Summary: Google’s decision to incorporate a telephoto lens on the standard Pixel 10 has sparked controversy due to the downsizing of its other two sensors. The inclusion of a telephoto sensor in the Pixel 10, as recently reported, marks a significant change for Google. This telephoto lens, while compact, is larger than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 3x telephoto.

However, to accommodate this new lens, Google opted for smaller sensors in both the primary and ultrawide cameras, a choice that has led to criticism. For the telephoto sensor, Google is utilizing the Samsung 3J1 sensor, previously featured in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This sensor is an 11-megapixel lens that boasts 5x telephoto capabilities, though it’s widely regarded as underwhelming.

The decision to install this smaller sensor is part of a broader strategy that has resulted in a reduction of size for the primary camera from a 1/1.31″ sensor to a 1/1.95″ sensor. Although not ideal, this change is relatively minor. However, the ultrawide sensor is undergoing a more significant change, transitioning from a 1/2.55″ sensor to a 1/3.1″ sensor while also dropping the resolution to 13MP.

As a result of these changes, expectations for the Pixel 10’s camera performance are tempered. While Google’s camera software is highly effective and may compensate for some shortcomings, it remains true that smaller sensors typically yield less impressive results. Larger sensors are crucial for capturing more light and detail, especially in low-light conditions.

Despite Google’s advancements with technology like Night Sight, there are limits to what software can achieve in lieu of superior hardware. Interestingly, while the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro share the same dimensions, including the camera bar, the Pro version accommodates larger sensors. This suggests that the decision to downsize sensors on the Pixel 10 was not strictly necessary, but rather a deliberate choice to differentiate it from the Pro model and align with its pricing strategy.