The iPhone 17 is tempting, however ...

We have reached the a part of the 12 months when all the massive smartphone launches are behind us (nearly). Samsung has launched each the Galaxy S25 sequence in addition to its new Galaxy foldables, whereas Google launched the Pixel 10 series a couple of month in the past.

And at last, Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup earlier this month on the “Awe Dropping” event, which implies we will lastly begin evaluating which smartphone most closely fits your wants — and which one is value upgrading to this 12 months.

Surprisingly, each Apple and Google have improved the bottom fashions this 12 months, making even the entry-level flagships nice. Each Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 pack main upgrades over their predecessors, bringing them nearer to their Professional counterparts.

The iPhone 17 lastly has an adaptive 120Hz refresh charge, whereas the Pixel 10 can be a significant overhaul, together with a much-improved chipset and a brand new telephoto sensor for the primary time. Nevertheless, if I have been available in the market for a brand new entry-level flagship, I might nonetheless skip the iPhone 17 and go for the Pixel 10 as my selection for an on a regular basis smartphone.

The Pixel 10’s AI and software program make the iPhone 17 and Apple Intelligence really feel behind

Helpful options that really change how I exploit my cellphone

One of many primary causes I’ve blindly beneficial iPhones over the previous few years is the software program expertise. Apple iPhones have lengthy been recognized for reliability, whether or not it’s the apps or the OS itself. Recently, nevertheless, that feeling has began to fade.

iOS 26 is iOS’ greatest redesign in years, nevertheless it does not come with out points. Even these with an iPhone 17 are complaining about minor stutters and lags simply hours after setting them up. And when it comes to software program options, Apple is now no match for the way helpful the Google Pixel expertise has turn into.

As with earlier Google Pixel smartphones, Google’s give attention to the Pixel 10 was once more software program, and the corporate nailed it this time. The Pixel 10 additionally ships with Android 16’s new design, Material 3 Expressive, with massive UI components and daring typography.

In my 4 weeks of use, I’ve solely observed one or two minor lags. Total, the expertise has been easy, with apps and animations working reliably. In fact, gaming continues to be a no-go right here, however my expertise with the Pixel 10’s software program has been butter easy.

In relation to new options, Google has doubled down on Gemini. The Pixel 10 ships with a great deal of new (and helpful) options like Magic Cue, which surfaces info proper once you want it, and Digicam Coach that makes use of Gemini that can assist you take higher pictures.

Different options, comparable to Pixel Screenshots that save data for later, in addition to small however helpful additions like Now Enjoying and Add Me within the Digicam app, are additionally obtainable.

Apple, however, has overpromised and underdelivered with Apple Intelligence. There are only a few helpful options up to now, other than Clear Up within the Pictures app, which is comparable, if not barely higher, than Google’s Magic Editor.

Telephoto zoom is a should, and Apple continues to be ignoring it

Having a telephoto sensor > no telephoto sensor in any respect

With the bottom Pixel 10, Google made a significant change to the digicam setup that immediately made it a greater purchase. For years, base Pixel fashions shipped with solely a primary + ultra-wide dual-camera system, however the Pixel 10 lastly adds a telephoto sensor as nicely.

The Pixel 10 encompasses a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a ten.8-megapixel telephoto lens able to 5x optical zoom. Because of Google’s on-device Gemini fashions, the cellphone can attain as much as 20x zoom with Pro Res Zoom.

That is an space the place the iPhone 17 merely cannot compete. Apple’s base mannequin nonetheless consists of solely two lenses: a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide. Whereas its ultra-wide pictures could look sharper and extra detailed, the dearth of a telephoto lens means the iPhone 17 will all the time path behind in zoom efficiency.

Consider it or not, after getting a telephoto sensor, you may be shocked by how typically you utilize it. Since proudly owning the iPhone 14 Professional Max a number of years in the past, I nearly by no means take pictures at 1x anymore. Furthermore, a telephoto lens is invaluable for occasions like concert events or sports activities, the place zoom pictures make all of the distinction. That’s one thing the iPhone 17 merely can not match.

To be truthful, the iPhone 17 does have a greater selfie digicam, which now even affords a characteristic whereby you may take horizontal selfies whereas holding the cellphone vertically, and its video recording is stronger. However for me, the Pixel 10’s zoom capabilities are much more necessary, and that’s the place it wins.

Qi2 on the Pixel 10 has quietly modified every little thing

Generally it is the smallest upgrades that matter most

What makes an iPhone ‘an iPhone’ isn’t just the {hardware} Apple gives, however the ecosystem round it. Apps really feel higher optimized, companies like iMessage and FaceTime are deeply built-in, and there’s no scarcity of appropriate equipment.

With the Pixel 10, Google is starting to take a few of that limelight away. The cellphone now helps Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, which places the Pixel 10 on par with the iPhone.

This implies you may connect just about all MagSafe accessories — wi-fi chargers, energy banks, wallets, mounts, and extra — on to the again of your Pixel 10, while not having a third-party case or magnetic sticker.

It could sound like a small addition, however in apply, it has made an enormous distinction for me. Equipment I may by no means use with a Pixel earlier than, like my MagSafe stand and desk mount, now work flawlessly with the Pixel 10.

On prime of that, there’s the additional advantage of sooner 15W wi-fi charging, however it’s actually the entry to a broad vary of equipment that has been most impactful.

iPhone 17 is shut, however the Pixel 10 feels proper

All issues thought-about, the Pixel 10 looks like a whole bundle. Google has actually introduced its base flagship to the extent of the iPhone — if not past it — with long-term help, a greater software program expertise, a telephoto digicam, and the advantage of Qi2.

Sure, there are drawbacks, comparable to decrease base storage and a weaker processor in comparison with the iPhone 17, however total, the Pixel 10 feels just like the smarter purchase for me.

• 

  Model

  Google

  SoC

  Tensor G5

  Show

  6.3-inch Actua Show 1080 x 2424 pixel decision OLED (60-120Hz)

  RAM

  12GB

  Storage

  128GB/256GB

  Battery

  4,970mAh

  Google’s Pixel 10 options the tech big’s new Tensor G5 chip and a three-camera setup for the primary time that features a 10.8-megapixel telephoto digicam.

  
  

• 

  Model

  Apple

  SoC

  A19

  Show

  6.3-inch 2622 x 1206 pixel decision Tremendous Retina XDR

  Storage

  256GB, 512GB

  Ports

  USB-C

  Working System

  iOS 26

  The iPhone 17 is a significant improve over the iPhone 16, bringing 120Hz refresh charge, anti-reflective show, a 48MP ultra-wide digicam and a much bigger, sooner charging battery. It is the perfect base mannequin iPhone in years.