $499 MSRP. Considering the phones share the same processor, camera system, and battery capacity, the differences — like Camera Coach, the flush back, and new colors — might not be enough to sway everyone.

But if you're in the market for an affordable Android smartphone that doesn’t skimp on everyday performance, camera flexibility, or the latest AI features, the Pixel 10a — like most A-series phones before it — still stands above many other budget Android phones, even if not much has changed year over year.

Google Pixel 10a: Price and availability

Here’s some good news: if you’re already sold, Google’s Pixel 10a is available right now. The 10a is available in four colors – Lavender, Berry, Fog, or Obsidian – and can be configured with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, both pairing 8GB of RAM with the Tensor G4 chip inside.

The Google Pixel 10a starts at $499 / £499 / AU$849 for 128GB or $599 / £599 / AU$999 for 256GB.

Google Pixel 10a: Specs

Google Pixel 10a: Design

• Finally, a fully flush design with no camera bump
• Lavender and Berry are two great colors
• Feels like a premium phone

Yes, the Google Pixel 10a, like every A-Series Pixel before it, is all about value. But true to the line’s nature, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad-looking phone. The Pixel 10a looks very much like a modern member of the Pixel lineup.

The Pixel 10a feels very good in the hand and retains a silhouette similar to that of the Pixel 9a, its predecessor. The metal rails all around are soft to the touch, with a smooth matte finish that makes them easy to hold, and the button placement is easy to work with. The power and volume rockers are on the right; a USB-C port sits on the bottom, flanked by speakers; and a SIM card slot is on the left, pretty close to the top.

I really like the Lavender shade I’ve been testing, and unlike Apple’s iPad Air with M4 take on lavender, Google’s version definitely mixes blue and purple together for a terrific shade. Google has also leaned into vibrant device colors, and the 10a delivers here. You can also get the Pixel 10a in Berry, a pinkish red; Fog, a pale green; or Obsidian, a grayish black.

The rear is pretty much all device color, though. You might be expecting a glass back, but it’s a smooth-finish plastic here. The dual-camera system sits in the top-left corner alongside an LED flash, and there’s a big “G” Google logo centered in the middle.

Google’s Pixel 10a is a good-looking smartphone, but where it really packs a punch is that, even without a case, it can sit flat on a table. No rocking side to side. How? Google has eliminated the camera bump, so the entire rear of the 10a is flush — and I simply love it.

It’s very rare, but the Pixel 10a is a completely flat phone, and I hope this is something we arrive at in future mainline Pixels as well. I can’t necessarily name another recent release that’s fully flat, and it’s even drawn a few eyes while I’ve been testing the 10a without a case.

That’s certainly a highlight here, and while the 10a also hides support for Qi wireless charging underneath, one downside is that PixelSnap isn’t supported. The Pixel 10a is pretty much identical to the Pixel 9a in this respect, and that’s not necessarily a major problem, considering you might not be considering the 10a if you bought a 9a last year.

Still, the Pixel A-Series typically trickles down some of the best features of the mainline Pixel lineup. In this case, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro rolled out support for PixelSnap — essentially Android’s version of Apple’s MagSafe — opening those phones up to work with a range of accessories that snap to the back. That includes wallets, magnetic power banks, PopSockets, or even Octobuddys.

It’s a rare omission here and a bit of an odd decision on Google’s part, especially considering the just-released — and yes, more expensive — iPhone 17e supports MagSafe.

PixelSnap aside, though, the Pixel 10a is a great-looking, modern phone that comes in some delightful colors and manages a feat many other phones can’t match: it’s flat. And there’s no price increase.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Display

• Google’s Actua display remains one of the best
• Great for viewing all sorts of content
• 120Hz support is a major win

Just like the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9a, Google’s Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display that’s really a joy to view content on. The panel here is a pOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 at 422 pixels per inch. That’s a lot of tech specs, yes, but the key takeaway is that it’s a great display — albeit the same as the 9a, minus a bit of brightness — to have on a budget phone, and it can go head-to-head with true flagships.

Google notes that the Pixel 10a’s peak brightness reaches up to 3,000 nits (2,000 nits for HDR), but in Future PLC’s lab testing, we found it reached 1,896 nits. I didn’t notice much of an issue during daily testing, including outdoors on sunny days or under bright indoor lighting. Our lab also recorded the Pixel 9a at 2,076 nits — again, just something to keep in mind.

Unlike the iPhone 17e, the Pixel 10a features a 120Hz refresh rate, which is great for watching content or playing games, and it also makes the smartphone feel more responsive. Interestingly, it isn’t enabled by default, so you’ll need to head to Settings to turn it on. While it warns that enabling it will drain the battery a bit faster than 60Hz, it’s worth it for the experience. Colors look punchy and vibrant, with strong contrast, and darker tones look deep. Whether I was scrolling through TikToks or Reels, watching a show on Hulu or Disney+, texting a friend, responding to an email, or browsing the web, everything looked pretty great.

There’s still an optical fingerprint sensor built into the screen, and while it’s not as fast as the ultrasonic sensors found in some higher-end phones, it felt quick and responsive during my testing. Like on the Pixel 9a, it’s centered toward the bottom of the screen, which makes for a pretty ergonomic spot.

As you might expect from a more affordable Pixel, there are thicker bezels around the 6.3-inch screen than you’d find on a flagship. Still, there’s no notch on the Pixel 10a. Instead, there’s a centered hole-punch cutout at the top for the 13-megapixel selfie camera.

To help protect against scratches and drops, the Pixel 10a’s screen is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, an upgrade from the Gorilla Glass 3 used on the 9a. I haven’t noticed any scratches on my unit, despite one or two drops onto the floor indoors — it’s held up well so far.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Software

• Clean Android at its finest
• Deep integration with Google ecosystem
• Gemini, Gemini, Gemini

True to every Google Pixel before it, the Pixel 10a delivers a clean Android experience with plenty of Google customizations. Out of the box, Android 16 looks pretty familiar — you’ll see Google’s own suite of apps preloaded, along with the classic weather widget and Gemini. Yes, Google’s AI suite is well integrated here, but that’s not necessarily new, as it was the same case with the Pixel 9a.

Probably the best features in Google’s AI lineup on the Pixel have to do with phone calls — whether that’s waiting on hold while trying to reach a customer service line or helping block screen calls from potential telemarketers or other spam numbers. These are seriously helpful, and of course, Gemini is always on call when you have a network connection, whether that means typing to the AI, talking to it, or even firing up your camera to let it see.

If you’re already in the Android ecosystem — be it on an earlier Pixel device or another Android phone, maybe from the likes of Samsung — you’ll almost certainly feel right at home on the 10a. It doesn’t necessarily introduce any first-of-its-kind software features, but it does offer the familiar suite of Google-made apps and plenty of AI flair we’ve come to expect.

One new feature, which I’ll dive into a bit more below, is Camera Coach arriving on the 10a. This could prove helpful, especially if you want feedback on how to capture a specific shot or make an ultra-wide photo more unique. It debuted alongside the Pixel 10 lineup and serves as a guiding assistant for the camera, updating its suggestions based on what you’re shooting.

Maybe the best software feature, though, is the promise of software updates for seven years — that’s basically best-in-class. It ensures that your investment in a Pixel 10a will be supported for the long haul, assuming the hardware holds up.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Cameras

• Excellent to have a main and ultra-wide at this price
• No major changes to lenses year over year
• Camera Coach is a nice addition

While it’s not a bad thing — especially since you’re probably not picking up the Pixel 10a if you already own the 9a — the camera setup remains entirely unchanged generation over generation. The Pixel 10a’s rear dual-camera system features a 48-megapixel main camera paired with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide. Both of these are really, really good, with a keen ability to capture sharp, colorful shots with plenty of detail.

What you’re really getting here is flexibility. The 48-megapixel main camera is excellent for everyday shots — whether that’s snapping a quick photo of your dog, capturing a meal, or taking a portrait of a friend. Meanwhile, the 13-megapixel ultra-wide lets you pull back and fit a lot more into the frame, which is great for landscapes, group photos, or architecture.

Portrait mode remains a strong suit for the Pixel 10a as well. Google’s image processing does a great job separating the subject from the background, delivering natural-looking blur and strong edge detection around hair and clothing. Other camera modes — including Night Sight and standard photo capture — also perform well here, producing bright images with plenty of dynamic range.

Where the Pixel 10a falls a bit short is in zoom. Without a dedicated telephoto lens, you’re relying on digital zoom once you move past the standard 1x view. While Google’s processing does a decent job keeping images usable at modest zoom levels, detail starts to soften the further you push it.

There’s also no real improvement over the Pixel 9a here — both phones produce good images, though sometimes it can take snapping a couple of shots to get the one you really want. I would have liked to see at least a small leap this year, but for a $500 phone, the Pixel 10a still fits the bill as a dependable camera. The 13-megapixel front-facing camera might lack the flair of more expensive devices, but it still captures a great selfie with ample space for a few friends in the shot.

• Cameras score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Camera samples

Google Pixel 10a: Performance

• The 10a delivers good performance that’ll deliver every day
• Still running a Tensor G4 chip

Here’s another oddity with the Pixel 10a: it uses the same processor as the Pixel 9a, the Tensor G4. For those who follow speeds and feeds, that likely means this won’t be the fastest-performing smartphone out there, but that’s also not necessarily expected on a $499 phone. Google is really the only one that knows why the 10a didn’t get the Tensor G5 like the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro — most A-series Pixels typically trickle down the latest processor, again offering excellent performance for a much lower price.

It’s also at odds with the iPhone 17e, which features the A19 chip, nearly identical to the one inside the standard iPhone 17. Overall, that phone feels a bit more responsive, especially for more demanding tasks.

Even with all that said, though, the Pixel 10a still runs well, and for most everyday tasks — and even some light gaming — it performs just fine. AI tasks and processes like image editing or summarization take a bit longer here, especially if they’re handled on-device. The same goes for video exports or more intensive photo edits, but it’s not a real deal-breaker.

I was able to perform nearly all my daily tasks on the 10a, whether that was responding to emails, Slack, or messages, browsing the web, scrolling through TikTok or Reels, or even mixing in some light gaming or video editing. The Pixel 10a handled most of it well, with only a few small speed bumps along the way.

Opening apps – whether basic or more advanced – felt pretty close to instant, and overall, the Pixel 10a offered good performance. It’s not quite as zippy as the Pixel 10 or the Pixel 10 Pro, but again, that’s not necessarily a surprise here.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a: Battery & Connectivity

• It will easily last all day
• Still supports fast wired charging
• Satellite SOS is a great addition

Now, as I mentioned above, PixelSnap isn’t supported here, but you can still charge the Pixel 10a wirelessly at up to 7.5 watts or via a wired connection. If speed is your game, you can plug in the Pixel 10a via USB-C and get close to 60% in about 30 minutes. That’s from my testing, and it’s a great result, as you can quickly top up the battery if needed.

That said, with a 5,100mAh battery inside — the same capacity as the Pixel 9a — I didn’t have to reach for the charger very often. I easily made it through a full day filled with plenty of replies, shutter presses, and some gaming while on the go. The Pixel 10a also performed well in Future PLC’s lab battery test, lasting 15 hours and 16 minutes — more than two hours longer than the Pixel 9a in the same test.

Considering it uses the same processor and battery capacity as the previous generation, that likely means there were other improvements or efficiencies, probably on the software side.

Lastly, like the iPhone 17e, Google’s Pixel 10a now supports Satellite SOS. This means that if you’re without service — maybe on a nature trail — and need to contact help, you can do so by following on-screen instructions to connect via satellite. It’s very similar to Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone and is a really nice feature to have, even if it’s one you hopefully never need to use.

• Battery & Connectivity score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 10a Should you buy?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if...

Google Pixel 10a: How I tested

I used the Google Pixel 10a for more than two weeks, setting it up fresh and loading it with all of my everyday apps, including Gmail, Slack, TikTok, Instagram, and several work tools. During that time, I used it throughout my daily routine for messaging, emails, social media, photos, navigation, and streaming video to see how it handled real-world use. I also compared the Pixel 10a directly with several other smartphones, including the Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17e.

First reviewed March 10 2026.

• A case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL has already shown up online
• We may get a bigger but thinner camera bar
• These handsets could well be launching around August time

The chunky camera bar sitting around the back of Google's flagship Pixel phones certainly makes them stand out, but it seems there may be a design tweak on the way with the Pixel 11 series that's expected later this year.

Case maker ThinBorne (via Android Authority) has already posted a listing for a Pixel 11 Pro XL case, which gives us some idea of what might be coming. The case design suggests the phone's camera bar may cover a slightly larger area, and protrude a little less.

Take a peek at our Pixel 10 Pro XL review, and you'll see the rear camera island does stick out a fair bit from the phone. That's partly to enable features like the 5x optical zoom, but the additional thickness isn't to everyone's tastes.

In 2026 it appears that Google may have found a way to trim down on this protrusion without affecting the camera specs too much — although of course we don't know yet which cameras the Pixel 11 handsets are going to be fitted with.

To be confirmed

Bear in mind that this updated design is far from confirmed, although case makers do often get a heads up from manufacturers about the dimensions of upcoming devices, so that the cases can be ready to go on launch day.

This is almost the first Pixel 11 leak to appear, although there was talk a few months ago about changes that may be coming with the Tensor G6 chipset — the processor that's expected to be fitted inside all of these phones.

If Google follows the same approach as last year, we'll get a Pixel 11, a Pixel 11 Pro, a Pixel 11 Pro XL, and a Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The current Pixel 10 flagships were unveiled in August, so their successors are likely to appear around then as well.

We've also just had the launch of the mid-range Google Pixel 10a, which — like the Pixel 9a before it — eschews the classic Pixel camera bump for a flat back casing. We'll have to wait and see which direction the Pixel design team goes in next.

• The latest Google Pixel Drop is bringing some major updates
• These include improved Circle to Search and AirDrop compatibility
• Some features are exclusive to the Google Pixel 10

Hot on the heels of Samsung’s Unpacked event which gave us the Galaxy S26 series devices complete with a suite of new AI-powered software, Google has announced new Android features landing on Pixel phones — including a couple of the S26’s new toys.

They’ll come in the next Pixel Drop that’s rolling out to Google’s phones, though some updates are limited to just the latest Pixel 10 generation, or will require an extra app download. We’ll highlight those as we go.

There are lots of updates on the way, but we’ve picked out the best six here from the Google Pixel Drop announcement.

1. Find your next outfit with Circle to Search

Circle to Search shines as a tool for finding clothing items you see in person or online. You just circle the person in the picture and the AI will help you find similar shirts, skirts, and shoes for you (as well as anything else it can see they’re wearing). It works great, but it can be a little tedious looking up each item in an outfit if you want to mimic someone’s whole look rather than just elements of it.

With the new outfit finder option, Circle to Search will look up a whole ‘fit in one go — giving you a few options for each item of clothing as it hunts them down — and if you provide the app with a selfie you can even use AI to try out the look virtually.

The only disappointment is this feature is currently limited to Pixel 10 phones.

2. Magic Cue can help with social plans

A little like Samsung’s new Now Nudge feature, Magic Cue can analyze your text chats to offer helpful AI automations without you needing to switch apps. For example, if your friends want to meet up next Saturday at a bakery near a theater, Magic Cue will pop up above your phone keyboard with a Gemini automation to look up bakeries in that area open at the weekend, which you could suggest.

The main difference with Now Nudge is it doesn’t seem to use your calendar or other info to inform its suggestions, though that could land down the line.

3. Now Playing app

Now Playing is one of the best phone tools out there for music lovers. It allows your Pixel to easily identify and find songs it hears while you’re out and about. WIth the latest Pixel drop it now has a new home in a dedicated Now Playing app.

This application won’t just identify what’s currently playing, it will also keep a log of tracks you’ve heard throughout the day and offer links to where to find them on your streaming service of choice.

As a Samsung convert, Now Playing is the feature I miss most, and I’m even more jealous of Pixel users because of this addition.

4. AirDrop on Pixel?

Taking a cue from Apple instead of Samsung for this next entry, Pixel phones’ Quick Share is now more widely compatible with Apple’s AirDrop so you can easily and securely send photos, videos, and files between Pixels, iPhones, iPads, and Macs without an internet connection.

This expands on a feature the Google Pixel 10 debuted last year to make it even easier to work and share across different devices.

5. Find my luggage

Another Apple-like feature, this time taking inspiration from the AirTag, a new share item location feature in the Find Hub will let you share the location of your lost tracker with others.

Google highlights how this will be handy for locating lost luggage as you can share the location with an airline if your bag is misplaced, but you can also choose to stop sharing its location at any time.

6. Hands-free Watch controls

Lastly we have a Pixel Watch upgrade that allows you to control your smartwatch without needing to touch the screen.

One-handed gestures allow you to answer calls or play music by pinching twice with the hand your watch is on, or dismiss calls and notifications by flicking your wrist.

How is it that Google, the patron saint of massive, metallic camera bumps, can come out with virtually one of the only fully flat-backed smartphones? How is that possible? And yet here it is, the Google Pixel 10a. Now hold on, for all those claiming that the Pixel 9a was flat, too, I beg to differ. There was a raised lip around the camera array. On the $499 / £490 / AU$849 Pixel 10a, it’s gone.

This may seem like a small thing, especially in an Android phone that in many ways offers less, but it reminds me of where I once thought all smartphones were heading, into a world of perfectly flat glass and metal slabs. Then everyone from Apple to Samsung, to OnePlus, to Honor, and of course Google started raising the bar…er…camera array.

As I recall, Google started this trend, and as every camera manufacturer added larger sensors and ever longer telephoto lenses, the camera plateau growth was a necessary evil. Sure, no modern flagship smartphone can lie flat on its back, but, oh, look at the pictures.

Google Pixel 10a, naturally, does away with the telephoto lens. On the back of this 6.3-inch handset are just two lenses: the 48MP main camera and a 13MP UW. But I noticed when I viewed the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a side-by-side that while similarly sized and shaped, the camera arrays were not exactly in the same position. I could see the Pixel 10a camera had moved up on the chassis back.

Even though the removal of the telephoto lens surely helps, the Pixel 9a didn’t have one, and it's camera array was slightly raised. One Google rep told me getting that perfectly flat back on the Pixel 10a was a significant engineering feat.

Naturally, I asked if these breakthroughs could flow upstream to the next generation of Google phones: the Pixel 11. There was a smile and a head shake as the exec confirmed that they could not answer that question. Still, I have to hope that someone, somewhere, will see this “flatovation” and take note.

What you do and don't get with the Pixel 10a

I’m not trying to build the Pixel 9a up to something it’s not. It cuts back on the CPU, taking it from the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro to an aging Tensor G4. It lowers the RAM from 12GB to 8GB. It breaks no ground in the storage space: it starts at 128GB and ends with a 256GB storage option.

Wireless and wired charging are faster, but there's no PixelSnap, the cool new MagSafe-style Qi-based charge and docking feature introduced with the Pixel 10 line.

And while many of the Google Gemini features are onboard, the Pixel 10a won’t ship with 3 months free of Google Gemini Pro, and there’s no Magic Cue, an AI feature designed to surface contextual information where and when you need it. I suspect it’s one feature you won’t miss.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is this is a beautiful and firmly constructed phone featuring a composite back and Gorilla Glass 7i front covering the LPTS 1080 x 2424 display, which can range from 60hz up to a smooth 120Hz (LPTO might’ve given it the ability to stop down to a battery-saving 1Hz).

The cameras, especially the main 48MP appears to take excellent photos. I can’t speak at this moment to the quality of the ultrawide (it is only 13MP). The 13MP selfie camera does take high-quality, vivid photos that did maybe too good of a job showing me just how old I really am.

There are quite a few Gemini features baked into like Gemini Live, the ability to conversationally edit photos, and Magic Eraser. I tapped a few icons and then asked Gemini to change the color of my glasses to red. It worked perfectly, though I will never wear red glasses.

Even though this is a sub-$500 phone, Google didn’t skimp on the features people will use the most, like the Camera Coach, which gently guided me through all the necessary steps to capture an attractive still life. Circle to Search works perfectly, and I had a few fruitful conversations with Gemini.

Unlike some bargain phones, the Pixel 10a still promised up to 30 hours of battery life (thanks to a somewhat surprising 5,100mAh battery). Now, I don’t have any real-world tests yet to support that figure, but I’m willing for the moment to give Google the benefit of the doubt.

I also appreciate that this is still an IP68 phone, meaning it’s no less equipped to handle an accidental toilet drop than your Pixel 10 Pro. Plus, it still offers the full seven years of OS, security, and Pixel drop updates, which means your bargain phone might seem like even more of a deal in 2034.

This is not the best phone of the year or even the best Android phone, but it’s clear that it will be a standout budget Android handset. There is no other phone so deftly combining price, performance, features, AI, and a perfectly flat back. And for that, I salute it.

• Android 17's first beta is out now
• It includes improvements for large-screen devices and performance optimizations
• It also includes some interface changes, and lets you finally remove the At a Glance widget

Following a brief delay, Android 17’s first beta has now arrived, and while it’s not as packed full of features as some Android releases, there are some changes here that could prove extremely significant.

Most of the biggest changes are things we already knew to expect, including Google preventing developers from opting out of orientation and resizing requirements for apps. This is a change that might frustrate some app developers, but it should ensure that apps looks much better on large-screen devices like tablets and the best foldable phones.

The other major change here is one that isn’t visible but should be noticeable, as the company has worked to improve the performance of Android phones, including adding a new "generational garbage collection" system, which should reduce the load on the CPU and lessen memory use.

Plus, as expected, this beta also includes smoother camera transitions, with new professional-grade camera APIs aimed at preventing freezes and stutters when switching between lenses.

Alongside these expected changes, Android 17’s first beta also has some surprises, spotted by Android Central.

Customizable shortcuts and a removable widget

These include a slimmer design for the home-screen search bar, and the ability to swap out the AI Mode shortcut on it for other options, such as a one for translations, one for the weather, one for a dictionary, and numerous others, as you can see in the screenshots above.

Whatever shortcut you choose will also now sit inside the search bar, rather than next to it, though disappointingly you can only replace the AI Mode shortcut, not the voice search or Google Lens ones that sit alongside it.

Another appreciated change is that you’re now finally able to remove the At a Glance widget, and there’s a tweak to the volume panel, with this now including a settings icon at the bottom, to quickly take you to the volume settings screen. And speaking of volume, that has now been standardized for a more consistent listening experience across apps.

That’s about it in terms of what’s been dug up so far, but it’s possible that other features or changes are hiding away in the beta still — or that future betas will have more changes.

If you’d like to try out these new features for yourself, then as long as you’ve got a Google Pixel 6 or newer you’ll be able to. Just head to the Android beta program site, sign in with your Google account, and select the Pixel device you want to install the beta to.

Then on your phone, head to Settings > System > Software updates, and install the beta from there — though be aware that it might have more bugs than completed Android versions will.

• Evidence of a Now Playing app has been found in Android code
• This would mean the Pixel's Now Playing feature would be moved to a dedicated app
• That's likely to lead to upgrades for this somewhat neglected tool

Now Playing is a feature that’s been present on Pixel phones since the Google Pixel 2 series, but while it’s been a built-in feature all this time, it seems that Google is planning to give it a dedicated app instead.

This is according to 9to5Google, which has found a code string in a new version of Android System Intelligence that mentions a Now Playing app you can “upgrade” to by downloading it from the Google Play Store.

On top of that, an icon for the Now Playing app – which you can see below – had previously been dug up.

So while this change hasn’t been officially confirmed by Google yet, it looks very likely that it’s coming.

Right now, the Now Playing feature will work in the background on your Pixel phone to identify songs that it hears playing, and then you can find those identified songs in the Now Playing section of your phone’s settings menu. It’s a useful, unintrusive feature, but it has some limitations and issues.

For one thing, having to dig several menus deep into settings to find a list of identified songs isn’t ideal, and for another, your Now Playing history isn’t synced to a new device when you change phones.

A likely upgrade – but only for Pixels

Having a dedicated app could potentially fix both of those problems, and might make it easier for Google to introduce or improve other features too. Again, none of that is confirmed, but we can’t see why Google would turn Now Playing into a dedicated app if it didn’t plan to upgrade the feature. So hopefully this will be a good change.

As for when we’ll see this app, 9to5Google speculates that it might land as part of the next Pixel Feature Drop in March.

However, if you were hoping this move to an installable app meant that Now Playing would be available on devices other than just Pixels, you're probably out of luck, as Android Authority has done some of its own digging and found signs that at least for now it will remain a Pixel-exclusive feature.

• Google has announced that the Pixel 10a will launch on February 18
• The company has also shown off the phone from the back, and it looks a lot like the Pixel 9a
• The Pixel 9a is currently heavily reduced, so might be a better buy

We’re now almost a year on from the launch of the Google Pixel 9a, so it’s about time we got the Pixel 10a, and Google seemingly agrees, because the company has announced that the Pixel 10a will be launching on February 18.

The announcement was made on the Pixel store, X, and in a brief YouTube video, which between them also give you a good look at the Pixel 10a from the back.

You can see that it has a very similar design to the Google Pixel 9a, complete with a dual-lens camera, and it’s shown here in a blue shade, though other colors will almost certainly be available too.

We know that pre-orders will open on February 18, and while nothing else has yet been confirmed about the Google Pixel 10a, rumors suggest it could have a 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide one, a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, a 6.3-inch 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED screen, a Tensor G4 chipset, and a 5,100mAh battery.

Sounding similar

Those specs are more or identical to those of the Pixel 9a, so it’s sounding like this might not be much of an upgrade, and as such, you might want to consider just buying a Pixel 9a instead.

Not only is there no wait for that, but right now it’s heavily discounted, with Google selling it for $399 / £349, down from its standard price of $499 / £499 – though sadly there’s no such discount in Australia, where it still starts at AU$849.

Of course, these specs leaks could be incorrect, and even if they’re accurate some things will likely be upgraded this year, but assuming the Pixel 10a costs at least the $499 / £499 / AU$849 that the Pixel 9a launched at, it might struggle to justify the price while the Pixel 9a is available for far less.

• The latest Pixel update is breaking Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the camera on some phones
• The Google Pixel 10 series seems the most frequently affected
• There's no real fix right now, so hopefully this will be patched soon

Android updates are meant to improve your phone, but in the case of the latest update to the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro series, it has seemingly done the opposite for a lot of users.

The January 2026 update rolled out to Pixel devices last week, complete with bug fixes, security patches, and improved GPU performance. But a number of Pixel 10 series owners are reporting that it has also broken their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and in some cases the camera as well.

9to5Google has spotted numerous threads across Reddit and Google’s own forums with complaints about these issues. So while it’s not clear exactly how widespread this is, it’s not limited to one or two users, with a Reddit poster noting that “you’re certainly not the only one” in reply to another victim of this bug.

And while it mostly seems to be Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL models that are affected, other Pixel devices don’t seem totally immune, with for example a Google Pixel 8 Pro owner stating that their Wi-Fi had broken too.

No practical fixes

So what can you do? Well if you somehow haven’t already downloaded this update, we’d suggest holding off, regardless of what Pixel model you have but especially if you have a Pixel 10-series device.

If you have already downloaded this update and you’re experiencing these issues, then we don’t have any good news. Users report having tried rebooting, booting into safe mode, resetting network settings, and even factory resetting their phones, all to no avail.

One user did report that disabling Google Play Services and the Fitbit app fixed their issues, but if you disable the former then you won’t be able to access the Google Play Store, and many of Google’s own apps won’t function properly either, so this isn’t much of a solution.

The real solution is probably simply to wait until Google rolls out a fix, but it’s unclear how soon that will be. We’ve reached out to Google for comment and will update this article if we hear back.

Sometimes you just don’t want the latest and greatest smartphone. Whether you’re on a budget, want certain niche features, or just prefer older designs, there are plenty of reasons to go vintage when it comes to picking up a new phone.

However, buying an older phone isn’t without its challenges. For one thing, it can be hard to find the exact model you’re after, especially if you’re looking to buy a factory-new handset. Older iPhones – especially Pro and Pro Max models – can be very hard to come by even as soon as two years after launch.

And secondly, there are some operational and security factors to consider when buying an older phone. Phones need to be able to run a reasonably recent version of their operating system to access most apps, and those stuck on obsolete versions are much more vulnerable to hackers and malware.

So, with all of these factors in mind, what is the oldest phone you can – or should – still use in 2026?

The oldest box-new phone

If you’re looking to buy a box-new phone, then the oldest units you’ll find in factory new condition are likely to be only a few years old.

For Apple fans, you’re still able to find new iPhone 13 models on pre-paid plans from carriers like Verizon, but might struggle to find the same units unlocked. In the UK, the oldest iPhone I can see for sale new is the iPhone 12, which Laptops Direct still has in stock.

As for Android, you can still find a good supply of Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 7, and OnePlus 12 series phones at retailers. There are many, many brands of Android phones that vary quite a lot by region, so mileage may vary depending on manufacturer.

The oldest supported phone

If you’re willing to shop used or refurbished, your main concern when buying an older phone should be whether it’s still supported. Ideally you want a phone with one or two operating system updates left in its lifespan, but even if that’s out of the question, you absolutely need a phone that’s still getting security support if you plan to use it while connected to the internet.

According to Apple’s security patch log page, the oldest version of iOS that got any kind of security patch in 2025 was iOS 15.8.5 – meaning the oldest phone that got security updates last year was the iPhone 6S, released in 2015. Not bad – but do keep in mind that some apps, and even newer releases of staple apps, might not run on this older version of iOS.

It’s worth noting that the oldest iPhone that can run iOS 26 – the latest version – is the iPhone 11 (released in 2019). You might want to pick up an iPhone 12 or newer if you plan on using any upcoming features, as the iPhone 11 is now next in line to be dropped.

On the Android side of things, the oldest version of Android still listed in Google’s Android Security Bulletin updates is Android 13, meaning any phone that runs Android 13 or newer can be considered a safe pick.

That means the oldest widely available phone still covered by Android security patches could be the Google Pixel 4, released in October 2019, which received Android 13 as its final major OS update. The Samsung Galaxy S20 and OnePlus 9 families can also run Android 13.

As for phones that can run Android 16 – the latest version – we’re looking at the Samsung Galaxy S22 series (plus the Galaxy S21 FE), the Google Pixel 6 family, and the OnePlus 11 series. Google cinches it again on this one, as the Google Pixel 6 was released in October 2021, beating the respective 2022 and 2023 launches by Samsung and OnePlus.

Classic phones and staying safe

As I covered in a recent piece, the iPhone 4 has surged in popularity lately due to demand for its digital camera, which retro tech lovers prize for its charm and Y2K-style aesthetic. And for collectors, old and obsolete phones can be a real prize.

However, if you’re dead-set on buying a phone that’s so old it no longer gets security updates, there are a few security measures you need to take to stay safe.

You should keep any phone that no longer gets security updates disconnected from wireless networks with no SIM card inserted, and avoid inputting any sensitive or personal data. And be sure to move any files off of the phone with a wired connection to a trusted device.

By following these steps you can protect your nostalgic fun against hackers and malware.

So, overall, the oldest “usable” phone for daily use is probably the iPhone 6S, which seems to still get security support from Apple – but there’s no predicting whether this will last much longer. Personally, I’d recommend getting a daily driver that can run the latest version of your preferred operating system, which would make 2019’s iPhone 11 the front-runner (or.... back-runner?). For Android fans we have to get even more recent with the Google Pixel 6, released in 2021.

If you’re blast-from-the-pasted out, feel free to check out our guides to the best iPhones, best Android phones, and best phones overall for a refresher on the latest and greatest handsets – and let us know your favorite classic phone in the comments below.

Ask any Zoomer what the best year of all time was, and there’s a good chance they’ll say 2016. For my generation, 2016 was the era of Pokémon Go, Vine, great new music, Snapchat filters, and the birth of online culture as we know it today.

It’s now 2026 – 10 years since 2016 – so it’s no surprise that nostalgia for the internet’s favorite year is surging. According to the BBC, searches for “2016” are exploding on various platforms, from TikTok to Spotify.

What I think a lot of people – Gen-Z or otherwise – miss when discussing the impact of 2016 is just how much of our fondest memories revolve around our phones. While the world wasn’t quite as reliant on smartphones 10 years ago as it is today, we’d certainly started to lean on the computers in our pockets for daily activities and entertainment.

Furthermore, a lot has changed in the world of smartphones in the last decade. So, for old time’s sake – here’s a recap of the biggest phone releases of 2016, plus a list of the phones the TechRadar team were using ten years ago.

Apple: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone SE

Launched in September 2016, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus live in infamy as the first iPhones to launch without a headphone jack. Equally notorious is Apple’s reasoning for ditching the useful port – at that year’s launch event, Tim Cook gave an infamous one-word explanation: “Courage”.

Despite the ensuing storm of controversy and some mockery from Samsung, Apple turned out to be ahead of the curve. Today, headphone jacks are a rarity on modern flagship phones and are most often reserved for the best gaming phones or other specialist handsets.

Headphone jacks aside, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were pretty decent smartphones. Though not a huge step up from the still-popular iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S families, the iPhone 7 got the new A10 Fusion chipset, a 4.7-inch screen (in the then-standard 16:9 aspect ratio), and a single 12MP rear camera. The iPhone 7 Plus was the first iPhone to launch with a second camera, a 2x telephoto lens. Both came with huge bezels and a Touch ID-enabled home button, and ran iOS 10 at launch.

As well as the new flagships, Apple launched the first iPhone SE in March 2016, giving fans of the iPhone 5’s 4-inch form factor the chance to get their hands on the latest A9 chipset. This wasn’t as much of a ‘budget’ phone as the generations that followed, as it was an homage to the outgoing design, a final salute to truly small handsets.

Samsung: Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and Galaxy Note 7

While Apple started to simplify the iPhone in 2016, Samsung kept thinking big – literally. At 5.7 inches, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the biggest widely available phones at the time, with a spec sheet to match. Its 1440p display was razor sharp, and with 4GB of RAM, it offered twice as much memory as its Apple counterpart. And of course, this was the birth of the built-in stylus, which we stil see today in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The standard Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge both had 5.1-inch displays and a few internal boosts over their predecessors. Samsung revived the Edge branding for the Galaxy S25 Edge last year, but back in 2016, the term meant something completely different – rather than being a slimmer version of the standard model, the Galaxy S7 Edge had a wraparound display that covered the edges of the phone.

Curved displays have since gone out of fashion, but it’s worth remembering that Samsung was the one to popularize them and really thought outside the box when it came to making the most of the extra space. Notifications and various indicators could flash up on the sides of the phone, making them easy to read from, say, a bedside table.

All three of 2016’s Samsung flagships ran Android 6 at launch, and all three had expandable storage via microSD. Take me back!

Google: Pixel and Pixel XL

After a successful run of Nexus phones made in collaboration with various phone makers, 2016 saw Google step out on its own for the first time. The Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL were the first phones made by Google and only Google, giving the Android operating system a piece of flagship hardware to call home.

The Google Pixel had a 5-inch screen, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a 12MP rear camera. The Google Pixel XL offered a similar experience, just with a 5.5-inch screen and a bigger battery. However, neither of the phones were particularly weatherproof, with just an IP53 ingress protection rating – this was before the days of IP68 being a given for flagship smartphones.

The real selling point of the phone was basically the same as today’s Google Pixel flagships – it ran a very lightweight, bloat-free version of Android 6 at launch, optimized for the hardware by Google itself. Though Google Pixels increasingly lean on AI tools to offer value, it's still this software simplicity that brings some users to the platform in the present.

OnePlus 3

Once considered an underdog brand, OnePlus has shot up through the ranks of the smartphone world in recent years. Its latest flagship, the OnePlus 15, earned a rare 5 stars in our review and now holds the title of the best Android phone, while also appearing on our list of the best phones.

Rewind ten years, though, and OnePlus wasn’t nearly as well-known as it is now – but the company was still putting out phones that put the big brands in the crosshairs. In 2016, OnePlus released the OnePlus 3, which we called a “genuine flagship killer” in our 4.5-star review.

It’s not surprising that the phone earned such high praise when you take a look at its spec sheet. The OnePlus 3 launched with a 5.5-inch display, a 16MP rear camera, an above-average 6GB of RAM, and a 3,000mAh battery with support for 20W charging – very speedy for the time. It was also the first all-metal OnePlus phone and came with the brand’s iconic ringer switch, which was only retired from its flagship phones in 2025.

The OnePlus 3 might be outdated now, but it’s cool to see that OnePlus has, in fact, been pushing its flagship-fighting philosophy for quite some time. It makes the brand’s win with the OnePlus 15 feel even more earned.

HTC 10 and LG G5

Back in 2016, there were a couple of brands on the scene that seemed like they’d be heavy hitters for years to come, but have vanished in the years since.

For example, HTC launched the HTC 10 in 2016. This was the successor to the much-loved HTC One series, and like its predecessors had a premium design, with a 5.2-inch display and 3,000mAh battery (both large for the time); it scored 4.5 stars in our review.

In the same year, we saw the LG G5 handset, which launched alongside a crop of separately-sold modules, such as a 360 camera and dedicated DAC.

HTC’s focus on luxury ultimately couldn’t secure its place in the race against Apple and Samsung, and the company now produces low-end smartphones, mainly for Asian markets. LG, on the other hand, kept getting weirder and wilder, but the company’s phone business closed in 2020 due to poor sales.

Which phones were the TechRadar team using in 2016?

I asked the TechRadar team which phones they were using in 2016 – as the list shows, plenty of the crew were still rocking phones from 2015 or earlier.

• Rowan Davies, Editorial Executive: iPhone 6S
• Mark Wilson, Managing Editor, News (UK): iPhone 6S
• Matthew Bolton, Managing Editor, Entertainment: iPhone 6S
• Jacob Krol, Managing Editor, News (US): iPhone 6S / iPhone 7 Plus
• John-Anthony Disotto, Senior Writer AI: iPhone 7 Plus
• Josephine Watson, Managing Editor, Lifestyle: iPhone SE
• Timothy Coleman, Cameras Editor: iPhone SE
• Matt Evans, Senior Editor, Fitness Wellness & Wearables: iPhone SE
• Becky Scarrott, Audio Editor: iPhone 5S
• Jamie Richards, Staff Writer, Mobile Computing (hey, that's me!): iPhone 5S
• Roland Moore-Colyer, Managing Editor, Mobile Computing: Samsung Galaxy S6
• Catherine Ellis, Homes Editor: Samsung Galaxy Note 2
• Matthew Hanson, Managing Editor, Core Tech: Google Pixel XL
• Dashiell Wood, Gaming Editor: Moto G4 Play
• David Nield, Freelance Contributor: Google Nexus 6

Were phones better in 2016 than they are now?

From a purely technical perspective, the best phones of 2026 are much more capable than the phones of 2016 – there's not much point arguing otherwise. But when we look at which year was better for phones at the time, things get a little more interesting.

The iPhone 7 was widely criticized for ditching the headphone jack and delivering less of an upgrade than the iPhone 6, but it was still a solid Apple handset. Samsung’s mainline Galaxy phones were also built around incremental upgrades, and didn't really push the boat out compared to past releases.

However, we did get some excitement from the launch of the all-new Google Pixel and oddball handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and LG G5. In the present day, big brands are hesitant to take a chance on out-there designs, and other than a wave of thin phones in 2025 we haven't seen any truly wild innovations since the introduction of folding phones. From that perspective, 2016 gains some ground.

And while 2026 has only just started, it seems like it might not be a huge year for phone development thanks to economic uncertainties and the rocketing demand for components like RAM.

What I personally remember about phones in 2016 is more about the way we used our devices, not the spec bumps or new features. Whether we were stepping around the neighbourhood looking for Pokémon in Pokémon Go or getting a few friends together to film a Mannequin Challenge video (remember that?), it seemed like many of the apps and trends we took part in were about coming together and amplifying our real-world experiences. In that way, it was a great year for phones, possibly because we weren’t using them quite so much.

Still, 2026 is set to be a very exciting year for mobile tech, with new developments expected in battery tech, design and materials, and mobile photography. Keep an eye on our mobile buying guides for the latest new models, and be sure to let us know which phone you were using in 2016 in the comments below.

• The Google Pixel 10a might launch on February 17
• It could also cost less than the Pixel 9a
• However, a leaked render and previous specs leaks suggest it's barely an upgrade

If you’ve been looking forward to the Google Pixel 10a then we have two pieces of good news for you, as claimed leaks suggest it could be landing very soon – and at a lower price than the Google Pixel 9a.

The main leak on this front comes from @MysteryLupin – a leaker with a solid track record – who claims that the Google Pixel 10a will launch on February 17, which is a bit earlier than you might have expected, since the Pixel 9a landed on March 19 last year.

The same source also sheds some light on pricing, claiming that the Pixel 10a will start at around €500 for a 128GB model, and rise to roughly €600 for a 256GB version. That would make it around €50 less than the Pixel 9a cost at launch, and while price conversions are rarely accurate, that could mean it’s a little less than the Pixel 9a’s $499 / £499 / AU$849 starting price in other regions.

Additionally, this source claims the 128GB model will be sold in Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, and Fog shades, while the 256GB version will apparently just be sold in Obsidian. And while we’d take all of this with a pinch of salt, Roland Quandt – who has a great track record for leaks – agrees with much of this, listing the same colors and storage capacities, and a mid-February launch.

The final Pixel 10a leak of the day is slightly less promising though, as Android Headlines has shared an official-looking render of the phone, and as with previous leaks, it looks more or less identical to the Pixel 9a. That’s especially disappointing as the 9a isn’t a particularly attractive phone, with our review describing it as “the ugliest Pixel phone ever.”

Barely an upgrade

There aren’t any specs – other than storage – included in the latest leaks, but previous leaks suggest not much will be changing there either, with the main upgrade simply being a “boosted” version of the Pixel 9a’s Tensor G4 chipset. So with that in mind, it makes sense that this might be a cheaper phone, since otherwise it could be a tough sell.

Even at a lower price though, if a better version of a chipset that first debuted 18 months ago in the Google Pixel 9 is the main upgrade, we can’t imagine this will be a big seller.

So hopefully there will be more improvements than that, so that the Google Pixel 10a can be a rival to the upcoming iPhone 17e. In our Pixel 9a review, we highlighted the design, cameras, battery, software, and power as things that were most in need of improvement, so hopefully Google will address at least some of those.

There's always something going on at Google Messages, and after its slew of updates in 2025, the WhatsApp rival is preparing for even more upgrades in 2026 – including a group chat tool it's needed for years.

Last year, Google rolled out several handy upgrades to Messages, all of which show that it's serious about improving the standard of its messaging platform. From RCS invites to its design upgrades and its 'Delete for everyone' option, Google Messages has come a long way over the past 12 months.

However, it's not stopping there. Google knows that there's even more room for improvement, and we're expecting more changes to drop in 2026. Most of its upcoming features are still in beta testing, but we're pretty confident that it'll only be a matter of time before every Google Messages user will have access to these three practical and, let's face it, long-overdue functions.

Mentions in RCS group chats

@mention in Google Messages! from r/GoogleMessages

When it comes to chat @mentions, platforms such as WhatsApp are leaps and bounds ahead. Now, Google Messages is finally getting its own version for group chats, but it should've had it a long time ago. We first came across mentions in group chats via the Reddit post above back in November, which appears to still be in its beta testing period.

Mentions are one of the best ways to get the attention of members in a group chat, especially when they've missed a message or are deliberately ignoring your burning questions, which is more often the case. When you use the @mentions feature in a group chat, it will send that specific member a notification even if their chat notifications are disabled – so there are no excuses for not replying.

An improved long-press menu

Google Message rolling out the new context menu from r/GoogleMessages

More recently, Google Messages has given its long-press menu for texts a makeover, replacing its toolbar function with a floating menu packed with the following new options: Remix (photos only), Reply, Forward, Copy (for text), Star, Delete, Select more, Info, and Save (for photos).

Previously, most of these options were hidden away under the old toolbar, so the idea of the new long-press menu is to make these hard-to-reach functions more navigable for users. This has cropped up in the latest beta version of Google Messages for a large number of users, so we're expecting a wider rollout sometime this year.

New camera viewfinder

Another new improvement that Google Messages has rolled out is its camera and gallery viewfinder upgrade on Android, which is already available to all users in the stable version of the chat service.

Now, the camera viewfinder is a lot shorter than before, allowing more display room for your photos in the gallery interface (you can now view two full rows of images). You can still swipe up on the gallery view to access your full photo library, so that's not going anywhere.

At the end of 2025, Google occupies a unique position in the smartphone industry – while Apple and Samsung duke it out over who can cram the fastest silicon or very best cameras into their latest flagship handsets, Google focuses on the user experience, meaningful upgrades, and versatility.

More than anything else, the Google Pixel 10 is the software lover’s flagship phone. The tech giant’s latest flagship phone lineup comprises one standard model, the Pixel 10, a more powerful Pixel 10 Pro and enlarged Pixel 10 Pro XL, and foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

All four phones run a lightweight, near-stock version of Android that comes with a heaped helping of AI features. Google Pixel phones use Google Tensor chipsets, which aren’t as powerful as Apple’s A-series mobile chipsets or the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets found in Galaxy phones, so Google really leans on its software experience to give its phones value.

For the most part, this has paid off pretty well. The Google Pixel 10 is our current pick for the best Android phone for everybody, meaning its user experience is friendly and useful to new and expert users alike.

And on the high-end of the lineup, our four-and-a-half star Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review praises the phone’s software and AI experience as unintrusive and powerful, true to the nature of the Pixel lineup.

But that software experience isn’t quite the same on the standard Google Pixel 10 – indeed, there are a handful of cool and interesting features that only the Pro models get (as our Google Pixel 10 review highlights), which I’ve always found to be an odd choice for a flagship lineup that leans so heavily on software.

Specifically, the Google Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold get new call screening and call log features that can check for spammers and take notes while you’re on the phone.

And Google locks away certain camera controls on the standard Pixel 10 for seemingly arbitrary reasons – despite having a 50MP main sensor, you can’t enable 50MP portrait shots or access advanced camera options to change things like your ISO sensitivity. You can do these things on a Pixel 10 Pro.

This is despite the Google Pixel 10 lineup all sharing the same Google Tensor G5 chipset. Sure, the Pro models have 16GB of RAM compared to the standard model’s 12GB, but you can’t seriously tell me that this is why Google has locked away advanced camera controls on the standard model. And Apple Intelligence manages call screening and summaries on phones with as little as 8GB of RAM, so I don’t quite buy that Google couldn’t make it work with the Pixel 10’s 12GB allowance.

So, what can Google do to clear up this confusing product strategy in 2026?

In my opinion there’s a pretty simple answer here – bring the Google Pixel Pro’s exclusive software features to the regular Google Pixel.

I understand completely that phone makers need to distinguish the different models in their lineups somehow. A Pro or Ultra-grade phone needs to earn its title with a handful of exclusive features, and a base model handset can’t stick to a reasonable price if it has all the latest and greatest tech.

But when we look at the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, or the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, what sets the two tiers apart isn’t a matter of software, but hardware.

That’s a convention for a reason. When I pick up an iPhone 17, it’s nice to know that I have access to everything the iPhone 17 Pro can do on the software side of things, and equally the tangibility of hardware upgrades like the iPhone 17 Pro’s telephoto camera makes paying more for the Pro phone, makes more sense than, say, a few extra settings to fiddle with.

And, to be frank, there’s already enough of a hardware difference between the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro to warrant the higher price point. The Pixel 10 Pro has a much more capable camera system than its smaller sibling, as well as a more advanced LTPO display, and a snazzier design with shiny aluminum rails.

If it really is a case of bumping up the base-model's 12GB of RAM to 16GB, then I think Google should just do it – this would have the secondary effect of reassuring users about the hardware power of the standard model, given the lesser performance of the Tensor G5 chipset compared to rival flagships.

Stratifying the software experience feels unnecessary in this context, and especially confusing for the phone brand that leans most heavily on its software experience. Here’s hoping the rumored Pixel 11 series can set things straight in the coming year.

• Google is rolling out live translations to all earbuds in beta, starting in the US, Mexico, and India
• The company is also improving Gemini's translation smarts, which can now accurately translate idioms and local expressions instead of producing a word-for-word translation
• It's also rolling out upgrades for its language-learning tools, including improved tips on your pronunciation

Google has unveiled the next steps of Google Translate’s evolution, announcing that live translations are on the way to all earbuds, which is rolling out in beta to users in the US, Mexico, and India in the Translate app on Android.

When Google first rolled out real-time voice translations, they were limited to Pixel Buds only, but that’s about to change. The company has also shared that it’s planning to expand this to more countries and even bring it to iOS, but that won’t be until sometime in 2026.

In its blog announcement, the tech giant revealed that the latest upgrade “works to preserve the tone, emphasis, and cadence of each speaker”, allowing for more natural and accurate translations while making it easier to decipher who said what in a conversation. However, this isn’t the only scenario where live translations can come in handy.

Supporting over 70 languages, Google adds that you can use live translations in several different situations, for example, when you’re listening to a speech or lecture in a different language, or when you’re watching a movie or TV show that’s not in your native language.

Google is constantly building on Translate’s capabilities, especially when it comes to the Gemini smarts that power them. In addition to the expansion of live translations to all headphones, Google has also refined Gemini to improve translations on slang, idioms, and local expressions, using the example of ‘stealing my thunder’.

It shared in its announcement that “it's easier than ever to get a more natural, accurate translation, instead of a literal word-for-word translation. Gemini parses the context to give you a helpful translation that captures what the idiom really means,” which is kicking off in beta in the US and India.

While Google Translate is a useful tool for standard language translation features, it also offers its own language-learning service – a Duolingo dupe that’s also getting a neat upgrade.

Google has updated its language learning tools with improved feedback, offering notes on your pronunciation as well as tips on how you can improve. There’s also a new feature that lets you keep track of your progress and see how many days in a row you’ve been learning – so you can see clearly how consistent you are.

That’s not all, as Google shared its expansion of this tool to 20 new countries, including Germany, India, Sweden, and Taiwan, to grant more users access to different learning models. English speakers can now brush up on their German and Portuguese, while those who speak Bengali, Mandarin Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, German, Hindi, Italian, Romanian, and Swedish can now learn English, creeping up slowly to the likes of Duolingo.

• The Pixel Camera 10.2 update is rolling out now
• Contrary to initial reports, it doesn't look as though much has changed
• The Pixel 10 uses the camera app slightly differently

The primary reason for many people picking up one of the best Pixel phones is to take advantage of the photo-taking capabilities – something these handsets are renowned for – and the default Pixel Camera app is now being updated to version 10.2.

On the face of it, this is a fairly innocuous and minor update – but as per 9to5Google, there does seem to be some confusion over a tweak to the quick settings sliders that you can use to adjust white balance, brightness, and shadows.

To begin with, it appeared that Google had returned these sliders back to their original positions after a tweak in Pixel Camera 10.1, which put shadows above brightness on the right hand side. That's arguably a little counter-intuitive, as you'll probably want to adjust brightness first and foremost, then shadows after.

As noted in the 9to5Google report though, it seems that version 10.1 change didn't actually happen: the shadows top/brightness bottom configuration was actually exclusive to the Google Pixel 10 series at launch, and hasn't changed in version 10.2. All other Pixels still show brightness at the top, on either version 10.1 or version 10.2.

Keep up at the back

It's all rather confusing and begs the question why Google would do something different on the Pixel 10 versus every other Pixel in exactly the same app. I've checked the Pixel Camera 10.1 app on a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and the brightness slider is indeed above the shadow slider on the right, which presumably won't change with v10.2.

These quick access sliders appear when you tap the viewfinder while taking a photo, but you need to enable them first: in the Camera app, tap the gear icon (lower left), then tap the three dots, then enable Quick access controls. These were actually rolled out last year, with the v9.7 update.

Long story short, these sliders aren't changing, despite reports to the contrary that seem to be based on the 9to5Google article before it was updated. If you are seeing anything different when you get the v10.2 update though, do let me know in the comments.

So if the quick settings sliders haven't changed in Pixel Camera 10.2, what has? Not much, it would appear, except for bug fixes and stability improvements, with some Pixel 10 users hoping for a fix for a video stabilization issue that's previously been reported.

Android 16 only debuted back in June, but another major Android update has just landed.

It still falls under the Android 16 banner, but there's quite a lot in this new software package, including various AI features, new customization options, parental controls, and accessibility improvements.

Below, we’ve detailed seven of the biggest new features, which, between them, are likely to make this an update worth downloading immediately.

Note, though, that right now, it's only rolling out to eligible Pixel devices – if you have a phone from another brand, you’ll have to wait longer, and since other companies put their own twists on Android, there’s no guarantee you’ll get these specific features.

1. AI-powered notification summaries

If you ever feel overwhelmed by messages and other notifications, then Android’s new AI-powered notification summaries could be a big help.

This is basically identical to the ‘Summarize Notifications’ feature on iOS. So, in other words, it will use AI to condense the content of messages and other notifications, so you can get the gist of them at a glance, without having to read all 50 new messages in that group chat, or a paragraph of text that could have been a single sentence.

Of course, as with the similar feature on iOS, this may sometimes get things wrong or miss context, so how much you’ll be able to rely on it remains to be seen. But if nothing else, it should give you a clearer idea of how urgently any given notification requires your attention.

2. Notification organization

Those AI-powered summaries aren’t the only changes coming to notifications, as this update also makes them better organized by grouping and silencing lower-priority notifications like news and promotions.

You’ll now see high-priority notifications (such as messages from contacts) at the top of the notification shade, then under that you’ll see grouped notifications for lower-priority things, which you can tap on to expand and read, or simply ignore.

3. Improved customization

This latest Android 16 update also brings a few improvements to customization, including custom icon shapes, so you can make the icons on your home screen stand out and reflect your taste more.

Plus, if you theme your icons, this theming will now automatically be applied across your apps for a more consistent look. And there are changes to the dark theme, with this now darkening most light apps – including those that don’t have a native dark theme. In the process, this should also improve your phone’s battery life, as the dark theme uses less battery.

4. Parental controls

There’s also now a parental controls section in the main settings menu of Pixel phones. You can protect these controls with a PIN, and they allow you to limit daily screen time, set downtime schedules to ensure kids get a full night’s sleep without smartphone distractions, and you can limit the time spent on specific apps, or completely block apps.

It’s also easy to adjust these limits at any time – adding extra minutes when a time limit is reached, or extending the time before access to the phone or an app is granted again.

5. Call Reason

Call Reason is a new feature that’s currently in beta and will be coming soon, but it’s worth highlighting now as it sounds useful.

With this, you can flag a call to a saved contact as ‘urgent’ (when using Google’s phone app), and if you do that, the recipient will see that it’s urgent on their screen, and if they miss the call, then it will also say ‘urgent’ in their call history. So, they’ll know to answer if possible and to call back as soon as possible if they miss it.

6. Scam checking with Circle to Search

There are scams everywhere these days, but there are also ever more tools to detect scams, and one such new tool has come to Circle to Search.

Now, if you use Circle to Search on something you suspect might be a scam – such as a suspicious text message – you’ll see an AI overview telling you whether it’s likely to be a scam or not, and advising you on what steps to take next.

7. Accessibility improvements

This new update also includes various accessibility improvements that could prove enormously useful for some people.

These include things like easier clicking if you have a mouse connected to your Android device; upgrades to Guided Frame, which mean that it can now use Gemini to provide a more descriptive understanding of what’s in your camera’s view; and the ability to launch Voice Access by asking Gemini to start it.

Plus, Fast Pair is now available for Demant hearing aids, while those made by Starkey will gain Fast Pair in early 2026.

• Google recently got Android working with Apple AirDrop
• Some users are experiencing bugs related to Wi-Fi
• For now the feature is limited to phones in the Pixel 10 series

We were very pleased and more than a little surprised when Google announced that it had got AirDrop working on the Pixel 10 phones – without any help from Apple – but it seems that the new feature isn't working quite as well as it should for some users.

As per reports rounded up by PiunikaWeb (via Android Central), the update is causing noticeable Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Apparently as soon as the Quick Share menu is opened in Android, Wi-Fi is turned off and the device can't see any networks.

You can see some of the complaints for yourself over at the Pixel Phone Help forums and on Reddit. While some users have chimed in to say they're having the same issue, it doesn't look as though it's affecting all that many people.

So far there has been no response from Google, and the official bug report hasn't been dealt with either, at the time of writing. It's also not clear if this is affecting a particular type of Android device or a particular version of Android.

Potential workarounds

According to Android Central, there are a couple of workarounds to try if you've been hit by the issue. First, you can completely remove the Quick Share extension via Settings: tap Apps then See all apps, then select the extension and pick Uninstall updates.

Second, you can toggle Wi-Fi off before using Quick Share, and toggle it back on afterwards. It's not really an ideal fix, but will at least allow you to share something from your device (albeit via Bluetooth rather than Wi-Fi).

It's not certain that the new AirDrop compatibility is causing this, but it's likely. Google has clearly done some clever engineering behind the scenes, and it may be that existing Android software and hardware is struggling to keep up.

So far there has been no comment from Apple on all of this, though it's unlikely to be happy at the hack. There are some good reasons why it won't block the new Android connectivity, especially if it starts expanding to more phones and tablets.

• Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop for sharing files
• It means simple file-sharing between Android and iPhones, iPads, and Macs
• It'll roll out on the Pixel 10 before expanding to other Android devices

The spicy Android vs iPhone debate just got a little less heated – Google has announced that Android Quick Share now officially works with Apple's AirDrop for simple file-sharing between the rivals.

That's right, Android's equivalent of AirDrop – which lets you easily send files between Android devices, along with Chromebooks and Windows machines – now supports Apple's AirDrop system, starting with the Pixel 10 series from today.

This means quickly sending photos, videos, and other files between Android devices and iPhones, iPads, and Macs should, in theory, soon be as seamless as sharing files between devices of the same kind. It's a cross-platform feature that many suspected would never happen despite longstanding rumors, but here it is.

How will it work? According to a short video that Google shared (below), you'll simply need to open Quick Share on your Android device, and Apple devices will appear as a sharing option.

Once your iPhone-owning friend accepts the invite, you'll be able to fling photos, videos, or files their way. It'll be a two-way affair too, so Android devices will also appear among AirDrop's sharing targets. That's despite this not being an official collaboration between Google and Apple – this is Google's own implementation, so it'll be interesting to see how Apple reacts.

Not quite full AirDrop

This isn't quite full AirDrop compatibility for Android – as Google explained in a separate blog post, it'll only work if AirDrop is in its 'Everyone for 10 minutes' mode (in other words, a short-term connection). Google says it would "welcome the opportunity to work with Apple to enable ‘Contacts Only’ mode in the future.”

Still, it is a big step forward for simple file-sharing between Android and Apple devices. Google also stressed the strong built-in security features of this new AirDrop compatibility, explaining that "this feature does not use a workaround" and that "the connection is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning your data is never routed through a server, shared content is never logged, and no extra data is shared".

While it's a shame it will only initially work with the Google Pixel 10 series, Google added that "this is just the first step as we work to improve the experience and expand it to more devices".

There are already unofficial third-party tools available like NearDrop that do a similar job, but this official option promises to be more convenient, seamless, and secure. The feature isn't currently available on our Pixel 10 or our Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but we'll report back when we've tried it.

• Call Recording is rolling out to the Pixel 6 and newer
• This feature is coming to phones that don't support Call Notes
• It allows you to record calls through the Phone app

If you have one of Google’s latest phones, then you may well have access to Call Notes – an AI-powered feature that can record your calls and make transcripts and summaries of them. This feature is now quite widely available, with the latest Pixel Feature Drop bringing it to more countries too, including the UK and Australia. But not all Pixels support this, and if yours doesn’t, Google has an alternative.

The company has started rolling out Call Recording to all models from the Pixel 6 up that don’t support Call Notes. In practice, that means the Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 7 series, the Pixel 8 series, and the Pixel 9a.

To get it, you additionally need Android 14 or above and the latest version of the Phone app, then just open the Phone app, head to its settings screen, and tap ‘Call Recording’.

Record calls from anyone and everyone

On this screen you’ll find a few options, including one to turn Call Recording on and another to automatically record calls with non-contacts. You can also choose to automatically record calls from specific numbers, and you can manage if and when recordings are automatically deleted.

So configure all this to your liking, but at a minimum you’ll probably want to enable the Call Recording toggle, so you at least have the option to record calls. With that done, once on a call you’ll find the option to record the conversation in the Call Assist menu, which will be visible on the call screen.

Once you tap the Call Recording button, there will be a countdown followed by a message that tells everyone on the call that it’s being recorded. To stop recording mid-call, hit the ‘Stop’ button in the Call Assist menu. And to play the recording after the call, you’ll find it in the Home tab of the Phone app.

So this is a potentially useful feature, and it’s nice to see Google trying to come up with alternative options for phones that don’t support its advanced AI tools.

• A new Pixel Feature Drop has landed for Google's phones
• This update includes new AI photo editing tools and Wicked theme packs
• It also includes AI-powered notification summaries, scam text alerts, and more

Following a recent leak, the next Pixel Feature Drop has now landed, and there’s a lot here to get stuck into.

For one thing, there are various AI upgrades, with you now able to get AI-powered notification summaries, so you can quickly catch up on messages without reading paragraphs of text. And Google promises that in December there will also be an update that lets you silence lower priority notifications.

Also on the AI front, you can now use Google’s Nano Banana AI model to edit images directly in Google Messages.

But if you head to Google Photos then you’ll find the editing capabilities there are even more powerful than they used to be, as you can now ask the AI to make edits to specific people that you mention by name. So for example you could say “Remove Riley's sunglasses, open my eyes, make Engel smile and open her eyes.” To do this though you first need ensure that you have ‘face groups’ set up for everyone you mention, so Google Photos can identify them.

Other updates in this Pixel Feature Drop include Wicked theme packs, letting you customize your Pixel with wallpapers, icons, sounds and GIFs inspired by the film, and there's also a feature that will alert you to potential scams when you get chat notifications from many popular apps.

Also with this update you’ll get prioritized notifications from people you set as ‘VIPs’, and Google Maps now has a battery saving feature that lets you view a simplified layout, with only the key information. Google claims that using this layout could extend your phone’s battery life by up to four hours.

Limited availability

It’s worth noting that sadly the scam alerts and personalized edits in Google Photos are currently only available in the US. There may be good reasons for this, but this uneven availability of features is something we hate to see.

Still, in more positive news on that front this update does bring some existing Pixel features to more regions. Now, users of the Google Pixel 9 or newer in the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and India can access AI-powered scam call detection.

Plus, Pixel users in the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Japan can now make use of Call Notes, which uses Gemini Nano on-device to record your calls, take notes, and create a transcript and summary of them.

So this is a fairly hefty update, and well worth downloading.

• Verizon has detailed a Pixel software update that could be landing very soon
• The details have since been removed from Verizon's site, presumably because it wasn't meant to share them yet
• The update might include battery improvements and bug fixes

Your Pixel phone might be about to get some improvements and fixes, as the next software update could be rolling out very soon – possibly even today.

If that all sounds a bit vague, it’s because Google hasn’t actually announced anything yet, but Verizon has, with the carrier posting a full change log for the upcoming update on its site. Predictably, this post has since been taken down, presumably because the information wasn’t meant to be known yet, but handily, Droid Life spotted these details while they were still up.

Apparently, this upcoming November update will be rolling out for every model from the Google Pixel 7a onwards, and it’s said to include general improvements for charging and battery usage, along with the latest security patches.

It also reportedly includes some bug fixes, such as a fix for an issue that could prevent apps from loading, and a fix for a problem that could stop webcam mode from working properly with connected devices.

Performance problems and camera concerns

Those improvements and fixes apparently apply to every Pixel model due to receive this update, but the Pixel 8 series, the Pixel 9 series, and the Pixel Fold will supposedly also get a fix for an issue that could cause system instability and performance slowdowns.

Finally, the Pixel 9 line and Google Pixel 10 series will apparently get a fix for an issue that causes photos taken with the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses to exhibit a rainbow-like color pattern under certain conditions.

So, there seemingly aren’t any real new features here, but the battery improvements sound intriguing, and the various bug fixes and security patches will be well worth having.

Of course, until Google announces this update, we’d take all of these details with a pinch of salt, but it’s unlikely Verizon would post incorrect information.

And if you were hoping for new features, you might still be in luck, as we previously heard that a Pixel Feature Drop might also land soon, complete with theme packs and other customization tools.

• The Google Pixel 10 is now selling for its lowest ever price in the US, at a $200 reduction
• This same reduction isn't currently available in the UK or Australia
• The Google Pixel 10 series as a whole is selling very well

The Google Pixel 10 is one of the best Android phones you can buy, and there's never been a better time to do so, because right now, it’s down to just $599 at Amazon in the US. That’s for a 128GB model and is a $200 reduction on the standard price.

Considering the Pixel 10 only launched back in August, that’s a notable drop, and it's the cheapest price we’ve seen for the phone so far. Sadly, you won’t find the same discount in the UK or Australia, where the Pixel 10 still sells for its full $799 / AU$1,349 price. Mind you, even at that price, it’s well worth considering.

Our four-star Google Pixel 10 review praised its 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED screen, calling it “one of the best smartphone displays you’ll see”, and we were also big fans of its “crisp and colorful” interface, its “stellar” design, and its triple-lens camera, which includes a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide, and a 10.8MP telephoto, offering 5x optical zoom.

Selling well even without a price cut

It also seems that people have taken notice of how good this phone – and the rest of the Google Pixel 10 series – is, as Counterpoint reports that Google’s Pixel series sales jumped 28% year-on-year in the US in September.

That makes for a single-month sales record for Google’s phones, and that growth was mostly driven by the Pixel 10 series.

As Counterpoint notes, this was all the more impressive since the iPhone 17 series launched in September, giving Google’s phones some serious competition.

Compared to other brands, this increase means the Pixel line’s market share at Verizon for phones costing $600 or more rose from just 0.1% in September of 2022 to 7% in September of this year. It similarly rose from 0.1% at T-Mobile to 6.5% this September.

Those numbers still might not sound massive, but it’s a big improvement for Google, and with Samsung only having a 12% share at Verizon, it’s possible that, in a few years, Google could be second only to Apple in this segment of the market.

All of which makes it seem a little strange that the Pixel 10’s price has dropped so much so soon, but perhaps this reduced price will help the brand maintain its sales momentum.

• Leaked Google Pixel 10a renders show it looking almost identical to the Pixel 9a
• It might also have similar specs, but a "boosted" chipset
• The price could remain the same, too

So far, we haven’t heard much in the way of Google Pixel 10a rumors, but the biggest leak yet has just emerged, as both renders and possible specs have now been shared.

Android Headlines and @OnLeaks – a leaker with a great track record – have shown off renders of a phone that looks a whole lot like the Google Pixel 9a, but is apparently the Pixel 10a. It has the same oblong camera block, the same general shape, and the same positions for the ports and buttons as its predecessor.

Sadly, that’s not a good thing, as our Google Pixel 9a review described that phone as “ugly as sin”. Of course, that’s somewhat subjective, but it certainly lacks the distinct design of the mainline Pixel models.

The only visual aspect that looks like it might be an upgrade is the bezels, with the Google Pixel 10a’s bezels appearing smaller here. However, in a post on X, @OnLeaks claimed that the phone’s actual bezels will be slightly bigger than pictured, so even they might not be improved.

The Google Pixel 10a could also be marginally thicker than its predecessor, with rumored dimensions of 153.9 x 72.9 x 9mm, and it might have a slightly smaller 6.2-inch screen (down from the 6.3-inch Pixel 9a).

It will also apparently have the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pixel 9a, albeit a “boosted” version, which likely means higher clock speeds. The cameras will also supposedly remain the same, meaning a 48MP wide camera, a 13MP ultra-wide, and a 13MP front-facing camera.

A minor refresh

So, what’s actually improving, other than the Pixel 10a maybe having a marginal performance boost? Well, this leak speculates that the phone's apparently slightly thicker build could facilitate a higher capacity battery than the 5,100mAh cell in its predecessor, and an earlier leak suggested its screen might be able to get slightly brighter too, but that’s seemingly about it.

The good news is that the Google Pixel 10a will apparently not cost any more than its predecessor, with a starting price of $499 for a model with 128GB of storage. It’s not clear whether other storage capacities will be available or not, though, and pricing for other regions hasn’t been leaked either – though if it’s the same as the Pixel 9a, you’ll be looking at £499 / AU$849.

We should find out soon, with this leak speculating that the phone will land in early 2026. Though if the other details in this leak are accurate, it might not be worth waiting for.

• The next Pixel Feature Drop might land on November 4
• This could include theme packs to change the look and sounds of your phone
• It might also let you create GIFs and animated stickers, and prioritize certain notifications

If you have a Pixel phone, then you don’t need to wait for new versions of Android to get new features, as Google routinely releases Pixel-specific ‘Feature Drops’. And the next one of these updates could include some major upgrades for the best Pixel phones.

Leaker group Mystic Leaks (via 9to5Google) has shared screenshots and videos showing the supposedly upcoming features, and these include theme packs, custom animations, and prioritized notifications.

The most exciting of these is perhaps the theme packs, which, with one tap, will apply a wallpaper along with matching icons, GIFs, and sounds. Initially, it seems a Wicked: For Good theme pack will be launching, consisting of ‘For Good,’ ‘Glinda,’ and ‘Elphaba’ themes, but we’re hopeful that more packs will follow.

If they do, then these could be an easy way to significantly change the look of the interface on your Pixel phone.

Create GIFs and give people the VIP treatment

Next up, there’s the ability to turn an image or Pixel Studio creation into a GIF or animated sticker, and finally, there’s an update to the Pixel VIPs feature, which will ensure messages sent from people you designate as ‘VIPs’ will have their notifications highlighted in yellow, and the person's contact photo visible in the status bar.

The goal here is to make these messages easier to spot, so you don’t miss them amongst an influx of notifications – though note that this feature only works with messages sent via WhatsApp and Google Messages.

In any case, this sounds like quite a good mix of upgrades, and the Feature Drop could be coming soon, with the leak suggesting a November 4 release.

But until this update actually rolls out, we’d take these rumors with a pinch of salt, as while the images look credible, it hasn’t been long since the last Pixel Feature Drop. Plus, as 9to5Google notes, we’re also expecting to see Android 16 QPR2 land before the end of the year, and this will also include a number of new features. So, the supposed timing of this Feature Drop is a little strange.

• Pixel 10 GPU performance has been questioned
• Google says more updates are on the way
• These updates may include the latest GPU drivers

There have been question marks around the graphics performance of the Pixel 10 series since before the phones were even official, but Google has promised that further updates for the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) are on the way.

This comes from a statement given by a Google spokesperson to Android Authority, in response to a query about the GPU inside the Pixel 10 handsets – which is a PowerVR GPU developed by Imagination Technologies.

"We are continuing to improve driver quality in our monthly and quarterly system updates," says the statement. "For example, the most recent September and October patch releases included driver improvements. In future releases we are planning further GPU driver updates."

These system updates are often referred to as Pixel Drops, and the next one is due sometime in December. If you are experiencing gaming and graphics performance that's below par on a Pixel 10, that might change by the end of the year.

Performance problems

In our Google Pixel 10 review, we did note the relatively slow performance of the phone when running demanding games such as Call of Duty Mobile, although in terms of day-to-day use there aren't any issues with speed or responsiveness.

It's something that's been noted with other Pixel 10 handsets too, and last month it emerged that out-of-date drivers might at least be partly responsible. In other words, the GPU wasn't performing as well as it could have been.

As Android Authority notes, Imagination Technologies released new drivers in August for the PowerVR GPU inside the Pixel 10 handsets. These drivers make the GPU fully compatible with Android 16, and with Vulkan 1.4 support – that's the tech that handles some of the fundamental graphics processing.

However, these drivers haven't yet been rolled out to Pixel 10 devices – these might be the updates Google is referring to in its statement, though we'll have to wait and see. It's something Google is working on, at least.

• The Google Pixel 10's battery started smoking during a durability test
• The phone also snapped at a weak antenna line
• And it failed to demonstrate its claimed dust resistance

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is – among other things – sold on being durable. It's the first foldable with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and Google claims that it can survive up to ten years of folding. But despite these supposed merits, the 10 Pro Fold has just performed extremely poorly in a durability test.

JerryRigEverything has put the Pixel 10 Pro Fold through his usual battery of tests, and in the process of bending the phone, it snapped along one of its antenna lines. But worse than it snapping, while straightening the phone back out, the battery started smoking so much that it even set off a smoke alarm.

In around a decade of testing just about every mainstream phone, this is the first time a handset has gone up in smoke for JerryRigEverything, and while they weren’t expecting that to happen, they also weren’t surprised that it snapped along the antenna line, because the previous two foldable Pixels had that same weakness – one that Google has apparently done nothing to address.

One of the worst results ever

JerryRigEverything described this result as a “catastrophic failure”, likening the antenna line weakness to “building a third Death Star with the exact same exhaust port.”

But while the snapped screen and smoking battery are the biggest failings here, they aren’t the only ones, with the YouTuber also finding that, despite Google’s IP68 claims, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s hinge can get sand stuck in it, leading them to believe that it’s only the screen that’s actually dust-proof (as something with an IP68 rating should be).

Of course, JerryRigEverything's heavy-duty tests don't necessarily reflect the demands of everyday use, but if you were planning to buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold based on any sort of durability credentials, you should be very careful not to bend it too much when it’s unfolded.

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• Pixel 10 devices have been crashing and freezing at random
• Reports suggest the problem has now been fixed
• Google appears to have treated the issue as a major incident

If you've picked up one of the Google Pixel 10 phones since they were launched at the end of August, you may have been experiencing a rather random and frustrating series of app crashes – but it appears that Google has now managed to fix the problem.

According to Android Police and its founder Artem Russakovskii, a "high priority" incident was declared internally at Google as engineers scrambled to address what was becoming a pretty major issue for a considerable number of users.

Based on Russakovskii's sources, Google now believes the problem is resolved, thanks to a server-side fix – which means no Pixel 10 software updates are necessary. However, we might not get a public acknowledgement or explanation.

If you've been experiencing these bugs yourself over the last few days, they should now be cleared up, with no action needed on your part (though a reboot is always helpful). However, it's not a great advert for the best Pixel phones.

What went wrong?

We still don't know much about what went wrong here, but we do know what the effects were: multiple apps crashing as soon as they were launched and putting up an alert dialog, or freezing at seemingly random times.

It's not clear how many Pixel 10 devices were affected, but a Reddit thread on the issue shows it was pretty widespread, and impacting numerous different models. In some cases, it appeared to be tied to an October software update for the Pixels.

One workaround that did improve matters for some users was to uninstall the Google Play Services part of Android, but this brings its own problems with it – and the fix was apparently only successful for a short period of time.

Google does at least appear to have prioritized the issue and dealt with it quickly – declaring it internally as an incident, which signifies an interruption or reduction in service quality – though not having these issues occur at all is much preferable.

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• Google is rolling out its October update to Pixel phones
• This includes fixes for various bugs and issues
• All Pixel handsets that run Android 16 should receive the update

No phone is immune to bugs, but Google has just squashed a few on the Pixel series as part of a software update that’s rolling out now.

This is the October update for Pixel phones, and it’s coming to all Pixel handsets that run Android 16. That includes the Google Pixel 10 series of course, as well as the Pixel 9 line, the Pixel 8 series, the Pixel 7 series, the Pixel Tablet, and the Pixel Fold.

So a lot of phones (and one tablet) are set to benefit, and while there aren’t any new features in this update, there are fixes for six potentially very annoying issues.

Screen, system, and widget fixes

Two of these relate to the display, with one of those being a fix for screen flickering and sudden shutdown issues under certain conditions, and the other fixing an issue that could occasionally cause a frozen or fuzzy display.

There’s also a fix for a bug that could occasionally cause system instability under certain conditions, and an issue where a semi-transparent background would persist after the camera was launched.

The final two fixes include one for an issue where the flashlight status would not appear on the At a Glance widget, and one for a system crash when starting or stopping casting with the Media Output Switcher.

It doesn’t sound like any of these bugs were affecting everyone, or were happening all the time, but if any of them affected you it’s definitely worth grabbing this update as soon as possible. But even if you haven’t experienced these bugs, we’d still recommend downloading this update to ensure they don’t start happening.

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• An early Google Pixel 11 rumor has emerged
• There may be modem changes with the Tensor G6
• We could see a switch from Samsung to MediaTek

With the Google Pixel 10 series now out in the world, the countdown has started to the launch of the Pixel 11 in 2026, and a fresh rumor suggests that there will be a notable upgrade in terms of the phone's processor.

According to tipster Mystic Leaks (via 9to5Google), Google is testing a MediaTek M90 modem with the Tensor G6 processor, the CPU due to debut with the Pixel 11 – and a follow-up to the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10.

That's significant because it would represent a switch away from Samsung modems on the Tensor chipsets – a switch that was in fact rumored for the 2025 handsets but never materialized. This year it might actually come to pass.

As far as what you might see in terms of improvements, better 5G and satellite connectivity speeds have been touted, as well as better power efficiency – so the Pixel 11 phones would in theory run cooler and faster than their predecessors.

Pixel 11 phones on the way

All of this is still rumor and speculation for the time being of course, and nothing is certain until Google makes it official. Pixel 11 leaks have been relatively thin on the ground so far, though these handsets are unlikely to arrive before next August.

At the moment, we're still expecting the standard Pixel 11 to be joined by the Pixel 11 Pro, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold – following the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold – though there's always the chance that Google might surprise us with something new.

We've seen the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air both make their debuts this year, so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Google might decide to introduce a super-thin and light phone as part of its own range.

It's going to be interesting to find out – and to see whether or not the long-standing partnership between Google and Samsung on the Tensor chipset, which has been in place since the very first Pixel, will be dismantled further in 2026.

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The wait is finally over; September's Apple event introduced the latest iPhone 17 series, Series 11 Apple Watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the new AirPods Pro 3.

Was it awe-dropping as promised? Yes, in places, but as always, everyone's abuzz with their love – or disdain – for the new gadgets. In particular, the iPhone 17 Pro has proved divisive, but in all honesty, most of the complaints here are very explainable (though, personally, I'm on board with the Cosmic Orange hate train.)

Elsewhere, another major event occurred this month; Meta Connect kicked off the next generation of its Ray-Ban collaboration smart glasses, including its first step towards the full Orion experience: the Meta Ray-Ban Display. I've tried them myself, and let me tell you, this is huge news.

This and more was discussed in the latest episode of the TechRadar podcast, where I was joined as always by Hamish Hector as well as Lance Ulanoff, Axel Metz, and Matt Evans. Check out the full episode for all of our first impressions and hands-on testing.

The long and short of it is, this year's series of iPhones feels more different from each other than they have in a long time – perhaps ever – and it's not just down to the aesthetic differences between them. Each feels like it has a very specific target audience, and you just might not fit into one of those groups.

The iPhone 17 Pro stands out the most. From its limited color array to its rather brutalistic design and its immense camera capabilities, it makes sense why Apple's Greg "Joz" Joswiak told TechRadar that the brand sees cameras as their competition, not other smartphones.

I've got an iPhone 15 Pro, and I've maintained for a while now that it's the worst iPhone I've ever owned. I spent an awful lot of money on a device where, for the kind of photos and videos I want to capture (aka very amateur), the cameras can be too powerful and complex. That, and I'm pretty sure there's an issue with mine, with some strange focus issues nobody seems able to diagnose. I don't really game on it like I'd planned to, so all that compute power has effectively gone to waste since I bought it.

I'd naively thought that Pro was just a moniker for "really, really good" rather than, well, Pro; and I think a lot of customers have thought the same. But with the iPhone 17 series, I'm willing to bet it's less likely for people to make the same mistake. The utilitarian approach to its design and the heavy emphasis on its use as a tool for creatives and working professionals mean this phone isn't for everyone, and that's OK. You'll survive.

They really, really should have still dropped a black colorway, though.

Watch the full podcast episode above to find out more about the latest and greatest in tech, and who it's best for!

My Google Pixel 10 Pro review was going normally... until I landed myself in a paws-itive predicament (last pun, I promise). I was out walking my dog, Beesly, with Pixel Pro in hand when I passed a garbage can and noticed dark shapes stirring at its base. It was just becoming dark, but the streetlights silhouetted two tiny cat ears unmistakably.

"Oh, wow!" I whispered to my girlfriend, "There's something by that trashcan, and I think it's a little cat!" We were both excited, but also nervous. We wanted to help, but feared scaring it away forever.

I pulled out my Pixel 10 Pro and took a photo from a distance. Night Sight mode worked its magic, creating a picture that looked like it was taken on a sunny afternoon. There they were: two small black kittens, one on top of the other, nestled in a rut beside the metal can. We grabbed a blanket from the car and approached cautiously.

The bottom kitten, now named Poppyseed, gave a tired hiss, but didn't seem truly fierce. They looked scared, but not frantically defensive. The top kitten, now Pumpernickel, was awake but quiet. Gently, I tossed the blanket over them, wrapped them up, and brought them to my apartment. Welcome to your new home, Bagel Bites!

Hey Gemini, how do I become a Dad to two kittens?

Full disclosure: I've never owned a cat, and my only experience living with one was temporary. I'm allergic, but honestly, I think they're cool animals, so I just ignore my allergies.

We gave the kittens a flea bath and combed out their fur using combs meant for my dog. My girlfriend's mom has two cats, so she headed out to get supplies and shop for kitten formula and food.

Then, I opened Google Gemini, pointed the camera at the sleeping kittens (nestled on a blanket in my guest bathroom tub), and said, "Hey Gemini, look what I found near my trash can on a dog walk tonight."

Gemini instantly replied: "Oh my goodness, two little black kittens! They're adorable. Since they were near a trash can, they might not have a momma cat nearby. Do you plan on taking care of them?"

"I'd like to try," I replied, "How old do you think these kittens are?" Gemini responded: "They look to be about 6 to 8 weeks old. They're at that adorable, playful stage! Do you have any experience with kittens?"

Now, before I continue, I found the kittens on a Sunday night, so a rushed vet visit would have cost a fortune I couldn't afford. Luckily, they were fairly clean, healthy-looking, and became active once warmed and fed. They were even affectionate, and Poppyseed stopped hissing within minutes.

Here's what my human veterinarian had to say

A few days later, I took them to the vet, who confirmed they were indeed 6 weeks old. Score one for Gemini! This age makes a huge difference with kittens, as it's when you transition them from formula to solid foods.

It's also the age when kittens can finally decide when to poop. Before this, the mother cat stimulates them to pee and poop by licking around their anus and genitals. If you find kittens before this transition, you have to play surrogate mom and stimulate them with a soft cotton ball.

At least, that's what Gemini recommended. It wasn't bad advice, so we followed it until our vet visit. Pumpernickel was a bit more obstinate about relieving himself, so I went back to Gemini and asked, "Can I just leave them with the litter box, since they want to sleep?"

Gemini warned against it: "It's very important that they urinate and defecate after a feeding. Even at 6-8 weeks old, they may still need some help, especially if they are orphans and haven't had their mother to show them what to do." That was all the convincing I needed.

A few days later, the vet clarified that this wasn't strictly necessary at their stage of development, and we could let them use the litter box. We hadn't made a bad call, and we hadn't done any harm, but it turns out it wasn't a crucial step for 6-week-olds.

If Gemini can rescue kittens, isn't it worth trying?

So, does this experience make Gemini and multimodal AI on a smartphone worthwhile? This was a truly unique situation, and Gemini was uniquely suited to the task. Sure, we asked other humans for advice, but no one responded quickly on a Sunday night. Gemini, however, was immediately available.

Gemini also guided me correctly on proper care for the kittens' age. Even with friends and experts offering help, Gemini's early assist in guessing their age at six weeks made it easier to decide how to proceed.

For me, AI wasn't my first or my last stop, but it proved to be a remarkably useful tool. It provided information accurate enough to be safe, while also guiding me towards the best next step: a real, experienced human.

And now, enjoy a gallery of kitten photos!

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• Those affected are seeing the batteries start to overheat and swell up
• Google has been offering some people repairs and replacements

We've already seen issues with batteries overheating and swelling in the Google Pixel 6a, which Google dealt with via a software update earlier this year, and now it seems it's the turn of the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro to develop the same issues.

As reported by PiunikaWeb and Android Authority, there are now multiple complaints online about the batteries inside the Google Pixel 7 and the Google Pixel 7 Pro swelling up – which affects the casing of the devices and points towards possible overheating.

"I noticed that the side panel of the device has started to separate," writes one user on the official Pixel Phone Help forum. "It appears the battery may be swelling, posing a significant safety risk including the potential for explosion or fire."

So far, Google's response to individual users doesn't seem to have been particularly consistent. However, some of those affected have been offered replacements or repairs, depending on warranty status (the phones were unveiled in October 2022).

It's happening again

You may remember that Google recently offered free repairs or partial refunds for Google Pixel 7a handsets having similar issues – devices that were of course launched several months after the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

We've reached out directly to Google to see if there's any official response to the fresh claims of battery problems, but are yet to hear back. If we do get a statement from the Google team, we'll include it here.

While it's not clear just how many phones are having these issues, a history of battery overheating problems isn't a great look for Google – and is likely to put a few doubts into the mind of anyone thinking of upgrading to the new Google Pixel 10.

If you see any signs of battery swelling on any phone, your best and safest option is to back everything up and get it repaired or replaced as soon as you can, without any further charging – contact the manufacturer or the retailer you got it from for more guidance.

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• Users are having problems with the Pixelsnap Ring Stand
• It's breaking apart after a few days in some cases
• We're not sure yet how widespread the problem might be

We were pleased to see the Google Pixel 10 launching with full support for the Qi2 wireless charging standards – magnetic attachments and all, similar to Apple's MagSafe – but it seems some of the official accessories are already running into problems.

As reported by 9to5Google and others, the Pixelsnap Ring Stand that Google makes is starting to break apart for some early adopters. You can see a couple of posts on Reddit describing problems happening after just a few days of use.

The stand comprises a ring and a charging pad, and can work as a flat charger or as a stand with the two components opened up. The issue seems to be with the screws around the hinge coming loose, meaning the charger no longer works as a stand.

At this stage it's difficult to assess just how widespread the issue might be, but it's not a great look for Google's quality control. We've asked Google for comment on the reported issues and will update this story if we're hear back.

If you've already bought a stand, it might be worth taking a look at the screws and tightening them up if necessary.

Not the first issue

PSA: Don't use the Pixelsnap Ring Stand without a case from r/GooglePixel

For now, Google hasn't said anything officially about a fault with the accessory, and the Pixelstand Ring Stand is still available on the Google Store. We'll update this story if that changes.

There are numerous third-party alternatives to the Pixelsnap Ring Stand if you're looking for something that will prop up your Pixel 10 handset while also charging it: case makers Spigen, Ringke, Anker, and UAG all have similar products for sale.

It's not the first issue we've seen with the newly-upgraded wireless charging standard on the Pixel 10 phones: a couple of weeks ago, users were reporting issues with older wireless chargers connected up to new handsets in the Pixel 10 series.

Considering we've waited so long for MagSafe-style charging on Android (Samsung is expected to upgrade its phones soon), it's a shame that the introduction of the tech hasn't been a smooth one – though it seems just a couple of screws are to blame here.

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