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Pixel 10 telephoto camera rumor could mean big trouble for the iPhone 17 — here’s why
After using the Pixel 9 Pro XL for most of the past year, it’s still one of the best camera phones in my opinion because of the impressive performance of its telephoto camera. However, I did debate early on how both the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL were overrated because of the big upgrades Google gave the standard Pixel 9 model.
That’s why I’ve been keeping a close eye on all the Pixel 10 rumors, especially around how Google might be adding a telephoto camera to its arsenal. Not only would this be a big shakeup for the series, but it also would absolutely put the iPhone 17 on notice.
We’re just a couple of weeks away from the next Made by Google event, where we’ll also presumably learn more about the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. By introducing a telephoto camera to the base Pixel 10, it would set a precedent going forward in what I’d expect in a phone that’s around the $799 price point.
And it could turn out to be the secret weapon used against the iPhone 17.
Telephoto would be a first for the series
Before I explain why the iPhone 17 is in trouble if this rumor turns out to be true, it’s worth detailing what to expect with the Pixel 10. Google has kept the formula the same ever since the Pixel 6 — by giving its ‘Pro’ models the better cameras complete with dedicated telephoto shooters.
With the Pixel 10, though, the rumors hint at a shakeup because it would be the first time that the base model gets treated to a triple camera system. There was a major specs leak a few months ago that reportedly detailed a telephoto shooter with the Pixel 10. The specs leak showed an 11MP telephoto camera, which would supplement its rumored 50MP main and 13MP ultrawide cameras.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Google Pixel 10 (Rumored) | Google Pixel 9 |
Main Camera | 48MP | 50MP |
Ultrawide Camera | 12MP | 48MP |
Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP (5x optical) | N/A |
Selfie Camera | 11MP | 10.5MP |
By adding a telephoto camera, it would greatly add more utility to the Pixel 10. It would effectively cover all the range: near, far, and everything in between. Even though Google has leaned on pixel binning techniques in the past to deliver ‘optical-like’ zoom from its main cameras, a dedicated telephoto with the Pixel 10 is one serious upgrade I’m stoked about.
While this rumor makes me excited, there might be an unintentional downgrade to this triple camera system in the form of a smaller sensor with the main and ultrawide cameras. Meaning, the current 50MP main camera in the Pixel 9 would be replaced by a 48MP shooter similar to the one in the Pixel 9a. Likewise, the ultrawide camera would go from 48MP on the Pixel 9 to a 12MP one.
I’m confident the camera performance will be an improvement, even with these changes. It’s rare for a new phone to have a worse camera than its predecessor.
Uh oh for iPhone 17
Apple has also kept to a similar format with its iPhone releases, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be any different this fall. There have been virtually no iPhone 17 camera rumors or leaks that hint at any major changes, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it recycles the current camera combo of the iPhone 16 — which would be a 48MP main shooter paired with a 12MP ultrawide.
The Pixel 10 would have the upper hand in convincing people it’s the better phone because of its rumored telephoto shooter. Three cameras are better than two. That’s just the reality and the iPhone 17 faces an uphill battle because all zooming would have to lean on the performance of its main camera.
I will say, though, that Apple has leveraged its own set of techniques to deliver decent zooming performance — which I’ve tested with the iPhone 15. But even if the iPhone 17’s zooming capabilities are improved, it’s going to have a difficult time I think to match the 5x optical zoom lens performance reportedly coming to the Pixel 10.
Take a look at the photos I captured above: one with the Razr Plus (2025) using its dedicated telephoto camera (with 2x optical zoom) at 30x zoom, then the Razr Ultra (2025) getting the same shot at 30x with its main camera. It illustrates exactly why optical zooms are superior, no matter how much image processing and AI enhancements are thrown at the photo.
I shoot a lot of photos professionally and can tell you there’s a substantial difference in performance from shooting a photo that I would crop in post to look like a 5x zoom, versus the results straight from the camera paired with a telephoto lens with the same 5x optical zoom framing. Using this logic, not only would the Pixel 10 offer more utility, but it would also show more value.
Pixel 10: Potentially much better value
Another interesting thing to consider is that the Pixel 10 is tipped to have the same price as last year’s model. That would put it at $799, which would only fuel its value over the iPhone 17 because of an added telephoto camera.
I always love getting more features on a newer device without its price being jacked up in any way. By introducing a telephoto camera, the Pixel 10 would instantly have a huge advantage over the iPhone 17 since it’s likely to come at the same $799 price.
However, the pressure isn’t solely on the iPhone 17 because the Pixel 10 would also presumably be on a par with the Galaxy S26. Samsung’s next flagship isn’t expected until early next year, but we’re presuming that the new flagship will sport a triple camera setup just like the Galaxy S25. Still, Samsung’s next phone needs to move the needle up because 3x optical zoom won’t be as attractive as the 5x optical one rumored for the Pixel 10.
To be fair, there are other phones priced lower than $799 that have triple cameras with a dedicated telephoto shooter. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is one of them, but its 2x optical zoom performance isn’t worth writing home about. Even though it’s a top contender among the best cheap phones, its zoom performance leaves a lot to be desired. But I will say I’m optimistic for the Pixel 10.
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